Colombo/ Negombo : Galle Fort & Bentota Beach Day Tour

The Colombo/Negombo: Galle Fort & Bentota Beach Day Tour offers a captivating 12-hour adventure that promises to immerse travelers in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sri Lanka. From exploring the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort to experiencing a tranquil river safari, this comprehensive tour provides an opportunity to discover the country’s diverse attractions. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an English-speaking guide, the tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience. However, the true essence of this day-long excursion lies in the chance to…

Key Points

• This day tour from Colombo or Negombo covers Galle Fort and Bentota Beach, including a sea turtle conservation site, river safari, and optional water sports.

• The 12-hour tour costs £50.42 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

• Highlights of the tour include visiting the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation site, exploring the Madu Ganga river by boat, and discovering the Mithiyagoda Moonstone Mine.

• Participants can also opt for additional activities like fish foot massages, jet-skiing, banana boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving during the tour.

• The tour concludes with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, offering the opportunity to admire the views and watch the sunset.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This day tour takes travelers from Colombo or Negombo to explore the historic Galle Fort and the picturesque Bentota Beach.

The tour costs £50.42 per person and lasts 12 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off from 12 locations.

This day tour costs £50.42 per person and lasts 12 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off from 12 locations.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and an English-speaking guide accompanies the group.

The itinerary highlights include visiting a sea turtle conservation site, a river safari, and a moonstone mine, as well as optional water sports and snorkeling.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle with flexible drop-off locations.

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary highlights a visit to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation site, where participants can touch and release baby turtles.

Next, they’ll enjoy a Madu Ganga river boat safari to explore local wildlife, aquatic plants, and mangroves.

Optional activities include a fish foot massage, water sports like jet-skiing and banana boating at Bentota river, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Hikkaduwa Beach.

Visitors will also explore the Mithiyagoda Moonstone Mine, learning about moonstone mining and purchasing the gemstones.

Finally, they’ll tour the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, admiring its stunning views and sunset.

Transportation Details

For the day tour, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for the entire duration. Travel includes van rides of varying lengths, from 2 hours to Kosgoda to 30 minutes to Hikkaduwa. A flexible drop-off at the same or different locations is available. The transportation details are as follows:

| Destination | Travel Time |

| — | — |

| Kosgoda | 2 hours |

| Madu Ganga | 45 minutes |

| Meetiyagoda | 45 minutes |

| Hikkaduwa | 30 minutes |

| Galle | 1 hour |

The tour includes an English-speaking chauffeur driver, and free Wi-Fi and bottled water are provided during the journey.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour price are hotel pickup and drop-off, free Wi-Fi throughout the journey, and bottled water for the travelers.

The tour also includes an English-speaking chauffeur driver to guide the group.

However, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of food, drinks, entrance tickets, and optional activities like fish foot massages, water sports, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Clients will need to pay for these additional experiences directly.

The tour does not include the costs of food, drinks, entrance fees, and optional activities like water sports or scuba diving. These must be paid for separately.

Guests should bring their passport or ID card, comfortable clothing, and towels for swimming.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle.

More Great Tours Nearby

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation

One of the first stops on the tour is the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation project. Here, visitors can touch and release baby turtles.

The project aims to protect sea turtles and their nests from threats like poaching and habitat loss. Guests learn about the turtles’ lifecycle and conservation efforts.

This interactive experience allows people to get up close with these endangered creatures. It’s an opportunity to learn about and support the vital work being done to safeguard sea turtle populations along Sri Lanka’s coast.

The Kosgoda visit sets the stage for the rest of the day’s nature-focused activities.

Madu Ganga River Boat Safari

Next, the tour takes guests on a Madu Ganga river boat safari.

Cruising along the serene river, they’ll explore the local wildlife, aquatic plants, and mangrove forests. The Madu Ganga estuary is a unique ecosystem, home to diverse flora and fauna, including:

• Migratory birds

• Otters

• Crocodiles

• Mangrove crabs

• Endemic fish species

This tranquil boat ride offers a chance to take in the natural wonders of the region and learn about the importance of preserving this delicate wetland environment.

Mithiyagoda Moonstone Mine

The tour then takes guests to the Mithiyagoda Moonstone Mine, where they can learn about the process of moonstone mining and have the opportunity to purchase these captivating gemstones.

Moonstones are a type of feldspar known for their shimmering, almost translucent appearance. Mined from the nearby hills, the stones are carefully extracted, cut, and polished to showcase their unique optical effects.

Visitors can observe the skilled miners at work and browse the selection of high-quality moonstones, ranging from delicate jewelry pieces to large, raw specimens.

This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage.

Galle Fort and Sunset

After exploring the natural wonders of Kosgoda and Madu Ganga, the tour takes visitors to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling along the fort’s ancient walls offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can:

• Admire the fort’s well-preserved Dutch-influenced architecture

• Explore the quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries within the fort

• Visit the iconic lighthouse and watch the sunset over the horizon

• Discover the fort’s rich history through informative guided tours

• Capture breathtaking photos of the fort’s picturesque setting

As the sun dips below the waves, the tour concludes with a memorable experience in this enchanting, centuries-old destination.

Common Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour individually, and the tour will operate regardless of the number of participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can opt-in or opt-out of certain activities based on their interests and requirements. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate personal preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for children (under 12) and seniors (over 65). Children receive a 25% discount, while seniors get a 15% reduction in the base price of £50.42 per person.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. After that, there may be cancellation fees. Customers should check the exact policy before booking to understand the terms and conditions.

What Is the Safety Protocol for the Water Activities?

The tour operator provides life jackets and safety briefings for all water activities like jet-skiing, banana boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Participants must follow the tour guide’s instructions to ensure their safety during these optional water-based experiences.

The Sum Up

The Colombo/Negombo: Galle Fort & Bentota Beach Day Tour offers an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. From the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation site to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the region’s highlights. With convenient transportation, an English-speaking guide, and optional water sports, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking an unforgettable day of discovery and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: