Nestled just 0.8 km off the coast of Beruwala, the historic Barberyn Lighthouse stands tall, beckoning visitors to explore its rich history and stunning vistas. For $99, travelers can embark on a captivating one-hour private boat tour, guided by knowledgeable English-speaking experts. From November to April, the ideal visiting season, guests can climb the 34-meter granite tower, taking in 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean and its diverse wildlife. What undiscovered wonders await those who venture beyond the shore?
Key Points
- The Barberyn Lighthouse Boat Tour is a 1-hour private experience with a live English-speaking guide, priced from $99.00 per group (up to 3 people).
- The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off from 12 locations in the Beruwala, Bentota, and Kalutara areas.
- The Barberyn Lighthouse, built in 1889 during the British colonial era, is an active structure standing 34 meters tall and offering panoramic views.
- Visitors can climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase to the lantern room for a 360-degree vista of the coastal landscape and ocean.
- The best visiting season is during the dry season from November to April, with minimal rainfall and calm seas.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Barberyn Lighthouse Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic lighthouse and the surrounding Barberyn Island.
Priced from $99.00 per group (up to 3 people), the 1-hour tour provides a private experience with a live English-speaking guide. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour covers a wide pickup area, offering convenient access from locations like Beruwala, Bentota, and Kalutara. This immersive experience promises panoramic ocean views and a chance to discover the island’s tropical vegetation and wildlife.
Looking for more options in Beruwala? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Where can travelers be picked up and dropped off for the Barberyn Lighthouse Boat Tour? The tour offers 12 convenient pickup and drop-off locations, including Beruwala, Bentota, Maggona, Induruwa, Payagala, Aluthgama, Maha Induruwa, Moragalla, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Kalutara, and Katukurunda. This ensures easy access for guests coming from various areas. The tour departs from and returns to the same location, providing a seamless start and end to the experience. The table below outlines the pickup and drop-off options in detail:
| Pickup Locations | Drop-off Locations |
| — | — |
| Beruwala | Beruwala |
| Bentota | Bentota |
| Maggona | Maggona |
| Induruwa | Induruwa |
| Payagala | Payagala |
About Barberyn Lighthouse
Located approximately 0.8 km (0.5 miles) offshore from Beruwala, the Barberyn Lighthouse stands tall as a beacon of Sri Lanka’s maritime history.
Built in 1889 during the British colonial era, the lighthouse’s granite, cylindrical tower stands 34 meters (112 feet) high and is topped with a lantern.
The lighthouse’s granite, cylindrical tower stands 34 meters high, crowned with a lantern from the British colonial era.
The lighthouse remains an active, operational structure managed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, equipped with modern lighting technology.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and explore the tropical vegetation on Barberyn Island, home to various bird species and marine life.
Climbing the Lighthouse
Visitors can climb the 34-meter (112-foot) granite tower of the Barberyn Lighthouse for panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.
Once at the top, they’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree vista of the coastal landscape and sparkling blue waters. The climb to the lantern room requires navigating a spiral staircase, but the effort is worth it.
Guests can spot various bird species and marine life from this vantage point. Permission may be required for certain areas, so visitors should check with the tour guide.
This unique experience offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the historic lighthouse and its picturesque surroundings.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Barberyn Island
After climbing the historic lighthouse, visitors can explore the tropical vegetation on the nearby Barberyn Island.
The island offers a unique natural experience:
Explore the island’s diverse ecosystems, observe wildlife, and discover hidden coves and secluded beaches for a unique natural experience.
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Spot various bird species in the lush foliage
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Observe marine life along the island’s shoreline
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Enjoy nature walks through the island’s diverse ecosystems
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Discover hidden coves and secluded beaches
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Learn about the island’s rich history and ecological significance
The tranquil setting of Barberyn Island provides a perfect escape from the mainland, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastal environment.
Spotting Wildlife
As visitors explore the tropical foliage on Barberyn Island, they’re likely to spot a diverse array of wildlife.
The island is home to numerous bird species, including vibrant kingfishers, wading egrets, and soaring sea eagles. Reptiles such as monitor lizards and snakes may be seen slithering through the undergrowth.
In the surrounding waters, one might catch a glimpse of turtles, schools of colorful fish, and even the occasional dolphin or whale.
With careful observation, guests can enjoy the island’s natural abundance and appreciate the unique ecosystem thriving just offshore from Beruwala.
Recommended Visiting Season
The best time to visit Barberyn Lighthouse and explore the surrounding island is during the dry season, typically from November to April. This period offers the most favorable conditions for your visit:
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Minimal rainfall allows for uninterrupted exploration and activities.
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Calm seas facilitate comfortable boat rides to the island.
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Ideal weather conditions with moderate temperatures and low humidity.
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Diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, are more easily observed.
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Reduced risk of disruptions or closures due to inclement weather.
Avoid the monsoon season from May to October, when heavy rains and choppy waters can impact your experience.
Important Information and Safety
Certain permissions may be required for visitors to access certain areas of the Barberyn Lighthouse.
It’s recommended to wear sturdy footwear and bring water, snacks, and other essentials.
Safety is paramount, so ensure the boat operator is experienced and that life jackets are provided.
Safety must be the top priority, so be sure the boat operator is experienced and life jackets are available.
Pets, smoking, and outside food/drinks aren’t allowed.
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen to enhance their experience.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the historic Barberyn Lighthouse in Sri Lanka.
Common Questions
Can I Book the Tour for a Group Larger Than 3 People?
Yes, the tour can accommodate larger groups. The pricing is listed as "From $99.00 per group (up to 3)", suggesting the option to book for groups exceeding 3 people, though the price may increase accordingly.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?
The tour offers a group discount, with a price of $99 for up to 3 people. However, there don’t appear to be any other special offers or discounts mentioned on the tour details page.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup or Drop-Off Location Outside the Listed Options?
While the tour provides 12 pickup and drop-off location options, it may be possible to request an alternate location, though this would need to be confirmed with the tour operator and may incur an additional fee.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Age Requirement for the Tour?
There’s no minimum or maximum age requirement for the tour. The tour is suitable for both children and adults, as long as they’re able to safely board the boat and climb the lighthouse.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Boat?
Visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and beverages on the boat. The tour operator prohibits outside food and drinks to maintain cleanliness and safety during the boat ride to the Barberyn Lighthouse.
The Sum Up
The Barberyn Lighthouse Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the historic 1889 lighthouse and its breathtaking surroundings. Priced at $99 for up to three people, the one-hour private tour provides a knowledgeable guide, stunning 360-degree ocean views from the 34-meter granite tower, and a chance to spot wildlife on Barberyn Island. The ideal visiting season runs from November to April, making it an unforgettable experience.
You can check availability for your dates here: