Explore the Beauty of South Coast in One Day
Duration
6 Hours
Confirmation by email
The operator confirms your booking; your voucher arrives by email
Languages
[object Object]
Meeting Point / Location
- Ahungalla
- Unawatuna
- Hikkaduwa
- Galle
- Bhathiya Tours, Galle, Sri Lanka
Overview
Discover Sri Lanka's stunning South Coast on a private full-day tour, taking in the lush Madu River mangroves, Kosgoda turtle hatchery, vibrant Hikkaduwa beach, and the historic Galle Dutch Fort.
Join an experienced chauffeur-guide with over 17 years in Sri Lanka's tourism industry for a private South Coast adventure. Your day begins with a scenic boat safari through the Madu River's UNESCO-recognised wetlands, where 14 of 24 mangrove species thrive alongside over 300 plant species, 111 bird varieties, crocodiles, monkeys, and butterflies.
Next, visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project — a pioneering hatchery established in 1988 that has released more than 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild. Meet resident sea turtles, including rare albino specimens, as rangers explain their vital conservation work.
From there, head to the dazzling Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka's first beach destination, where a coral sanctuary shelters colourful reef fish and divers alike. Finally, step inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Dutch Fort — originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch — and stroll its ancient ramparts while browsing boutique shops within its historic walls. Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included, ensuring a seamless day from start to finish.
Highlights
- Explore the Madu River Boat Safari (International Ram Sa Wetland) The Madu
- Kosgoda is famous for its sea turtle conservation project operated by the Wild
- The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri
- Galle Dutch Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
What's Included
Itinerary
Stop 1: Madu River Boat Safari
- Madu River Mangrove Safari: Board a traditional boat and glide through the UNESCO-recognised Madu River wetlands. Explore over 61 hectares of mangrove forest sheltering 14 of Sri Lanka's 24 mangrove species, more than 300 plant varieties (19 endemic), 111 bird species including cormorants and kingfishers, 31 reptile species, and a variety of wildlife such as wild boar and monkeys. This magical ecosystem served as a natural tsunami barrier in 2004 and remains one of the island's most biodiverse habitats.
Stop 2: Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery
- Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project: Visit this pioneering hatchery established in 1988 by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka. The project has successfully released over 3.5 million baby turtles into the ocean. Watch hatchlings in sandy nursery beds, meet injured and disabled turtles in rehabilitation tanks — including rare albino turtles — and learn how fishermen are incentivised to collect and donate eggs rather than sell them. Hatching takes around 50 days, and the October-to-April season sees the highest activity.
Stop 3: Hikkaduwa Beach and Coral Sanctuary
- Hikkaduwa Beach: Enjoy free time on one of Sri Lanka's original tourist beaches, discovered in the 1960s and located 98 km south of Colombo. The shallow coral sanctuary stretching along the coast is teeming with vividly coloured fish and multi-layered coral formations — a paradise for snorkellers and divers. Off the beach, small islets surrounded by beautiful coral are accessible by boat.
Stop 4: Galle Dutch Fort
- Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Conclude the day inside the iconic Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onward. Stroll the ancient ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean, explore the charming streets within the walls, and browse boutique galleries and craft shops housed in beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings. The fort withstood the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and stands as a monument to more than four centuries of layered history.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my tickets?
Tickets sold cannot be cancelled and cannot be refunded.
Do I need to print my ticket or is a mobile voucher accepted?
Most attractions accept mobile vouchers, but some may require a printed ticket. Please check the specific voucher details after booking.
Please select a date