Madu River, a wetland estuary spreading over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares is covered with water and inhabited with 64 islands. The boat ride is a wonderful way to take a closer look at this complex wetland ecosystem, a world heritage site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, being one of the last wetlands in Sri Lanka to contain a pristine mangrove forest. Journey past massive mangrove forests, glide under the canopy of the forest tunnels as they curve playfully towards the watercourse. If it's later in the evening watch the fishermen in their canoes lighting lanterns on traps that catch prawn and other shellfish. It's certainly going to be a memorable day-out on the serene waters of the unforgettable Madu River! After an exciting Madu river boat trip, drive down to Galle on the highway and visit a Turtle hatchery near Galle to see various species of Sea Turtles, if you wish you could even release a baby Turtle to the Ocean.Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, about 20 km north-west of Galle. Hikkaduwa is famous for its beach and corals. Villages affected were Telwatta, Paraliya, Dodanduwa, Kahawa, Rathgama. The place is on the way from Colombo to Galle on the famous Galle road. It is primarily a tourist destination, and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel and enjoy the sun.A city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone seawalls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip. Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, Galle's core is the Fort, a walled enclave surrounded on three sides by the ocean. A key part of the Fort’s appeal is that it isn’t just a pretty place. Sure, tourism now dominates the local economy, but this unique city remains a working community: there are administrative offices and courts, export companies, schools and colleges.
Sri Lanka · Marine Ecosystem Tours
Boat safari & Hikkaduwa coral reef visit including Galle city from colombo
The journey
- 01 Boat safari on the scenic Madu River
- 02 See mangroves, islands, and wetland wildlife
- 03 Visit Hikkaduwa for a glass-bottom boat coral reef experience
- 04 Explore historic Galle and the Dutch Fort
- 05 View landmarks including Galle Lighthouse
- 06 Full-day tour from Colombo with lunch included
- 07 Travel with an English-speaking guide
- 08 Entrance fees and taxes included
Discover Sri Lanka’s southern coast on a full-day journey from Colombo that combines nature, marine life, and colonial heritage. Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Madu River, where mangrove forests, island scenery, and wetland wildlife create a memorable boat safari experience.
Continue south to Hikkaduwa for a glass-bottom boat ride to view the coral reef, then explore historic Galle with a city tour that includes the famous Dutch Fort and views of landmarks such as Galle Lighthouse. With transport, entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide included, this tour offers an easy way to experience several of the region’s highlights in one day.
The boat ride is a wonderful way to take a closer look at this complex wetland ecosystem, a world heritage site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, being one of the last wetlands in Sri Lanka to contain a pristine mangrove forest.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Day by day
The itinerary
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Transportation in a A/C Vehicle
- English speaking guide for the entire tour
- Entrance fees & All Govt. Taxes and Surcharges
- Lunch
What's Not Included
Any other tours or services not mentioned above
Know before you go
- PASSPORT REQUIRED
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
Logistics
Meeting & route
Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Colombo..
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