Sri Lanka · Wildlife

Madu River Boat Safari And Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery From Bentota

6 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Bentota. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Boat safari through the Madu River wetland estuary
02 See mangrove forests and scenic river tunnels
03 Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
04 Learn about endangered marine turtles in Sri Lanka
05 Private A/C transport from Bentota
06 Entrance fees and boat safari included

Discover two of Sri Lanka’s most memorable nature experiences on this half-day trip from Bentota. Cruise along the tranquil Madu River, where mangrove forests, forest tunnels, and island-dotted wetlands create a peaceful setting rich in wildlife and local life.

Then continue to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about marine turtle conservation and observe rescued eggs and hatchlings. With private transport, an English-speaking driver, boat safari, and entrance fees included, this tour offers an easy way to explore the natural beauty of the Bentota area.

Cruise along the tranquil Madu River, where mangrove forests, forest tunnels, and island-dotted wetlands create a peaceful setting rich in wildlife and local life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Bentota, Kosgoda

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

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. You canKosgoda Turtle Hatchery Globally, all seven species of marine turtles are endangered. Of these seven, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is fascinating to observe. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which primarily operates as a hatchery, is a great place to observe collected and rescued eggs hatch and then safely released into the sea.

The route