Sri Lanka · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 cruises & boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Private sports boat whale watching from Mirissa near Galle, with breakfast, naturalist commentary, fast rides, and responsible spotting for groups up to 8.
“Great whale, dolphin and turtle spotting experience. Wonderful staff and an excellent, clean boat. We had a whale of a time :)”
Private Galle day tour with sea turtles, Galle Fort, and a Madu River boat safari, plus hotel pickup, guide help, and easy wildlife time.
“Our tour with Hasantha was amazing and thoughtful. Starting in the early morning for the boat safari was rhe best choice and loved learning about all the animals along the way. Would definitely recommend to anyone and definitely was worth the money :)”
Paddle through Pottuvil Lagoon mangroves, spotting birds and crocodiles, with a chance of bathing elephants. Tuk-tuk pickup included.
“We had a wonderful time in the lagoon. Shiham was a great guide, we learned a lot about the nature and animals in the lagoon. We would totally recommend this tour :)”
2-hour Bentota River boat safari with mangroves and wildlife spotting, plus hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide. From $20.
“The tour was very relaxing and enjoyable. The guide was very knowledgeable and patient.”
A 2-hour shared motorboat safari on Sri Lanka’s Madu River with mangroves, an island temple, fish pedicure, and cinnamon stop.
Negombo Lagoon boat safari with hotel tuk tuk pickup, mangrove wildlife, fruit and king coconut, plus a culture loop through town.
“We enjoyed the boat trip very much. The guides were very enthusiastic and took good care of us! Including smooth transfers from and to our hotel.”
Early morning dolphin and whale watching from Nilaveli near Trincomalee, with expert crews, safety gear, and real chances to see blue whales.
“Great activity. Loads of Dolphins, unfortunately no sighting of wales, but then again I understand it was out of season”
Dawn whale and dolphin boat ride from Kotapola near Mirissa, with hotel pickup, snacks, water, and 4.5-hour cruising.
“Kaikki järjestelyt toimivat todella hyvin. Henkilökunta oli myös todella mukavaa porukkaa. Iso suositus tälle matkanjärjestäjälle!”
Small-group Negombo Lagoon boat safari from Negombo, with tuk-tuk pickup, mangroves, birdlife, and fruit refreshments.
“Super nice tour with a great stop full of fresh fruit. With the leftover fruiting been towards monkey Iceland.Auto-translated”
Cruise Sri Lanka’s Madu River mangroves, spot crocodiles, visit a cinnamon island and ancient temple, with optional fish foot massage.
“The pickup was really chaotic, but we got there and it was really worth it! Don’t expect some great info from the guide - only some basic sentences and descriptions. Still it was quite nice!”
Private 2-hour birdwatching by boat at Kalametiya Sanctuary near Kotapola, Sri Lanka, with an English guide and over 150 bird species.
“Birdwatching in the lagoon on a canoa driven by a local and in company of an expert telling interesting stories about animals watched. Extremely friendly guide and beautiful lagoon, perfect for wildlife observation and photography.”
Sunrise or sunset boat tour near Sigiriya with tea, snacks, and a naturalist to help you spot birds over Pahala Thalkote lake.
“It was amazing, the tour was beautiful and the guide was very nice and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed and recommended!”
A cruise-shore Colombo city tour with port pickup, a small group, Pettah street markets, and Seema Malakaya temple, plus key landmarks.
“The meet and greet part of this tour was awful. It was supposed that the pick up point would from inside the port as mentioned in the tour details, and I have paid additional money for that since there was another cheaper tour but pick up Read more”
Private 2.5-hour boat from Negombo through the Dutch Canal, Negombo Lagoon, and Muthurajawela Wetland, with mangroves and birds.
“I Can recommend this company. During Boat trip we saw many interesting animals (birds mainly). Everything was perfect organised. They ensured next day transport to airport also. Thank you!”
Private Bentota river boat safari for mangroves and wildlife, with hotel pickup, bottled water, and a crafts stop.
“Excellent service the herb garden was interesting and the massage was an unexpected surprise. Thoroughly recommend this trip”
Every kind of day on the island, and the best of each.
