Galle Fort and River Safari, Sri Lanka: 2026 Tour, Prices

The tour costs 70 $ per adult. The price already includes a hotel transfer, all entrance tickets and an English-speaking guide, so you do not need to pay extra for the programme. The route covers Galle Fort, a moonstone mine, a turtle farm, Hikkaduwa Beach and a river safari on the Bentota River. It is best to bring cash for souvenirs and personal expenses. If you would like to travel only with your own group, our team will calculate the price of a private tour after you send a request.

On the tour you will visit the Dutch Galle Fort with the lighthouse and the old Dutch Reformed Church, then stop at a moonstone mine and the tsunami memorial of 2004. Next on the programme are the turtle farm and Hikkaduwa Beach, where you can swim and snorkel with sea turtles. In the afternoon, the river safari on the Bentota River takes you through the mangroves. The programme also includes the Kande Viharaya Buddhist temple. The order of stops may change due to weather and road conditions.

A visit to Galle Fort takes 2.5–3 hours. You will walk along the fort walls and old streets of the Dutch fort, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will show you the Galle Lighthouse with ocean views, the old Dutch Reformed Church and antique shops, where you may find real treasures. The fort is often called a city within a city, as the colonial-era atmosphere is preserved inside its walls. Bring comfortable closed shoes, sunglasses and a cap, as you will do a lot of walking around the fort.

The tour runs in a group format with no more than 18 people, so your guide can give attention to each guest. The price of 70 $ is per adult. If you would like to travel only with your own group, just chat with us. We can arrange a private tour and our team will calculate the price separately. Transfers are made in comfortable minivans and minibuses with air conditioning. An English-speaking guide joins the tour, and our team is available on messaging apps 24/7. You can choose the format that suits you when you book.

During the river safari on the Bentota River, the boat travels through dense mangrove forests. You may spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, monkeys and dozens of species of tropical birds. Your guide will explain the unique ecosystem of the mangroves. This part of the route is especially loved by fans of wildlife and easy adventures. The animals live in their natural habitat, so sightings are not always guaranteed. The river safari takes place in the afternoon, so bring a camera or a fully charged phone to capture great shots.

In the village near the moonstone mine, you will see how this semi-precious stone, typical of Sri Lanka, is mined and processed. The stop is short but informative: you can learn how the craftsmen work and how the stones are turned into jewellery. Your guide will explain why moonstone is considered the island’s signature gem. Guests say in their reviews that this is one of the most interesting stops on the route. You can clearly see how people wash the sand and find the stones. After the mine, you will visit the tsunami memorial of 2004.

At the turtle farm, you will meet sea turtles of all ages, from tiny hatchlings to huge adults. Your guide will tell you about the conservation programmes for these animals. Then the route takes you to Hikkaduwa Beach, one of the best places for swimming and snorkelling. Here you can swim alongside giant sea turtles in their natural habitat and even feed them, as guests mention in their reviews. Bring swimwear, a towel and a snorkel mask if you have one.

Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunglasses and a cap, as the sun is strong all day in the tropics. For Hikkaduwa Beach, bring swimwear and a towel. For the Kande Vihara Temple, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Pack some cash for souvenirs and personal expenses. If your hotel provides a packed lunch, take it with you. In the rainy season, a light raincoat will come in handy. This way, your trip will be comfortable in any weather and on any terrain.

Yes, you can book the tour without a guide, with an experienced English-speaking driver. He will take you along the route, show you the main sights of southern Sri Lanka and make sure your trip is comfortable. This option suits travelers who want to go at their own pace. No guide is included with this option, and the price of 70 USD applies only to the tour with a guide. Our travel advisor will calculate the price for the driver option. To find out the cost, click the "Get a quote" button in the private driver section and send your request.

To book the tour, choose a date on the page, enter the number of guests and click "Request booking". Our travel advisor will contact you, check availability, confirm the meeting time and ask for the name of your hotel for the transfer. Our team is available on messaging apps 24/7 to help with any questions. The order of stops and some parts of the route may change due to weather and road conditions, and your guide will agree on any changes with you on the spot. This way, you can choose a convenient date and format: group or private.