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From: $90/ 2 Persons
Madu River Boat Safari
A Coastal Escape from Galle
Escape the beaches of Galle for a few hours and explore the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern wetlands on our private Madu River Boat Safari. This half-day trip is perfect for travelers who want to discover mangrove forests, spot wildlife, and experience authentic island culture. With private transport, tickets included, and a flexible itinerary, you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Tour Code
T0394849
Start Tour
Hotel Pick-Up
Type of Tour
Group Tour
Payment
Online | Offline
Age Range
16 – 59
End Tour
Hotel
Language
English
Cancel Tour
Yes | Free
About the Tour...
Highlights
Comfortable private transport from your Galle hotel.
1.5-hour private boat safari on the scenic Madu River.
Navigate mangrove tunnels and shaded waterways.
Visit Cinnamon Island to learn about traditional spice processing.
Explore Kothduwa Island Temple, a sacred Buddhist site.
Optional fish therapy experience (small fee).
Customize your day with stops at turtle hatcheries, mask museums, or moonstone mines.
FAQs
The boat safari lasts about 1.5 hours, but with transport and stops, the total trip is around 4–5 hours.
Yes, the Madu River Safari is family-friendly and safe for children of all ages. Kids especially enjoy the fish therapy and spotting wildlife.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist season (December–March), to secure your private boat.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and a camera. A small amount of local currency is useful for optional fees.
Yes, we can customize your itinerary with turtle hatcheries, mask museums, or moonstone mines to make it a full-day trip.
Best Time to Visit
The Madu River Safari can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time is during the dry season from December to April, when skies are clear and wildlife is easier to spot. Early morning or late afternoon tours are ideal for cooler weather and better birdwatching.
Why Choose Our Tour?
Stress-free: We handle transport, tickets, and logistics.
Comfort: Modern, air-conditioned private vehicles.
Authentic: Local guides and real cultural experiences.
Flexible: Customize your tour with extra stops.
Reliable: Friendly drivers and transparent pricing.
Description
The Madu River Boat Safari from Galle is a half-day private adventure that takes you through one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful wetland sanctuaries. Cruise along calm waters surrounded by mangroves, visit island temples, and discover Cinnamon Island where local families still process world-famous Ceylon Cinnamon. You’ll see traditional fishing methods, have the chance for a natural fish therapy session, and explore small river islands full of history and folklore. With hotel pickup, private transport, and your boat safari ticket included, this is the perfect way to enjoy nature, culture, and relaxation away from the beach.
The Madu Ganga Wetland is a protected sanctuary recognized under the International Ramsar Convention. This stunning ecosystem includes 64 islands, mangrove forests, reptiles, exotic birds, and rich aquatic life.
Your journey includes:
Kothduwa Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple on an island, accessible only by boat.
Mangrove Caves: A unique boat ride through tunnel-like passages formed by mangrove roots.
Cinnamon Island: Meet a family who has been harvesting cinnamon for generations, with a live demo.
Sathapaha Duwa: A small island shrine with fascinating local folklore.
(Note: Temple fee ~LKR 500 and fish therapy ~LKR 300 are not included and payable on-site.)
Madu River Boat Safari Pricing (Per Group)
2 Persons (Car): $90 USD
3 Persons (Car): $105 USD
4 Persons (Car): $110 USD
4 Persons (Van): $125 USD
5 Persons (Van): $140 USD
6 Persons (Van): $155 USD
(Contact us for customized itineraries and larger groups.)
Safari Options & Customization
Turn your half-day safari into a full-day adventure by adding nearby attractions:
Sea Turtle Hatchery – Learn about conservation and see baby turtles.
Ambalangoda Mask Museum – Discover Sri Lanka’s traditional art and masks.
Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine – Visit the only place in the world where blue moonstones are mined.
What’s Included
Private Madu River Boat Safari ticket.
Pickup and drop-off from your Galle area hotel.
Private transport in an air-conditioned car/van.
Professional, English-speaking driver.
Fuel, parking, and driver expenses.
Not Included:
Optional attraction entrance fees (turtle hatchery, museum, mines, temple, fish therapy).
Food and beverages.
Tour Plans
Total Duration: 4–5 hours (Half-Day Tour)
✅ Step 1: Hotel Pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Galle or nearby area.
Comfortable, air-conditioned private car or van.
Drive to Balapitiya, the starting point of the Madu River Safari (approx. 45 minutes).
✅ Step 2: Start the Madu River Boat Safari (1.5 Hours)
Board your private boat at Balapitiya jetty.
Cruise along the calm waters of the Madu River, a Ramsar-protected wetland.
Spot exotic birds, reptiles, and river life.
✅ Step 3: Explore Key Stops Along the River
Mangrove Tunnels: Glide through shaded natural “caves” formed by mangrove trees.
Cinnamon Island: Watch a live demonstration of cinnamon peeling and taste authentic Ceylon cinnamon.
Kothduwa Temple: Visit a peaceful Buddhist temple located on an island (small entrance fee).
Sathapaha Duwa: A tiny island shrine with folklore and local charm.
Optional Fish Therapy: Try a natural foot massage from river fish (extra fee).
✅ Step 4: Return Journey
Return to the Balapitiya jetty after the safari.
Meet your driver for the trip back to Galle.
✅ Step 5: Optional Add-Ons (If Requested in Advance)
Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda.
Ambalangoda Mask Museum for traditional Sri Lankan mask culture.
Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine to see rare gemstones being mined.
✅ Step 6: Drop-Off
Arrive back at your hotel in Galle.
GET A QUOTE
Inquire & Book
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