Depart from yourNegombo hotel at 7:00 am in a private vehicle for your 11-hour, full-day tour of Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. By 9:00 am, arrive at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a place that protects endangered sea turtles. Drive 15 minutes to the lush Madu Ganga river and enjoy a 1.5-hour river safari past green mangroves.
Pause for an hour-long lunch break (own expense) at noon before continuing onto the coastal beaches. With a clear turquoise surf and sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, Hikkaduwa is a prime location for water activities. Explore the colourful coral reefs by boat, or partake in snorkelling, scuba diving, or surfing at your own expense.
Continue on to the charming old city of Galle, where you can stroll along the Dutch-built Galle Fort to the Galle Lighthouse. The Dutch Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the car-free old city is full of brightly-coloured buildings, boutique shops, and history.
At 6:00 pm, leave from Galle and return to Negombo.