Galle Day Tour: Explore Colonial History and Beautiful Beaches
4.8
86 Ratings

Experience the colorful colonial city of Galle on this 12-hour day tour. Depart from Colombo or Negombo with a guide and Turtle Hatchery, Bentota Beach, Tsunami Photo Museum, and the stilt fishermen. Explore Galle Fort and learn more about its tumultuous history as a hub for trade. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Weligama Fishtheraphy - Complete your Galle day tour with a visit to see the amazing Stilt Fishermen in Weligama. The fishermen sit on a cross bar tied to a vertical pole which is planted in the coral reef and the stilt with one hand while seated and carry out rod and line fishing with the other hand. The practice of stilt fishing started about 50 years after the end of the Second World War when fishermen found that fishing off the rocks that protrude over the sea was not enough to catch fish in large numbers, so they started planting discarded metal pipes into the reef and using them to lean against and fish. Over time the fishermen discovered that timber worked just as well as developed the poles into the more modern day versions that we see today. It is a unique sight to behold and one that should not be missed as we watch and marvel at Man’s dexterity to overcome any hurdle.
What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch included
  • Comfortable in-vehicle AC
  • All fees and taxes covered
What's Not Included
  • Drinks
Additional Information
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is require
  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Note: Itinerary is designed according to time availability. Sanota Walkers will not responsible for any deviation as per client’s/Chauffeur request.
  • Please remember to bring your swimming kit for the jungle beach swim. The swim will last approximately one hour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(86 Ratings)
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Czarrrrrr
Apr 23, 2024
Very highly recommended! - Had a really great time in Galle area. Beautiful place. This tour was awesomely executed, and the driver (and his son) and the tour agency owner were very helpful, friendly and accommodating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J_hannamar_aj2024
Mar 19, 2024
Unforgettable Galle Tour: A Day with Deshan - We went on a tour to Galle, and it exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide, Deshan, was simply amazing. His knowledge of the area, coupled with his friendly demeanor, made the experience truly memorable. The stops along the way were diverse, offering insights into the rich history and culture of Galle. From exploring the iconic Galle Fort to visiting jungle beach and a sea turtle conservation center. It was truly a great day, thanks to Deshan and the well-planned itinerary. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Galle!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_w
Mar 17, 2024
Wonderful day outting to Galle - We loved our day trip to Galle from Colombo because we could negotiate which activities to do or remove and the time spent at each activity thanks to our wonderful driver. The included lunch was very nice, the transportation car was comfortable and roomy and the driver provided great information - Thank you very much. I would recommend this tour to anyone especially the visit to the old Dutch fort, the various beaches and turtle hatchery.
Review provided by Viator
Frank_b
Jan 15, 2024
Fantastic tour - Fantastic tour from Colombo! Our driver was great and spoke English very well. Following the prompt pick-up from our hotel we were off to Galle. Great service from beginning to end.
Review provided by Viator
Tiac472
Dec 31, 2023
Amazing Tour on our honeymoon - My husband and I went on the tour in October while we were on our honeymoon. Deshan was our tour guide and he was great! It was a long day but we got to see so much ans Deshan was very flexible. We had such an amazing memorable time and definitely got our money's worth! I would recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela_g
Dec 7, 2023
Definite must do! - This was such a great day out. Deshan was a great driver who considered our needs at all times. Loved seeing the stilt fishermen who even caught a fish as we watched, seeing cinnamon growing on a tree at the spice garden; the Dutch fort; jungle beach; tsunami photo centre, the jewelry making but my favourite was the turtle centre. Such great work done by volunteers who really care about giving newly hatched turtles the best start.
Review provided by Viator
38travellover38
Oct 27, 2023
This is the best memory I will never forget! - This agency truly respected my feelings and intentions, allowing me to enjoy my time at my own pace. Mr. Tharindu, my guide, also took plenty of photos for me. I already miss Sri Lanka and I'd love to spend more time there. Hope I can go back there again so soon! If I were to point out one thing, it was regrettable that I felt pressured to purchase at the gem & jewelry shop. But they became beautiful souvenirs for my mom and me. Apart from this, everything else was truly perfect. Mr. Tharindu was a very kind, attentive, and careful person. He took care of me a lot! And the scenery in Galle was breathtaking. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves the sea, nature, and animals! This is the best memory I will never forget.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathalief71
May 4, 2024
good experience - a nice experience, on the other hand it has become very touristy, the sinners ask for money to stage themselves and take photos However it remains very pleasant and it allows them to live better
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y6887ypcristinab
Jan 25, 2024
beautiful - everything ok Galle is wonderful we had a wonderful day and the fisherman were very nice. the small and very sad tsunami museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moritzk446
Dec 11, 2023
Informative, well-organized private tour - We were contacted by the provider in advance via WhatsApp and briefed on the most important points regarding the meeting point, the process and written information about the sights/stops. We really appreciated this. The documents - like the tour - were in English. However, the documents can easily be translated into German via WhatsApp if required. The guide was reservedly friendly, attentive and very informative. Thank you! As a European, you generally have to get used to the way people drive here in Sri Lanka. But the guide did this well. The included lunch was very fine and in a good restaurant right by the sea. We can absolutely recommend this tour. The three stops in the afternoon in the herb garden (in Bali they do this with tea tastings), gemstones, and probably also at the mask factory (we skipped that) are informative but ultimately more like sales events. But whether you want to buy something is up to you. But that loses one point in the rating. This should be better declared in the description. The positive thing about the private tour is that you can leave something out or see something else. The Tsunami Museum is rather small and the pictures are a bit yellowed. Still worth a visit, as it is run by someone who was affected and she describes the situation at the time very impressively. The fort is beautiful, but the whole complex is only designed for tourist purposes. There are lots of shops where the locals never go shopping because it is far too expensive. You don't see real life in Sri Lanka there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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