Galle Fort and River Safari Private Tour
This private tour lets you discover the island's ancient sites and natural beauty: the Galle Fort and lighthouse, a beach with giant turtles, a turtle farm and a mangrove safari.
Quick facts
Itinerary
The tour starts with a visit to the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, with a walk along the walls and views of the Indian Ocean. The Galle Lighthouse offers stunning sea views. Then you visit the moonstone mine, the Tsunami Memorial, the turtle farm and the scenic Hikkaduwa beach.
The second half of the day is a river safari on the Bentota River, where you can spot wildlife. The tour ends at the large Buddhist temple Kande Vihara, a symbol of Sri Lanka's spiritual heritage.
Private tour "Galle Fort and River Safari"
Key route locations:
- Dutch Fort Galle
- Galle Lighthouse
- Secrets of the Moonstone
- Turtle Farm
- River Safari
- Turtle Beach
Your tour starts at the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will stroll through its old streets, walk along the fort walls and take in views of the Indian Ocean. Next is the famous Galle Lighthouse, which offers wonderful sea views.
Continuing on, you will visit a moonstone mine, where you learn how these unique gemstones are processed. Along the way, stop at the 2004 Tsunami Memorial, which honours those who lost their lives. Then you will visit a turtle farm and the scenic Hikkaduwa beach, where you can swim with giant sea turtles. Next comes the highlight: a river safari on the Bentota River. You will glide by boat through thick mangrove forests and spot exotic animals such as monitor lizards, crocodiles and monkeys.
The tour ends at the large Buddhist temple Kande Vihara, surrounded by sacred relics and statues of Buddha. This full route will give you plenty of memories and a true feel for Sri Lanka.
Private tour price: Fort Galle and River Safari
| Destination | Price per adult | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Fort Galle and River Safari | For 2 travelers | 300 $ | |
Fort Galle and River Safari | For 4 travelers | 400 $ | |
Fort Galle and River Safari | For 6 travelers | 540 $ |
For 2 travelers
For 4 travelers
For 6 travelers
Pickup, timing and practical details
What's included?
Transport, tickets and a guide are already included in the price.
English-speaking guide
Our guides know the island well and speak fluent English.
Great value
The best price on the island of Sri Lanka
Safety first
Comfortable cars, insurance and vetted drivers.
Real guest reviews
Hundreds of positive reviews.
Ongoing support
Our team is always reachable on messaging apps.
Comfortable transfers
All transfers are made in modern vehicles.
Guest reviews
Overall Rating
4 reviews
Anna
05/25/2026
Good afternoon! Yesterday we went on a tour to Galle and a river safari. We were lucky, because our guide was Dilanchik again :) It was interesting and exciting. Thank you, Dilan, for your attention and care, and for the relaxed atmosphere. The bus was also good and comfortable :) I will definitely recommend you to my friends and acquaintances. Sri Lanka is wonderful and has truly stolen my heart ❤️
Denis
05/24/2026
Yesterday we took a tour of Galle Fort. We really enjoyed it. Our guide told us a lot about the city itself, the history of the country and the life of local people. A nice bonus was our guide's photography skills! Thank you!
Alena
05/28/2026
We went on the «Galle Fort + River Safari» tour today. The tour was very full and interesting! Huge thanks to our wonderful guide Dilan for the detailed and very informative commentary. The visit to the temple was especially moving, and we learned a lot about the religion. Big thanks to our driver too. Supun is not only a true professional at his job, but also kind and very responsible.
Irina
05/25/2026
Hello everyone! Today I went on a tour of Galle Fort, a river safari, a gem mine and a beach with turtles. I enjoyed it, but after the two-day tour I was tired and my legs were humming like power lines. So I walked around with little enthusiasm, but it was still wonderful! Seeing huge turtles in the ocean and even feeding them! It's pure delight! That giant even stepped on my foot twice with its flippers😂 I really liked the short but rich tour of a small mine where precious stones are dug. It was very informative for me: you see people working, washing the sand and finding stones, and then you see how masterpieces are made from them!! It's awesome!👍 The fort is interesting too, with a long history. Thank you to our guide, Denis, for his professionalism and his care for every traveler. That's the most important thing in this work! A small tip for travelers: you can't embrace the unembraceable! I'm saying this about myself and warning others, especially older travelers: don't book tours back to back. Take a break of at least a day, and then you'll keep good impressions of what you saw! Thank you, Sri Lanka! I fell in love with you and hope to come back again!
How to prepare for a tour in Sri Lanka
Packed lunch from your hotel
If your hotel provides a packed lunch for tours, it's a convenient option for day trips and sightseeing.
Swimming gear
Pack swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. Swimming at Hikkaduwa beaches will make your trip unforgettable!
Sun protection
Sri Lanka is a tropical country. Sunglasses and a cap will protect you from the strong sun.
Comfortable shoes
Wear comfortable, closed shoes so you feel at ease in any situation.
Chargers
Don't forget your chargers so you stay connected and can capture the moments of your tour.
Money for personal expenses
Although the main costs are included in the tour, it's useful to carry some cash for shopping and souvenirs.
Raincoat
During the rainy season in Sri Lanka, a light raincoat will keep you dry so you can enjoy your trip.
Prefer to travel at your own pace? Book a private driver
Set off on an exciting journey along a beautiful route with a professional English-speaking driver who will show you all the main sights, offering comfort and unforgettable experiences.
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Popular questions about the Galle Fort and River Safari tour
How long does the tour take?
The Galle Fort and river safari tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at Galle Fort and 1 to 2 hours on the river safari.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is available for an extra charge at local restaurants.
What should I bring on the tour?
Don't forget a charger for your devices so you can stay connected and take photos along the way. A lunch box for snacks is also handy, especially if the tour lasts all day. Cash for personal expenses is always a good idea, as you may want to buy souvenirs or drinks.
What safety measures are in place during the river safari?
All safety measures are strictly followed, including life jackets and professional guides.
How should I prepare for Sri Lanka's climate?
Sri Lanka's weather can be hot and sunny, but sudden rain showers are also common and can affect your comfort on the tour. We recommend a light jacket or rain jacket, plus sunscreen to protect you from UV rays. Comfortable socks and shoes will help you feel at ease on any surface.