Galle Fort & Boat Safari Day Trip: Turtles & Moonstone Mine

Watch turtles glide at sunset after wandering Galle’s secret markets and temples

This day trip from Bentota covers four stops across Sri Lanka's southwestern coast: a guided boat safari on the Bentota River where monkeys and crocodiles appear depending on the time of day; the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort with its colonial architecture and ocean views; a sea turtle conservation farm where you can release baby turtles into the ocean (for an extra fee); and a working moonstone mine near Meetiyagoda, the only place in the world where visitors can see real gemstone mining. The tour runs 4 to 8 hours with a private vehicle, English-speaking guide, bottled water and snacks included; children from age 6 are welcome, and pickup from your hotel is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Galle Fort and nearby attractions

• Bentota River boat safari
• Visit Galle Fort and ocean view
• Tour Sea Turtle Farm
• Explore Moonstone Mine
• Stop at the beach for visit
• Visit 300-year-old temple and Buddha statue

The Experience

The day starts on the water. A boat safari along the Bentota River is where the wildlife appears — monkeys moving through the trees and crocodiles resting on the banks, though what you see depends on the time you go. The river sits on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, and the boat moves slowly enough that you can watch without rushing past anything. After the safari, you head to Galle Fort, the UNESCO site built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. You walk the old buildings and the ocean-facing walls; the fort is still standing and still working, not a ruin behind glass.

The turtle farm comes next. This is a conservation operation where eggs are collected from the beach and incubated to protect them from predators and poachers. Once hatched, the baby turtles are kept in tanks before release. If you want to walk them into the ocean yourself, that costs extra and is not part of the standard package — but it is an option you can add at checkout. Then you visit the moonstone mine near Meetiyagoda. Moonstones are mined here for their milky-blue sheen, and this is the only place in the world where the actual mining process is open to visitors. You see how the stone is extracted and processed, not just the finished gem.

The route also includes a stop at Hikkaduwa Beach, known for snorkeling and diving along the coral sanctuary just offshore, and a temple over 300 years old with one of South Asia's largest Buddha statues and murals from 1734 depicting scenes from Buddhist history. A private air-conditioned vehicle carries you between stops, with your guide speaking English throughout. Bottled water and snacks are provided; all entry fees and taxes are included in the price.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup.
• English-speaking guide.
• boat safari on the Bentota River.
• Galle Fort entry.
• sea turtle farm admission.
• moonstone mine visit.
• Hikkaduwa Beach stop.
• temple visit.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sindu Tours Sri Lanka

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide handling all logistics and entry fees while you move between multiple coastal sites—you focus on the experience, not the planning.

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Top questions

What animals will I see on the Bentota River boat safari?

The Bentota River boat safari shows monkeys and crocodiles, though which ones appear depends on the time of day you go. The river is on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast and moves slowly enough to watch without rushing.

Can I release baby turtles into the ocean myself?

Yes, but releasing baby turtles is not included in the standard package. You can add it at checkout for an extra fee if you want to walk the hatchlings into the ocean yourself.

What is the moonstone mine like, and where is it?

The moonstone mine is located near Meetiyagoda on the southern coast and is the only place in the world where visitors can see the actual mining and processing of moonstones — the gemstones known for their milky-blue sheen. You see how the stone is extracted, not just the finished product.

How old is Galle Fort, and who built it?

Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, and you walk through the old buildings and ocean-facing walls.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome from age 6. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, boat safari tickets, entry to the turtle farm and all other sites, bottled water, snacks, an English-speaking guide, and all fees and taxes. Hotel pickup is arranged. Releasing baby turtles costs extra.