Galle Fort Day Trip: Turtle Watching, Stilt Fishing & Cinnamon

Walk the colonial fort, then watch conservationists release sea turtles into the ocean

A day tour from Galle that takes you to the Dutch-built Galle Fort, the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project where you see five turtle species, and a cinnamon farm, with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle included. The tour runs six hours and suits all fitness levels. Minimum age is 12. Pickup is included in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Galle Fort2h · entry included
2. Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project30m · entry included

Explore Galle and Turtle Conservation

• Visit Galle Fort colonial portress
• See Dutch style buildings and churches
• Enjoy Sri Lankan restaurants
• Visit gem museum
• Visit Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

The experience

The tour starts at Galle Fort, a walled compound built by the Dutch in colonial times and later renovated by the English. The fortification still shows Dutch-style architecture throughout, and inside the walls you'll find churches, restaurants serving Sri Lankan food, and a gem museum. From there you head to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, where the work centers on five different sea turtle species found in Sri Lankan waters. You'll see the turtles being cared for and watch conservationists release them back into the ocean. A moment that makes the project's mission tangible in a way a photograph cannot.

The cinnamon farm rounds out the afternoon, showing how one of Sri Lanka's signature exports is grown and processed. An English-speaking guide travels with you the whole day in an air-conditioned vehicle, explaining what you're seeing at each stop. The all-inclusive price means no hidden costs or separate entry fees at any of the three sites.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• entry to Galle Fort, the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and the cinnamon farm.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Earth Lanka Day tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably and get the context for what you're seeing at each stop. This works for anyone 12 and up, regardless of fitness level.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do you see at the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project?

The project focuses on five different sea turtle species native to Sri Lankan waters. You'll observe the turtles in the facility and watch conservationists release them back into the ocean as part of the protection and breeding program.

Is there time to walk around inside Galle Fort itself?

Yes. The fort contains churches, restaurants, and a gem museum, so you have the chance to explore the colonial architecture and the shops and dining inside the walls.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs six hours total, including travel time between the three stops and time spent at each location.

What's included in the price?

The price covers the English-speaking guide, the air-conditioned vehicle for the day, and entry to all three sites: Galle Fort, the turtle conservation project, and the cinnamon farm. Bottled water is also provided.