Adventure Cruises in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a land where pristine beauty clashes with exciting culture in every corner. From full days at sea to adventure and sunbathing on beaches--the possibilities are endless.
Sri Lanka is a fantastic island for small ship cruises, most famous for whale sightings, stunning nature, and rich culture. The southern coast of this tropical island harbors a great variety of activities, both in the water and on land, making perfect adventure cruises for all ages around Sri Lanka. With an average temperature of 28C all year round, Sri Lanka offers beautiful sailing and exploring opportunities.
Cruising along Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coast gives you front-row seats to spot, depending on the season, playful dolphins, humpback whales, and blue whales, the largest mammals on earth, in their natural habitat. You can also explore the island's lush jungles and wildlife reserves, where it is possible to spot elephants, jaguars, birds, and other exotic animals. Visit the fishermen’s villages and get to know the locals. Culture fans can also get their fill with ornately decorated temples and the Dutch fort of Galle. Sri Lanka offers it all.
Best Sri Lanka cruises and areas to visit
While cruising Sri Lanka’s southern coast, you will visit the areas of Galle, Kalametiya, Talalla, Weligama Bay. On the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, the fortified city of Galle is famous for its stunning Dutch colonial fort. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth visiting. Breathtaking beaches can be explored at Kudawella, along with traditional fishing villages. Make sure to visit the unique blowhole or marine geyser with a seawater fountain up to 30m high. It is a spectacular sight. Kalametiya’s Bird Sanctuary & Wetland Park provides the ideal setting for great bird watching in diverse landscapes: beautiful mangroves, coastal lagoons, and scrublands. Many species of resident birds, migratory birds, and endemic birds can be seen.
Talalla offers amazing and uncrowded beaches, the perfect location for a relaxing swim followed by a BBQ with your fellow travelers. Aside from the stunning beach, Weligama Bay is well known for lace making. During sailing, always be on the lookout for whales and dolphins. Disembark again at Rumassala for relaxation on Jungle Beach or hike up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda with sweeping views over Galle Bay. With cruises departing from Mirissa, Sri Lanka offers a diversified mix of activities.
Best time to cruise in Sri Lanka
Whereas the average temperature does not vary much during the year, the rainy season can very well have an impact. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between October and May, when it normally rains less and temperatures are comfortable. December through April is traditionally the best time to spot the whales and dolphins, although it is possible to spot them at other times of the year.
How to get to Sri Lanka
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital and the location of the international airport. Direct flights land here from around the world but mainly from Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. When you fly into Sri Lanka from India; there are multiple options: direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. The transfer by taxi to Mirissa takes nearly 3 hours, where the embarkation point of the boat is located. The cruise will end in Mirissa as well.
Sri Lanka Cruise Tips
Ensure you plan your cruise in Sri Lanka well, including your flights and transfers. This is the best way to avoid any disappointment if flights or transfers happen to be fully booked. It is highly recommended to leave a day or two between your arrival in Colombo and your embarkation day in case of any delays: flights or luggage. Adjusting to a new time zone takes time, and you will be well-rested and ready to go on your adventure cruise.
Essentials to pack for your cruise include sunglasses, sun cream, bathing suits, insect repellent, hats, and clothing for both warm and cool weather, as up in the hills, it may be chilly in the evening. When you have your own snorkeling gear, please bring it for your cruise. Most boats will provide snorkeling gear for the guests who do not have their own, but your gear fits best.
In Sri Lanka, they use the Sri Lankan rupee as the currency. ATMs in the country generally do not work very well, so it is recommended to bring cash in USD and change it in a bank branch on the island or at the airport. It is a little tricky to change rupees back to USD, so it is better to change only the amount you need to spend.
