Embark on an underwater adventure and experience a diverse ecosystem of coral reefs, rocks and marine critters in the crystalline waters of the Galle Bay. With multiple snorkelling spots to choose from, you are guaranteed a unique experience at each as you explore the world that lies below the surface.

The pristine waters of Unawatuna Bay are a stone’s throw away from Galle, and they are made up of shallow areas that are frequented by all kinds of tropical fish. They also contain a small shipwreck that adds an exciting twist to your snorkelling adventure. On the other hand, the coral gardens of Hikkaduwa form a marine sanctuary that shelters up to 60 species of coral and over 170 species of reef fish.

There is also the lesser-known Jungle Beach Bay which, as its name suggests, is surrounded by a jungle. Its mild water currents make it the ideal spot for beginner snorkellers to see crabs, parrotfish, turtles, and other aquatic life.

Ideally, snorkelling should be attempted during the late mornings and early afternoons as the daylight will improve your underwater visibility. The average snorkelling trip lasts for 2 to 3 hours, which gives you plenty of time to venture into the shallow waters of Galle at your own pace.

Ride the waves in and around Galle, and experience the thrill of performing a cutback or any other complicated surfing manoeuvres during your stay. Although Galle gets its fame from the fort, its location on the southern coast makes it home to some of the best surfing spots on the island.

The famed Dewata Beach is dotted with surfing schools along the coast, and the absence of sharp rocks and reefs in the area makes it the ideal spot for beginners and experts to hone their skills. That being said, the reef and beach breaks at Owakanda are less crowded, making it a suitable alternative for those who prefer to practice in private.

Narigama Beach is a common choice among thrill-seekers who are on the lookout for stronger currents. However, most surfers opt for Weligama Beach as its waves can be braved by beginners and experts with minimal effort. This bustling beach is less than an hour away from the city, so you will have plenty of time to spare once you get back from your surfing adventure.

The best time to surf in and around Galle is from mid-December to mid-April, especially if you are a beginner. That being said, do not forget to exercise caution at the beach since the currents can be unpredictable. If you are not careful, you may get caught by a rip current, which will carry you away from the shore when least expected.

From handwoven scarves and packaged spices to traditional paintings and quaint ornaments, the shopping experience in Galle is one of the highlights of touring the region.

At the famed Peddlar Street, you can purchase a variety of souvenirs, such as handwoven sarongs, miniature crafts and intricate jewellery at affordable prices. On the other hand, the cobblestone pathways of the Galle Fort lead to roadside boutiques, where the locals sell their handcrafted wares in colonial mansions.

You can also combine your shopping tour with a visit to the nearest weaving factory and observe how cotton fabrics are woven traditionally. The few factories that continue to operate today offer tours of the weaving process, with the option to support local women by purchasing their fabrics. You can browse through a wide selection of shirts, bags, cushion covers, and various other products, and purchase some souvenirs to remember your time in Galle by.

The sandy shores of Sri Lanka are a common nesting ground for marine turtles, and the turtle hatcheries in Galle offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world.

As a conservation effort, turtle hatcheries shelter the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Green Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle, effectively protecting them from predators and poachers. They also gather and relocate the eggs that are laid by female turtles to safer environments. Out of harm’s way, the hatchlings are then raised in large tanks until they are old enough to fend for themselves in the wild.

Apart from their educational tours that provide insight into turtle behaviours, most hatcheries let you watch as the hatchlings make the long journey back home. This event takes place as late as 6.00pm, and if you are on time, you may be asked to release one of the hatchlings yourself.

Please keep in mind that these hatcheries charge a small entrance fee for their upkeep. That being said, they are open throughout the year, so you can easily fit this excursion into your tour of Sri Lanka.

Perched atop their wooden stilts, the fishermen of Galle cast their bait into the cerulean waters and lie in wait, only to merge with a seascape that is straight out of a postcard. Consider taking a break from your adventures in the city by watching the traditional practice of stilt fishing by the coast.

The origins of stilt fishing in Sri Lanka are unknown, but the practice has been a longstanding alternative for fishermen who cannot afford professional fishing equipment. In the absence of such equipment, they rely on wooden poles that are nailed to the shallow seabed, as well as fishing rods that are made of bamboo or kithul wood. 

Despite its deceptively easy appearance, the art of stilt fishing is complex, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. As a test of patience, the fishermen are required to remain seated in silence for hours so as not to scare their potential catch away.

While stilt fishing has now become a dying art, it continues to be conducted in the shallow waters of Galle for the sole purpose of entertaining travellers. The small fee that they charge for photographing them will leave you with a worthwhile souvenir to remember your time in Galle by.

As one of Sri Lanka’s RAMSAR wetlands, Madu River is host to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and it is touted as a paradise for nature enthusiasts. However, although it is referred to as a river, the watercourse is actually a lagoon with thick mangroves that spans 10 square kilometres, most of which can be explored in a 2-hour boat ride.

The history of Madu River can be traced back to the reign of the Sinhalese kings during a time in which the locals relied on its waters to transport items and access the mainland. Today, it is known for its high biodiversity as it houses 14 mangrove varieties along with 248 animal species and 303 plant varieties. The lagoon is also home to 64 islands, many of which have been submerged underwater. Those that remain can be accessed with ease during the boat ride.

You can enjoy a brief stopover at the largest island, Maaduwa, where more than 250 local families rely on the production of cinnamon oil and other cinnamon-based products for their livelihood. On the other hand, ancient folklore suggests that the Kothdoowa Temple on Kothdoowa Island was a temporary shelter for the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic that is now safeguarded within the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

There is also the Satha Paha Doowa or the “5 Cent Island” which gets its name from the resemblance it bears to the 5-cent coin that was once used in Sri Lanka. 

With many islands to see and plenty of wildlife to spot, Madu River is best experienced in the evening. Journeying during this time will help you avoid the afternoon heat, and it will give you an opportunity to observe one of the other livelihoods of the local community—prawn fishing. This fascinating addition to your boat ride involves watching as the local fishermen row past your boat and use their lanterns to lure shellfish into traps.