Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo worth booking?
Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo is a 12-hour experience in Negombo, Sri Lanka, from $55 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (20)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Galle is one of Sri Lanka's most populous cities. This beachside paradise in the southwest of the island is one of the most well-known in the entire country because of its historical significance. It served as the island
What you get
About this experience
Galle is one of Sri Lanka's most populous cities. This beachside paradise in the southwest of the island is one of the most well-known in the entire country because of its historical significance. It served as the island's main port until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. While traveling, look out for fishermen selling their wares along the side of the road and take in the stunning green and turquoise beaches that line it. Tell our chauffeur if you wish to bury your toes in the sand. There are two possibilities regarding the origin of Galle's current name. You can have a unique experience while walking on Galle Fort by gazing down and taking in the view of the sea. You may take in the sunset over the fort in the evening. Once the sun has set, return to the port carrying priceless memories.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Seasonal Fruits
- Professional & Expert English Speaking Driver
- Hotel pickup and drop off by an air conditioned vehicle
- King Coconut
- Free WIFI Onboard Upon Request
Not included
- Entrance Fees - Madu River WIth Fish Massage USD 30 Per person
- Gratuity For Driver & Guide
- Food & Drinks Other than Specified
- Optional Activities
What you'll see and do
Colombo
Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, has a long history of serving as a port on ancient east-west trade routes that were successively run by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its engineering, which combines pilgrim shrines with high structures and retail malls, is a reflection of that tradition.
Pass by without stopping
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
The Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is a non - profitable organization which is maintained for the survival of Sea Turtles for the next generation. The "Turtle Farm" is situated in Habaraduwa near to the beautiful beach. That is 5m from the Galle - Matara main road. The center was started in 1986 and have released more than 500,000 sea turtles to the ocean. # Optional Tour –per person • Turtle hatchery
30 minutes here · Admission not included
In the Southern region of Sri Lanka lays the Galle district. Balapitiya is a little town in the district and would be quite unimportant; except for the location of a river. The Madu River is very rich in biodiversity. It passes through the wet zone of Sri Lanka opening up into the large Madu Lagoon on its way to the Indian Ocean. # Optional Tour –per person USD 30 • Madu ganga Boat safari - Fish therapy, Pass by Shrimp farm , Visit Cinnamon Island
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Galle Fort Lighthouse
The Galle lighthouse is situated inside the landmark Galle Fort. It is built seven meters above the road on the ramparts. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to 1848, but the original lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934. It was rebuilt at the current height of 26m. The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist attraction, making this the countries most often visited lighthouse. (Combines with Galle fort)
30 minutes here
Maritime Archeology Museum
The National Maritime Museum of Galle is chock-full of nautical and marine marvels, dug up from the sea and showcased here. Galle has always been a major harbor, visited by ships and traders from across the globe for several millennia. As such it did not escape the clutches of the Dutch traders who put profit before all else.
Pass by without stopping
Galle Fort Clock Tower
The Galle Clock Tower is a four story tall stone monument hailing from the late 19th century. It was built within the ramparts of the Galle Fort on the site of the previous guardroom, overlooking one of the three bastions of the fort. While the aged clock tower is a great monument to photograph, it will take some skilful manoeuvring due to the extreme angle close by. Hence it might be better to photograph it from the Moon Bastion which the tower faces.( combines with Galle fort) End of the tour, will head back to Accommodation with full of nice memories
30 minutes here
Dutch Reformed Church
Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy.( combines with Galle fort)
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Galle International Cricket Stadium
Once a racecourse for wagering British colonials, Galle's cricket ground was established over 100 years ago. Since 1998 it has been used for international matches; in 2010 it was the site of the legendary last appearance of Sri Lanka's great bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan. There's a great perspective of the ground from the Sun Bastion to the south.
Pass by without stopping
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
- Located in Galle, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct as the name would suggest is a shopping mall located in a beautifully restored colonial building originally built during the Dutch occupation. It has a constantly growing selection of places to eat, drink or shop. There are fabulous bay views from its upper balcony. (combines with Galle fort)
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Galle Day Tour From Negombo
Vehicle Type Options: Air-conditioned Car (1–2 passengers) Air-conditioned Mini Van (3–6 passengers) Luxury Van / Coach (Groups) Pickup included
Turtle & River Safari Entrance
Turtle Hatchery & River Safari: Turtle hatchery and conservation center visit and Madu River safari ride tickets are included. Pickup included
Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, ta, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Littering & smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle.
- Deposit trash in designated receptacles
- The exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
- We Recommend all customers carry the Vaccination card while traveling (Digitally or Physically)
- Pickup will be commenced prior to start the tour time; you must contact us to verify your exact pickup time.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Day Trip from Colombo to Galle Fort and Turtle Conversation/Hatchery/Hospital
An amazing HOST Lester and DRIVER Pradeep who look after us the moment we were picked up at the Hotel until drop off. Lester's knowledge of the entire tour was so appreciated and went out of his way to ensure we were looked after. Thank you 🙏🏼
Response from the operator: Dear Ruby C, Thank you so much for your lovely review of the Day Excursion to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo. We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience and felt well cared for throughout the journey. It’s wonderful to know that Lester and Pradeep made your trip so special — from their warm hospitality to Lester’s in-depth knowledge and attention to detail. They truly represent the spirit of Apple Vacations, ensuring every guest feels comfortable and valued. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka soon for another memorable adventure! 🇱🇰
via Tripadvisor
A full day out!
So much too see, so many stops. Turtla Rescue center, beach views, mangrove forest boat tour. Obligitory sales stops at Cinnamon Island and Gem Stone mine. Galle Fort with the famous jumpers (Nest thing on the tour) and thrn the stilt fishermen. I eluld reverse the order though as the stilt fishermen is late in the day.
Response from the operator: Dear James_T, Thank you very much for sharing your experience of the Day Excursion to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the variety of stops — from the Turtle Rescue Centre and mangrove boat tour to the iconic Galle Fort and stilt fishermen. We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback about the order of visits — suggestions like yours help us refine our tours to make them even more enjoyable for future travelers. It’s wonderful to know you had a full and memorable day exploring Sri Lanka’s southern coast, and we hope to welcome you again soon for another adventure with Apple Vacations.
via Viator
OK day out
go with a friend as my driver/guide wasn't very talkative about the area.Turned up on time.Drove like a mad man.Found the Turtles really fasinating the boat trip ok.Gallie quiet busy but cooler than Colombo.Be prepared for a long day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your honest feedback 🙏 We’re glad to hear you enjoyed seeing the turtles and found Galle to be a nice change from Colombo. At the same time, we’re sorry that your experience with the driver/guide didn’t fully meet your expectations. Your comments are very valuable, and we’ll make sure to share them with our team so we can improve the service. We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave your review, and we hope to have the chance to provide you with a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the future
via Viator
This trip is brilliant and well organised by an experienced local family run travel company that give a personal touch
This was a great trip with a brilliant driver and our guide Naveen for whom nothing was too much trouble - we had a full tour of the Dutch fort which was intriguing after a brilliant cruise on the river seeing lots of wildlife and having a foot bath with the fishes - the turtle hatchery was really informative and great fun
Response from the operator: Dear Melody_D, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you had a good day trip and that Kris provided helpful advice on other places to visit. However, we sincerely regret that your experience did not fully meet your expectations. We understand that a guide’s full attention and engagement are key to enhancing the tour experience, and we will address this with Kris to ensure our guests receive the best possible service. Regarding your request for an ATM stop, we apologize for any inconvenience caused. We strive to accommodate such requests promptly, and we will reinforce communication with our team to ensure that guest needs are met more efficiently. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve, and we truly appreciate your honesty. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a more seamless experience on a future tour. Best regards, Jeev
via Tripadvisor
experience
1) extremely rough driving 2) not spors were not clean like bentota beach. there were other beaches which were cleaner 3) quality of vehicle not great for charges
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're delighted that you appreciated the good service we provided during your day excursion to Galle Fort & Bentota. It's wonderful to hear that you found value in the upgraded private tour for your group of 7 people and the extra time we allocated for shopping. We're also glad to know that you found our choice of the TOYOTA KDH HIGHROOF for 14 seater to be accommodating for your travel needs. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're grateful for your recognition of the efforts we put into enhancing your experience. While we regret any inconvenience you may have experienced, we truly value your feedback as it helps us continuously improve our services. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another memorable excursion in the future.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $170
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Negombo.
How much does Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo cost?
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Prices start at $55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Negombo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Negombo is not rushed.
Is Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Negombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Negombo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Negombo and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Excursions to Galle Fort & Bentota from Colombo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Negombo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Negombo?
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On Outty we rank every Negombo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Car & Driver for 07 Days Tour In Sri Lanka, Most Popular Round Tour in Sri Lanka (10 Days), Highly recommended multi day tour in Sri Lanka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Negombo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Negombo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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