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Overview
- Duration:2 hours 30 minutes
- Travelers:2 - 20 guests
- Tour Type:Daily tour
- Language:English
- Age:3+ years old
- Mobile Ticket:Yes
Start with the river, finish with the sea. The Madu River safari and turtle hatchery combo brings both sides of Sri Lanka's south-west coast into one easy outing, pairing a private boat safari in Balapitiya with a sea turtle hatchery just 2 km away.
The first hour and a half is spent on the water. Your boat winds through mangrove channels and natural tree tunnels, then pulls up at Cinnamon Island, where local families make cinnamon by hand. You stop at a quiet temple island and dip your feet in the fish foot spa. Along the banks, monitor lizards, monkeys and colourful birds are regular company.
Then the scene shifts to the beach. At the sea turtle hatchery, a guide walks you through the sanctuary and shows you where the eggs lie buried in the sand until they hatch. Tiny hatchlings paddle in their tanks before being released into the sea, while larger rescued turtles are looked after by friendly staff. Conservationists explain how Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles are protected.
For many families, the baby turtles are the favourite part of the day. The hatchery visit takes 45 minutes to an hour, and your ticket is included. Transport between the river and the hatchery is not included, but we will gladly help you arrange it.
The first hour and a half is spent on the water. Your boat winds through mangrove channels and natural tree tunnels, then pulls up at Cinnamon Island, where local families make cinnamon by hand. You stop at a quiet temple island and dip your feet in the fish foot spa. Along the banks, monitor lizards, monkeys and colourful birds are regular company.
Then the scene shifts to the beach. At the sea turtle hatchery, a guide walks you through the sanctuary and shows you where the eggs lie buried in the sand until they hatch. Tiny hatchlings paddle in their tanks before being released into the sea, while larger rescued turtles are looked after by friendly staff. Conservationists explain how Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles are protected.
For many families, the baby turtles are the favourite part of the day. The hatchery visit takes 45 minutes to an hour, and your ticket is included. Transport between the river and the hatchery is not included, but we will gladly help you arrange it.
Highlights
- Private 1.5-hour Madu River boat safari
- Cruise through mangrove tunnels and spot river wildlife
- Watch a live demonstration of traditional cinnamon making on Cinnamon Island
- Visit a quiet temple island and try the natural fish foot spa
- See rescued turtles, hatchlings and active egg nests at the sea turtle hatchery
- Learn how Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles are protected
- Hatchery admission ticket included
Includes/Excludes
- Private boat safari (1.5 hours)
- Life jackets
- Insurance cover
- Cool water bottles
- Experienced guide
- Fresh juice
- Turtle hatchery admission ticket
- Personal expenses
- Snacks and alcoholic drinks
- Camera and equipment
- Transport between river and hatchery (2 km)
- Driver and guide tips
Cancellation policy
In case of heavy rain, the boat safari may be cancelled. Customers can choose to reschedule the safari or receive a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Madu River safari and turtle hatchery combo?
The combo costs $39 per adult (age 13 and over) and $24 per child (age 3 to 12). The private boat safari and the hatchery admission ticket are both included.
How do we get from the river to the hatchery?
The hatchery is about 2 km from the river. Transport between the two is not included, but we can help you arrange it.
Which turtles will we see at the hatchery?
Rescued adult turtles, hatchlings and egg nests. Conservationists explain the protection of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles along Sri Lanka's coast, and what you see on the day depends on the season.
How long is the combo?
About 2.5 hours in total: 1.5 hours on the boat and 45 minutes to an hour at the hatchery. The last combo entry is at 4:00 PM.
Is the turtle hatchery combo good for children?
Yes. There is no age limit, children aged 3 to 12 have their own price, and seeing baby turtles is often the favourite part of the day.
Extra Services
Photo frame
Photo frame for your tour at Madu River Safari
Rs.1,650.00/person
Photo with Baby Crocodile
Take a picture with baby crocodile
Rs.2,310.00/package
fromRs.12,870.00 /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
