7 Days • 6 Nights
Southern Beaches & Whale Watching
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll wander the atmospheric Dutch fort of Galle, sail out from Mirissa in search of blue and sperm whales, watch the famous stilt fishermen, and unwind on the palm-fringed beaches of Unawatuna, Weligama and Tangalle. Turtles, surf and fresh seafood fill the days.
With a comfortable beach resort, a private driver-guide and the key experiences arranged, it is Sri Lanka's coast at its most beautiful and relaxed.
Trip Highlights
- The historic Dutch fort of Galle
- Blue and sperm whale watching off Mirissa
- The famous stilt fishermen of the south
- The palm-fringed beaches of Unawatuna
- A turtle hatchery on the coast
- Surf, snorkelling and fresh seafood
- Colonial charm and golden sand
- A relaxed southern beach escape
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Galle on the south coast, settling in within or near its atmospheric Dutch fort, with a welcome dinner.
Wander the ramparts, lighthouse, boutiques and colonial streets of the Galle Fort, with an afternoon on the beaches of nearby Unawatuna.
Travel to Mirissa, visiting a turtle hatchery and the famous stilt fishermen en route, and settle into your beach resort.
An early boat trip out into the deep to watch for blue and sperm whales and playful dolphins, then a relaxed afternoon on Mirissa's palm-fringed beach.
Travel east along the coast to the quieter beaches of Tangalle, settling into your resort for a first sunset by the sea.
A final relaxed beach day — swimming, the resort spa, or an optional lagoon safari and blowhole visit, with a seafood dinner.
Travel to Colombo airport for your onward flight, with a final breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 2N Galle, 2N Mirissa, 2N Tangalle
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a seafood dinner
- A guided tour of the historic Galle Fort
- A whale-watching boat trip from Mirissa (in season)
- A turtle hatchery and a stilt-fishermen visit
- South-coast beach time
- All entrance and boat fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
When is the best time for whale watching off Mirissa?
Blue and sperm whales are seen off Mirissa roughly from November to April, the same season as the calmest seas and best south-coast beach weather. Sightings are excellent but, as with all wildlife, not guaranteed.
Is the south coast good for surfing and snorkelling?
Yes — the south coast has gentle beaches for swimming, reefs at Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa for snorkelling, and famous surf breaks at Weligama and Mirissa, with lessons available for beginners.
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