The 4 Best Boat Safaris in Negombo

1.Negombo Lagoon Boat Safari Hotel Pickup(Monkey,Mangrove)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $50Our pick

Take a private tuk-tuk transfer from your Negombo hotel to the lagoon, then cruise calm waters among mangroves and wetland birds. The 2 to 3-hour outing includes bottled water, king coconut, fresh fruit, and lagoon admission. Some outings also include town sights and a sandbank refreshment stop.

“This was a lovely way to see the Negombo lagoon. Having refreshments on the sand bank in the water was fun. Our guide was informative and helped make the short trip very enjoyable.”

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2.Negombo Lagoon Boat Safari From Negombo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · from $43

Explore Negombo Lagoon by boat for about two to three hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk. Your guide points out birds, monkeys, lizards, mangroves, fishing boats, and local waterways. Expect refreshments such as fresh fruit and coconut water, with guides including Raugh, Raju, and Mihndu on some departures.

“Spent a nice half a day on the water. Saw various birds, cute monkeys and a very large lizard - water monitor. Snack stop was very welcome - fruit platter and coconut water from the real coconut. Smooth pickup & drop off at my hotel.”

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3.Guided Kayaking Tour in the Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 23 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Set out from Captain's Landing for a private two-hour kayak trip across Negombo Lagoon. A local English-speaking guide gives a 15-minute safety lesson, then leads you through mangroves where you may see birds, monkeys, and a swimming monitor lizard. Sunrise and sunset departures are available, with a sea bath possible in suitable weather.

“It was great fun paddling in the lagoon and going through the mangrove, but the kayaks might be too big for that. Some spots were quite small, and I assume most people are not experienced on kayaks. Some of our group struggled to make it through. The tide was low, which made the kayaks bog. I had to sit at the back of a 3-seater, so I had to find ways to make my kayak move. At one point, I got out and pushed it. The guide told me not to do that because the oysters' edges are sharp, but I was tired of being stucked. I think the company…”

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4.Negombo Private Tour: Market, Temples & Canal

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $19Best value

See Negombo through a private 3 to 6-hour tour with an English, Japanese, or Sinhala-speaking guide. Visit the fish market, dry fish area, St. Mary’s Church, Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil, St. Sebastian’s Church, the Dutch Canal, and Angurukaramulla Temple. Pickup and drop-off are available in Negombo, Katunayake, Waikkal, and Waikkala Beach.

“Antonio was helpful, polite and knowledgeable. He drove us safely to all the interesting sights in Negombo. It was really good to get into an air conditioned car in between stops!”

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