Galle Fort & Stilt Fishermen

FULL INITERARY

Discover a unique way to experience this full day Colombo shore excursion, combining the iconic Stilt Fishermen with the UNESCO listed Galle Fort, a Tsunami Museum visit, a Moonstone Mine tour, the Ariyapala Mask Museum, and a stop at a Sea Turtle Hatchery.

Stilt Fishermen

Your guide and driver from Shore Excursions Asia will pick you up at the port and head south along the scenic coastal road to meet the stilt fishermen, perched on their wooden poles above the shallow waters. This centuries old fishing technique is now largely ceremonial, but it remains one of Sri Lanka's most recognizable and photogenic traditions.

Galle Fort

Continue to Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. Stroll the cobblestone streets along the ramparts, browse boutique shops and artisanal galleries, and take in sweeping ocean views before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Community Tsunami Museum

Visit the Community Tsunami Museum, a moving tribute to those affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Through photographs, personal stories, and educational exhibits, the museum reflects on the disaster and the resilience of local communities in its aftermath.

Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine

Next, explore the Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine, where Sri Lanka's world famous gemstones are extracted from depths of 10 to 20 meters and polished using centuries old techniques passed down through generations of miners.

Ariyapala Mask Museum

Continue to the Ariyapala Mask Museum, where skilled artisans demonstrate the traditional Sri Lankan art of hand carving and painting wooden masks, historically used in theatre, dance, and festivals. Guests can even try decorating a mask of their own.

Sea Turtle Hatchery

Round out the day at a Sea Turtle Hatchery, home to several species of sea turtles. Learn about ongoing conservation and rehabilitation efforts before returning to the Port of Colombo in time to rejoin your cruise.