Tangalle Coastal Escape Day Tour
Tangalle is absolutely worth visiting, but it serves a different purpose than the beaches of Mirissa or Unawatuna. It’s best known for its dramatic, rugged scenery and a much more tranquil, spread-out vibe. It’s a place for relaxation and nature over parties and socializing.
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Why Tangalle is Worth Visiting: The Highlights
- Stunning & Varied Beaches: Tangalle isn’t just one beach; it’s a series of beautiful and distinct coves.
- Medaketiya Beach & Mawella Beach: These are the main swimming beaches. They are long, sandy, and sheltered by a bay, making the water relatively calm (especially outside the monsoon season). This is where most guesthouses and small cafes are located.
- Goyambokka Beach & Secret Beach: Picture-perfect, smaller coves framed by palm trees and large boulders. The water is often crystal-clear and great for a dip. Goyambokka has a few excellent beachfront restaurants.
- Ridiyagama Beach (Sandy Bay): Known for its rustic charm and being a turtle nesting site.
- Tranquil and Relaxed Atmosphere: Compared to the bustling south-coast hubs like Mirissa, Tangalle is significantly more laid-back and peaceful. It’s a haven for couples, honeymooners, and travelers looking to escape the crowds. The nightlife is minimal, focusing on chilled-out beach bars.
- A Gateway to Key Attractions: Tangalle is perfectly positioned for day trips to some of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife and natural wonders.
- Bundala National Park: A birdwatcher’s paradise, often considered a quieter alternative to Yala, known for its flocks of flamingos and diverse birdlife (approx. 45-min drive).
- Uda Walawe National Park: The best place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, almost guaranteed. (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
- Hummanaya Blow Hole: The only known blowhole in Sri Lanka, which shoots seawater high into the air (approx. 30-min drive).
- Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara: An ancient rock temple complex, often called “Little Sigiriya,” with incredible views (approx. 30-min drive).
- Turtle Watching: Several beaches around Tangalle are key nesting sites for endangered sea turtles. In the evening, with a responsible guide, you can often see turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or, later in the season, hatchlings making their way to the sea.
Tagline: Discover Secluded Bays, Turtle Sanctuaries & Dramatic Coastal Scenery!
Tour Code: TAN-01
Quick Overview
- Duration: Full Day (Approx. 10-12 hours)
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Colombo, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, or Mirissa.
- Highlight: Exploring hidden beaches and rock formations at Hummanaya Blow Hole.
- Key Attractions: Hummanaya Blow Hole, Turtle Conservation Project, Silent Beach, Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara.
- Perfect For: Nature lovers, couples seeking seclusion, photographers, and beach enthusiasts.
Detailed Itinerary
07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: Morning Hotel Pick-up
Your coastal exploration begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel.
08:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Scenic Drive to Tangalle
Travel along the southern coast, passing through charming fishing villages and lush countryside.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Hummanaya Blow Hole
Witness Sri Lanka’s only blow hole, where sea water erupts dramatically through a natural rock formation. The sight and sound are particularly impressive during high tide.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Turtle Conservation Project
Visit a local turtle hatchery to learn about conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures. See and sometimes even release baby turtles into the ocean (seasonal).
12:30 PM – 01:30 PM: Beachside Seafood Lunch
Enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant overlooking one of Tangalle’s beautiful bays.
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM: Silent Beach & Secluded Coves
Discover Tangalle’s most beautiful beaches:
- Silent Beach: A crescent-shaped bay with golden sand and calm turquoise waters
- Medaketiya Beach: Long stretch of pristine sand perfect for swimming
- Goyambokka Beach: Secluded cove surrounded by palm trees and rock formations
03:00 PM – 04:00 PM: Mulkirigala Rock Temple
Optional cultural stop: Climb this ancient rock temple often called “Little Sigiriya” for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
04:00 PM: Begin Return Journey
Start your comfortable journey back along the coast.
06:00 PM – 07:00 PM: Hotel Drop-off
You will be dropped off at your hotel, relaxed and refreshed by the coastal serenity.
What’s Included & Excluded
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| ✅ Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off | ❌ Personal Expenses |
| ✅ Transport in Private A/C Vehicle | ❌ Tips & Gratuities |
| ✅ Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur | ❌ Turtle Hatchery Donation (~$5-10) |
| ✅ Bottled Water & Refreshments | ❌ Lunch |
| ✅ All Government Taxes & Service Charges | ❌ Any items not mentioned above |
Pricing & Options
- Private Tour:
- 1-2 Persons: $75
- 3-4 Persons: $110
- Romantic Package:
- Add private beach setup with drinks and snacks (+$50 per couple)
- Family Package:
- Includes turtle hatchery donation and beach toys (+$25 per family)
Tour Variations
- Tangalle Adventure: Focus on surfing lessons and rock jumping
- Tangalle Relaxation: Maximum beach time with luxury beach club access
- Tangalle Cultural: Emphasis on rock temple and local village life