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Crescent tropical beach with palm trees and turquoise water

East Coast · 9 Days

East Coast & Open Water: A 9-Day Private Sri Lanka Tour

Empty golden bays, warm reefs, and long slow days on the island's quieter shore — nine days of open water and open road.

From USD 1,040 per person

Tour Overview

Where the monsoon forgets to hurry

The east coast moves differently — wider beaches, shallower bays, and a surf culture that feels a world away from the south. From Trincomalee's deep harbour to Arugam Bay's long right-handers and Pasikudah's bath-warm shallows, this is a journey for swimmers, snorkellers, and anyone who wants the sea to set the schedule.

Duration
9 Days
Destinations
East Coast
Travel Style
Beach & Relax
Best Time to Travel
April – September (dry season on the east coast)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Eastward

Drive from Colombo across the island to the eastern shore.

  • Scenic crossing
  • Village lunch
  • Coastal arrival

Day 2

Trincomalee harbour
Koneswaram temple above Trincomalee harbour

Koneswaram on the cliff, dolphin watching, and the deepest natural harbour in Asia.

  • Koneswaram temple
  • Harbour cruise
  • Snorkelling

Day 3

Nilaveli & Pigeon Island
Nilaveli beach near Pigeon Island

Boat to the reef sanctuary — turquoise water and reef fish at arm's length.

  • Pigeon Island
  • Snorkelling
  • Beach afternoon

Day 4

Whale watching
Whale surfacing in deep blue water

Pre-dawn boat for blue whales and sperm whales in the deep eastern channel.

  • Whale cruise
  • Dolphin pods
  • Seafood lunch

Day 5

Pasikudah bay

Shallow, warm water that stretches hundreds of metres — ideal for unhurried swimming.

  • Bay swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Sunset walk

Day 6

Batticaloa lagoon

Singing fish at dusk, lagoon birding, and the Kallady bridge at sunset.

  • Lagoon cruise
  • Bird watching
  • Local cuisine

Day 7

Arugam Bay
Long beach and surf break at Arugam Bay

The surf point, the fishing village, and the long empty beach beyond.

  • Surf lesson
  • Beach walk
  • Village dinner

Day 8

Kumana or relax

Optional safari in Kumana National Park or a final beach day — your choice.

  • Kumana safari option
  • Beach time
  • Farewell dinner

Day 9

Return

Drive back to Colombo or the airport.

  • Flexible timing
  • En-route stop
  • Airport transfer

Journey Highlights

Beaches

Wildlife

Village Tours

Heritage

Inclusions & Exclusions

Starting from

Starting price USD 1,040 / person

Final pricing depends on dates, group size, and how you like to travel.

Inclusions
  • Private vehicle with licensed chauffeur-guide
  • Fuel, parking, and highway tolls
  • Accommodation arranged to match your style (confirmed on enquiry)
  • Airport meet-and-greet on arrival day
Exclusions
  • International flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Meals unless specified
  • Entrance fees to parks and monuments
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the east coast good for families?

Pasikudah's shallow bay is ideal for children. We match beach days and pacing to your family's swimming confidence.

Scuba divers exploring a coral reef with a school of yellow fish

Sri Lanka Coasts

Scuba Diving Experiences

7 Days · Private Tour · Scuba & Reef

Seasonal diving on two coasts — Nilaveli and Trincomalee from April to September, Hikkaduwa from October to March — plus PADI Discover Scuba for beginners.

Starting price USD 1,180 / person

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Wild elephant crossing a track with the southern coast beyond

Deep South

Wild South, Safari & Sea

6 Days · Private Tour · Wildlife & Coast

Dawn game drives in leopard country, then warm southern bays and whale-rich mornings.

Starting price USD 760 / person

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Galle Fort ramparts meeting the ocean at golden hour

Island-wide

The Grand Island Journey

12 Days · Private Tour · Grand Tour

Coast to hills, end to end — the complete island, unhurried, at your own rhythm.

Starting price USD 1,680 / person

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Crescent tropical beach with palm trees and turquoise water

Open water

Customise This Tour

Tell us your dates and we'll balance beach days with the harbour and reef experiences you want.

From USD 1,040

9 Days

Colombo Shore ExcursionsWhatsApp