Home » Things to do and see » River Safari in Polwatta

Polwatta river is located in the south of Sri Lanka in Weligama area. It opens to the Indian Ocean from Polwathumodara estuary is a very wide and a beautiful estuary in Sri Lanka. Treat yourself to a laid-back Polwatta River boat ride and immerse yourself in the scenic wonder of the southern coast. The tranquil river is flanked by lush mangroves abound with various species of birds and reptiles.

The water of the river is dotted with small islands and the banks are all covered with lush mangrove forests that are home to dozens of incredible animal species. Enjoy hundreds of vibrant tropical birds and a few crocodiles if you’re lucky enough. These creatures are pretty rare and don’t like crowds. You will also observe some authentic fish hunting.

Boat riders will take you from busy ocean atmosphere into a labyrinth of mangrove forests and exotic plants. There you will see hundreds of beautiful birds including Crimson-fronted barbet, wood peckers, king fishers, Black-hooded oriole and many, many others. A fish breeding center is located in the middle of the river offering an insight into the breeding cycle of local fish species. Polwatta river is a fragile ecosystem that is home to many rare animal species. it’s a real treasure trove for ecologists and biologists.

Fisherman in Polwatta river	Polwatta river in Pelena, Weligama
Polwatta river safari in Weligama

Eco system around Polwatta river

The Polwatta river flows through a terrain where it creates a small number of islands, and the eco system creates a beautiful wetland. A boat safari is a wonderful way of seeing some of the hundreds of species of plants and animals monkeys eat fruit in the trees, a water monitor lizard glides slowly through the water, and cormorants, crocodile’s egrets and kingfishers wait patiently on the banks, eyeing the water for prey.

King Fisher near river banks

Birds in river banks, Polwatta

How to get in to a river safari boat in Weligama?

There are several places where the boat rides can be arranged. Main docking areas situated in Polwathumodara mini harbor, Polwatta bridge, Denipitiya Bridge. Sometimes most of the river safari can be arrange without prior booking. Which means if you could visit the docking place and see the boat service providers and ask how much they hire for one hour boat tour. Please note that take your own safety precautions try to ride boat with life jackets. If you stop your tuk tuk or scooter in the docking area it advisable to keep them in your lodge and come back by walking. Sometimes arrangements of the boat safari will start on demand it means it has to be prior booking or scheduling. Therefore, you can easily contact your local tour operator or the hotel owner to arrange on behalf of for you.


Note: Below map shows the possible starting points where river safari can be start and arrange. There is no guarantee that persons always available for the boat ride therefore please do prior contact and bookings for your own boat rides.

Possible locations to take boat for river safari in Weligama:

Boat service providers with accommodations

Several hotels and and villas provide river safari facility. Hotels near Polwathumodara estuary like  Mandara Resort, Twenty-Two Weligambay, Backpackers Weligama bay, Villa sea open space, Relax Beach Resort, Jagabay Resort & Restaurant, Weligama Bay Eco Villa, Aussie Swiss Beach Resort provides boat facility. And some of villas and lodges are located near riverbanks has their own canoeing and boat facilities to explore Polwatta river with your own. They are Third Eye, The Leaf, Luvi Lucas River Side, Skywalker Guest House, River View Villa, Pelli Riverine, O2 Villas - Weligama, Green Orange Villa.

Boat service provide by river side Villas

River bank view from Villa's

More fun in Polwatta river?

More fun in Polwatta river why not try Paramotor (Paraglider) on Polwatta river area with Skywalker Guest House or Crocodile safari in Nilwala river in Polhena, Matara.

Paramotor sessions by Skywalker in Polwatta river

Paraglider sessions by Skywalker in Weligama