Arugam Bay Lagoon Excursions - Pottuvil Lagoon

A lagoon Boat excursion on a traditional village canoe near Arugam Bay

Ideal for birdwatchers!

This community-based excursion supports a local association and social enterprise that helps farmers and community guides to increase their livelihood in the east coast of Sri Lanka. By booking this experience, you will also help the local farmers’ association and local community guides. The excursion will start at 5:00-5:30 am or in the evening at 3:45pm: we recommend to go in the early morning if you wish to see more birdlife!

This tour is an unforgettable experience that combines wildlife observation and culture.

Tour Highlights

Many species of birds, crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephants, water buffaloes,
Quiet water experience alongside wildlife and fishermen
A Buddhist temple visit

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Arugam Bay

PACKAGE DURATION

7 hours

INCLUDED

Community English Speaking Guide	Transport from/to Arugam Bay
Catamaran boat	Coconut Refreshments	Binoculars, bird and wildlife guide books

NOT INCLUDED

Accommodation in Arugam Bay.

Guide tips and extras

Rates are per person on a 2 pax basis . Please enquire for larger groups.

5:00 am | Departure

Early in the morning, at 5:30 a.m or in the afternoon at 3:45 p.m your guide and Tuk-Tuk driver will pick you
up in your hotel. The morning hours are the best to watch wildlife, but if you are not a morning person, or
prefer afternoons, there is still a lot to see.
After a short drive from Arugam Bay you will arrive with your guide at the lagoon and meet the members of the fisherman association that will be hosting you on their boat for the tour.
Early in the morning, life in the lagoon slowly wakes up as the fishermen and wildlife emerges for the day. A lot of birds are cruising the sky and perching on the mangroves to look for food. The lagoon is the home for a lot of animals. You will have the opportunity to see big crocodiles bathing in the morning sun, elephants foraging with their young calves and also the rare Monitor Lizard, which are one of the biggest in the world.
The lagoon is surrounded by mangrove forests that are home to an abundance of wildlife. Above the water
we can see many species but under water it is a nursery for marine life, fishes, prawns, and crabs.

Your guide will explain the ecosystem of the lagoon, that includes animals, plants and the fishermen that rely on it for their livelihood.

7:00 am | Muhudu Maha Vihara Temple

After finishing the tour in the lagoon, on your way back to Arugam Bay, you will visit Muhudu Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple that is over 2,000 years old. This temple celebrates the event of King Kavan Tissa (205-161 BC) who met his wife, Vihara Maha Devi in this location.