What can tourists actually see on a Negombo lagoon boat tour?
Our flight lands in the morning and we have one full day in Negombo before heading south. Is the lagoon boat tour actually worth doing or is it a tourist trap.
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2 Answers from travellers
The Negombo lagoon and Hamilton Canal boat tour is genuinely worth doing especially as a relaxing first day activity after a long flight. You will glide through dense mangrove forests spotting kingfishers, water monitors, and egrets. The traditional fishing communities still use ancient outrigger canoes called oruwas and sail them in small fleets at sunrise.
Book directly with a fisherman at the Negombo fish market rather than going through a hotel which marks up the price significantly. A two hour private boat tour should cost around three thousand rupees for the entire boat. Bring binoculars if you have them and a hat as there is no shade on the small boats.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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