Gal Oya Boat Safari
A half-day boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya in Gal Oya National Park, eastern Sri Lanka – one of the few places in the world where you may see elephants swimming between islands. Quiet, remote and wild.
- Location: Gal Oya
- Duration: Half Day
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: Open all year. The dry season, roughly March to September, gives the best chance of elephants swimming and feeding on the shore. Morning trips are best for calm water and birdlife.
About this experience
The Gal Oya Boat Safari is a half-day private boat trip (about 3 hours) on Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka's largest reservoir, inside Gal Oya National Park in the east of the island. Gal Oya is one of the country's least-visited parks, which makes it peaceful and wild. It suits nature lovers, photographers and travellers looking for something different from jeep safaris. What makes Gal Oya special? It is one of the few places in the world where wild elephants are known to swim between islands in a lake. You may also see elephants feeding along the shore, crocodiles, water birds and eagles. What happens on the boat safari? You'll cruise between forested islands, stop at rocky islets where cormorants and other birds rest, and watch the shoreline for elephants, deer and buffalo. Some islands, including Bird Island, are home to large colonies of water birds. Is seeing swimming elephants guaranteed? No. It depends on the season and the herds' movements, but elephants along the shore are seen often. What else can you do in Gal Oya? Jeep safaris in the park, hikes to viewpoints, and an optional visit to a Vedda community, Sri Lanka's indigenous people, at Rathugala. How far is Gal Oya from Arugam Bay and Ella? Around 2 hours from Arugam Bay and about 3 hours from Ella, near Inginiyagala in Ampara District. Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.Highlights
- Boat safari on Sri Lanka's largest reservoir
- Chance to see elephants swimming
- Forested islands and Bird Island
- Crocodiles and water birds
- Quiet
- rarely visited park
- Optional Vedda community visit
- Morning boat departure
Travel tips
Wear a hat, sunscreen and neutral colours. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. Life jackets are provided; wear them. Keep noise low near wildlife. Pair it with a stay in an eco-lodge near the park.