Gal Oya’s Swimming Elephants

Gal Oya Boat Safari

A unique wildlife experience in Sri Lanka offering a different perspective as you cruise through Sri
Lanka’s largest lake, the Senanayake Samudra, by boat for a wildlife safari. This experience highlights Gal Oya boat safari.

Golden sunset over Gal Oya Lake with glowing skies and silhouetted mountains – peaceful scene near gal oya national park

Large crocodile basking on dry riverbank in the wild – thrilling wildlife sighting near jungle hotel Sri Lanka

Type

Wildlife

Duration

Approx. 4 hours (2 ½ hours boat ride & 1 ½ hour transport to and from).

Difficulty

Easy

What to wear

Light airy neutral colored clothes, hat, sunglasses & raincoat if needed

Includes

Hotel Naturalist or staff, life jacket, tickets & a snack. Transport as supplement

Manmade in 1949, the reservoir is surrounded by the Gal Oya National Park and is the setting for the boat safari. See elephants from the lake as they gather close to the water to drink and if you’re lucky even swim from island to island- a truly unique sight! The reservoir is also home to abundant birdlife, crocodiles, deer and more which can be spotted during the 2-hour boat safari. During the experience, you will stop for a snack and tea or coffee with a lovely panorama.