7 Days / 6 Nights
Private wildlife and coastal holiday
November to April for whale watching. February to July for Yala leopard sightings. December to March for combined best experience.
Overview
Go deeper into Sri Lanka with a private wildlife experience
The perfect combination of Sri Lanka's two most exciting wildlife experiences and its most charming coastal heritage destination. Yala Block 1 has the highest concentration of leopards of any national park on earth. The waters off Mirissa offer blue whale and sperm whale sightings between November and April. And Galle Fort is one of Asia's most beautifully preserved colonial towns. This private route covers all three with total flexibility.
Leopard safaris in Yala, whale watching off Mirissa and the UNESCO charm of Galle Fort — Sri Lanka's south coast at its most rewarding.
Each day is planned with private transport, clear local guidance, and enough flexibility to slow down, add meaningful stops, or shape the journey around the way you like to travel.
Tour highlights
- Yala National Park — world's highest density of wild leopards
- Elephants, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, and 215+ bird species in Yala
- Mirissa whale watching — blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins
- Galle Fort — 36km of Dutch-built ramparts and atmospheric colonial lanes
- Coconut Tree Hill at Mirissa — one of Sri Lanka's most photographed viewpoints
- Secret Beach, Mirissa — a quiet cove away from the main crowd
- Udawalawe optional extension — guaranteed elephant sightings
- Sunset on Galle Fort ramparts with views to the Indian Ocean
Places you will visit
Heritage
Galle
A 17th century Dutch-built fort city on the southern coast — UNESCO World Heritage Site, boutique hotels, galleries, cafes and one of Asia's most dramatic sunsets.
Beach
Mirissa
A golden crescent beach on Sri Lanka's southern tip — the best place in the Indian Ocean to watch blue whales, with warm calm water, coconut palms and seafood restaurants.
Wildlife
Yala National Park
Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife park — home to the world's highest concentration of wild leopards, large elephant herds, sloth bears and 215 species of birds.
Not to miss in this tour
- Yala National Park — world's highest density of wild leopards
- Elephants, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, and 215+ bird species in Yala
- Mirissa whale watching — blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins
Things you will do
- Private transfer from Colombo or airport south to Galle (approx. 2 hours on the Southern Expressway). Check in at your Galle Fort hotel — waking up inside the 17th century walls is one of Sri Lanka's great pleasures. Evening walk along the ramparts at golden hour with views to the lighthouse and Indian Ocean.
- Morning: guided walk of Galle Fort — Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints Anglican Church, the National Museum, and hidden gem streets with boutique jewellers, cafes and galleries. Afternoon: drive along the coastal villages east of Galle — stilt fishermen at Koggala, turtle conservation centre at Habaraduwa, and the colourful fishing harbour at Unawatuna.
- Drive east along the southern coast to Mirissa (approx. 45 minutes). Spend the day at this beautiful crescent beach with its turquoise lagoon, palm-fringed shore and relaxed cafes. Afternoon: walk to Coconut Tree Hill for panoramic ocean views, then explore Secret Beach for a quieter swim. Evening: fresh seafood dinner by the beach.
- Early 6:30 AM departure by boat into the deep waters south of Mirissa. Between November and April, the channel is a feeding and migration corridor for blue whales — the largest animals on earth — plus sperm whales, Bryde's whales, spinner dolphins and flying fish. 4-hour excursion with licensed operator. Afternoon: beach leisure or Mirissa fishermen's harbour visit.
- Morning at leisure, then drive east to Yala (approx. 2 hours from Mirissa). Check into your jungle lodge or safari camp. Afternoon game drive in Yala Block 1 — covering scrubland, lagoons, beach forests and rocky outcrops with golden evening light for photography.
FAQ
Is this tour for me?
Wildlife Safari & South Coast Retreat works well for travelers who want private wildlife and coastal holiday with private transport and flexible pacing.
Can it be tailor-made?
Yes. We can adjust the route, pickup point, hotels, pace, sightseeing stops, and travel dates around your plans.
When should I go?
November to April for whale watching. February to July for Yala leopard sightings. December to March for combined best experience.
What will transfers cover?
Pickup, sightseeing transfers, and drop-off can be arranged privately based on your confirmed itinerary.
