Galoya National Park Boat Safari from Ella, Mirissa, Arugambay
Galoya boat safari on the way you visit Arugam-bay from Ella. Gal Oya National Park is famous for its boat safaris and the most practical way of going to boat safari when your traveling to Arugam Bay from Ella, which is halfway through on Monaragala – Arugam Bay road. The best time to go on the boar safari is at 6 AM or at 3 PM when the sunlight is not too harsh. Boat safari affords the opportunity to land on an island within the reservoir called Bird Island swarming with birds.
Description
Galoya National Park lies in the southeast of Sri Lanka and to the west of Ampara. It was established in 1954 by the Gal Oya Development Board mainly to protect the catchment area of the “Senanayake Samudra” Reservoir and was then handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1965. Gal Oya National Park spreads over an area of 25,900 hectares. Together with Senanayake Samudra Sanctuary (9,324ha), Gal Oya Valley North-East Sanctuary (12,432ha), Gal Oya Valley South-West Sanctuary (15,281ha), the whole Gal Oya Reservation makes an area of 62, 937 ha of wildlife conservation.
Gal Oya National Park is a sanctuary to 32 species of terrestrial mammals. The highest populations are common Languor, endemic Toque Macaque, Leopards, sloth bears, Elephants, Wild Boars, three species of deer and Water Buffalo. Approximately 150 species of birds, out of a total of 334 species in Sri Lanka, can be seen at Gal Oya National Park. The Lesser Adjutant, Spot-billed Pelican, and Red-faced Malkoha are some of the park’s resident birds. The Indian Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, and Lesser Whistling Duck are among the common water birds of the Senanayake reservoir. The White-bellied Sea Eagle and Grey-headed Fish Eagle are the notable raptors of the area. Gal Oya National Park’s butterfly species include the endemic Lesser Albatross.
The best time to visit Gal Oya National Park is from March to July. During this period, the boat safaris bring the spectacle of herds of elephants swimming from one island to another in the great Senanayaka Samudra reservoir.
We organise and arrange your safari experience from Ella to suit your convenience, offering morning and afternoon safaris.
Tour Highlight
- Half-day and full-day safari
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Experienced and safe Drivers
- English speaking private guide | Driver
- Entrance fees including all taxes
- Available refreshment & 1.5L bottle of water per guest
Additional Informations: Before making a reservation at 4restlanka Tours we encourage you to follow this information, Not recommended for pregnant women | Not recommended for participant with serious medical conditions | Vegetarian option is available and if food affects your health conditions please inform us before the tour | The tour and visit some destinations may change depending on weather conditions | The duration of the transfers will depend on the time of day and traffic condition | Recommend to wear shoes for your choice | Lower price rate in Sri Lanka | Prices depend on how many people in your party
Wietske Reijsenbach –
My sister and I did a boat safari in Gal Oya (would absolutely recommend; much quieter and less touristy and swimming elephants!!). Dylan was our very kind and knowledgeable tour guide. The price for the safari was very reasonable and even included pick up and drop off at our stay 3,5 hours away.
We got a lovely breakfast and snack on the way back to our hotel.
We would absolutely recommend booking with Dylan; he is kind, knowledgeable and very passionate about what he does!
We got to see a swimming elephant, which is quite rare, but because Dylan recommended going at 6:30 in the morning, the chances were upped!
Thank you Dylan!
Alex – United Kingdom –
We did a boat safari in Galoya National Park with Dylan. It was so peaceful compared to the big, busy parks, which made the whole experience even more special. Dylan was a wonderful host, really laid back, professional, and you could tell he really enjoyed what he was doing.
We saw plenty of other animals, including elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and lots of different birds. Great communication from the company and easily rescheduled a tour for me, very grateful!
Thanks again, Dylan! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quieter, more authentic safari experience.