Authentic Sri Lankan Fishing Experience

Distance: 10 km from Airport | Travel Time: ~30 minutes Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo, Sri Lanka's traditional fishing hub. Check-in at a charming coastal guesthouse. Afternoon: Visit the famous Negombo Fish Market – one of the largest in Sri Lanka. Witness the morning's catch being auctioned, learn about different fish species, and observe the bustling fish trade that has sustained this community for centuries. Late Afternoon: Walk through the fishing village with a local guide. Meet fishing families, see traditional boat-making, and learn about the Portuguese-influenced Catholic culture unique to Negombo. Evening: Welcome dinner at a seaside restaurant featuring the day's fresh catch prepared in authentic Negombo style – spicy, coconut-rich fish curries. Accommodation: Jetwing Beach Negombo or The Beach Boutique Hotel – comfortable coastal properties near the fishing harbor.

Distance: 120 km | Travel Time: ~3 hours (to Weligama) Early Morning (4:30 AM): Deep-sea fishing excursion with experienced local fishermen. Board a traditional multi-day fishing boat for a 4-5 hour trip into deeper waters. Target species include Tuna, Sailfish, Barracuda, and Trevally. All equipment and guidance provided. Mid-Morning: Return to shore with your catch. Breakfast at a beachside café. Midday: Transfer to Weligama/Mirissa area on the southern coast – famous for traditional stilt fishing. Afternoon: Meet stilt fishermen in their iconic perches. Learn the technique and try balancing on a stilt in the shallow waters (don't worry, it's harder than it looks!). Wonderful photo opportunities. Evening: Catch-and-cook dinner – have your morning's catch prepared by a local chef. Choose your cooking style: traditional fish curry, grilled with local spices, or devilled fish. Accommodation: Mirissa Hills or Weligama Bay Resort – beachfront properties with fishing village access.

Full day in Weligama/Mirissa area Early Morning: Join local fishermen for traditional beach seine net fishing (Ma-Del). Participate in the community effort of pulling in the nets – an activity unchanged for generations. Share the experience with the fishing families. Morning: Visit a boat-building yard to see traditional outrigger canoes (Oruwa) being handcrafted. Learn about the sustainable practices passed down through generations. Afternoon: Leisure time. Options include: - Relaxing beach time at Mirissa Beach - Snorkeling at nearby coral sites - Visit local markets and fishing cooperatives Late Afternoon: Prepare for the night fishing experience. Briefing on techniques and safety. Evening: Night Fishing Excursion (6 PM - 11 PM). Experience the magic of fishing under the stars. Local fishermen use traditional lanterns to attract squid and surface fish. Enjoy snacks and refreshments on board. Late Night: Return to shore. Light supper featuring grilled fresh catch. Accommodation: Mirissa Hills or Weligama Bay Resort

Distance: 120 km to Airport | Travel Time: ~3 hours Early Morning: Serene lagoon fishing at Koggala Lagoon. Paddle in a traditional outrigger canoe with a local fisherman. Try hand-line fishing in the calm, mangrove-fringed waters. Spot kingfishers, egrets, and monitor lizards. Morning: Breakfast with the fishing community. Participate in a brief fish auction if timing aligns. Late Morning: Visit Galle Fort (30 minutes away). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, browse artisan shops, and pick up souvenirs including dried fish and fishing-themed crafts. Afternoon: Scenic coastal drive to Bandaranaike International Airport. Departure: Leave with incredible memories, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka's fishing heritage. Optional: If morning flight, the lagoon fishing can be done the previous evening.