Colombo
Colombo Shore Excursions – Gateway to Sri Lanka
Discover Colombo on a private shore excursion with Bakadi Dreams – the personal way to explore the vibrant capital and the beautiful west coast of Sri Lanka. When your cruise ship docks in Colombo, an exciting blend of Asian energy, colonial history, Buddhist culture and tropical charm awaits you.
As Sri Lanka’s most important economic centre, Colombo is the ideal starting point for discovering the many facets of this captivating island. From here you can drift through mangrove rivers on the palm-fringed west coast, meet gentle elephants at a famous sanctuary, or admire ornate temples and lively city life.
Every Bakadi Dreams excursion runs in a small, private group with a friendly English-speaking guide, at a relaxed pace and with a guaranteed return to your cruise ship in good time.
Why book your Colombo excursion with Bakadi Dreams?
- Friendly English-speaking guides
- Small, private groups – no big coach crowds
- Guaranteed return to your cruise ship
- 20+ years of experience with cruise passengers
Shore Excursions from Colombo
Colombo is the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka. From this port our private shore excursions reach temples, markets, elephants and river safaris. Moreover, every tour includes a friendly English-speaking guide. Above all, we guarantee a relaxed pace and a punctual return to your cruise ship.
How far can you get from Colombo in a day?
Colombo sits on Sri Lanka’s west coast, and the answer depends entirely on which direction you head. South along the coastal road lie the lagoons and mangrove channels of Bentota, where a river safari brings you close to monitor lizards, kingfishers and mangrove crabs. Inland, the road climbs towards Pinnawela and its elephant sanctuary. North of the city, Negombo’s fishing harbour and canal system show the Portuguese and Dutch side of the island. All three make a full day, so we set off early and keep an eye on the clock.
If you would rather stay close, Colombo itself repays a slow morning: the Gangaramaya temple, the colonial arcades of the Fort district, the Pettah bazaar streets and the sea wall at Galle Face Green. A city tour leaves plenty of time for a tea shop and a market stop, and it is the safer choice when your ship leaves early in the afternoon.
Every Colombo excursion is private. Your guide meets you at the cruise terminal, you travel in an air-conditioned car or minibus, and you decide how long to linger at each stop. Choose a tour below, or tell us your ship and hours ashore and we will recommend one.
