Our signature safariThe Private Classic
Mangroves, a temple island and a cinnamon demonstration. A little more time to take it all in.
USD 25per adult · minimum 2 / USD 50 total
View safariSafari packages
Madu River Safari Packages & Prices
Choose your private boat journey through Madu Ganga in Balapitiya. Compare the routes and applicable fares here, then add optional hotel services when booking.
Life jackets provided for your boat safariWear yours securely fastened throughout the journey. Read our safety instructions.Our signature safari 
A shorter escape
For nature lovers
A longer river day
Sri Lankan visitors only
Groups of 20+
NationalityChoose Local or Foreign to see your applicable packages and prices.
Our signature safariA shorter escapeThe Standard Safari
An easy introduction to the river, with mangrove channels and a cinnamon island demonstration.
USD 20per adult · minimum 2 / USD 40 total
View safariFor nature loversThe Birdwatching Safari
Slower cruising, quiet wetland edges and more time to watch the river’s birds. Sightings vary.
USD 35per adult · minimum 2 / USD 70 total
View safariA longer river dayRiver & Turtle Visit
The Private Classic route paired with an educational visit to an agreed turtle venue.
USD 45per adult · minimum 2 / USD 90 total
View safariSri Lankan visitors onlyA River Day with Lunch
A private river outing followed by an agreed Sri Lankan lunch. Tailored to your party.
Local visitors onlyChoose the Sri Lankan visitor catalogue
View safariGroups of 20+Together on the River
A river outing for your company, club or organised group, with enough boats for everyone.
On requestMinimum 20 guests · tailored quotation
View safariUnderstand your safari fare
Foreign fares are in USD per adult, with a minimum of two paying adults. Guests aged 12 and over pay the adult rate; children aged 5–11 pay 50% of that rate; infants and children under 5 travel free on per-person safari fares. The boat is private to your booking party. Group tours and arrangements without a configured fixed fare need a quotation.
Local Standard, Private Classic and Birdwatching fares are in LKR per private boat, with a minimum party of two. The whole-boat fare stays the same when children or infants travel. The Local turtle combination is a total for two adults; a party with children needs a complete quotation for that bundle. Larger parties, lunch and group arrangements may also need a quotation.
The boat ride and the stops described in your selected package form the itinerary. Read the individual safari for its exact inclusions. Fish-spa participation, purchases and any additional activity charges are separate unless your offer expressly includes them. Wildlife and flowering depend on natural conditions.
Age discounts apply to per-person safari fares. They do not reduce whole-boat fares or hotel vehicle charges, or make separately charged meals, admissions or activities free.
Individual trips need at least two guests. Groups need at least 20. Every passenger, including children and infants, counts toward the assigned boat’s actual 8- or 9-passenger limit. Displayed durations are planning allowances.
Safety & life jackets
Life jackets provided.
A few good habits for the river.
Wear your life jacket securely fastened throughout the boat journey and follow the boat operator’s instructions. Please read these practical steps before you board.
Check your life-jacket fit
Ask the crew to check the fit before departure. Fasten the straps and buckles as directed, keep the jacket on while aboard, and tell the crew immediately if anything is loose or will not fasten.
Board carefully and stay seated
Wait for the crew’s signal before boarding or stepping ashore. Move carefully, use a secure handhold and sit where directed. Remain seated while the boat is moving; avoid standing for photographs or crowding one side.
Keep children close
Keep children close at the jetty, on board and during stops. A life jacket does not replace adult supervision. Tell us their ages and approximate sizes before your visit so suitable fit and boarding needs can be checked.
Listen before departure
Listen to the safety briefing and follow the crew’s directions. If anything is unclear, ask before leaving the jetty. Let the crew know if you need help boarding, and keep bags clear of the walkway.
Let conditions guide the trip
Follow the crew’s decision about weather, water conditions and safe stops. The departure or route may need to change for safety. Bring drinking water and sun protection, and secure loose belongings before the boat moves.
Keep hands and feet inside
Keep your hands and feet inside the boat while cruising. Do not swim in the river or enter the water to retrieve dropped belongings. Observe crocodiles and other wildlife from a distance without feeding, touching or disturbing them.
Ask before boarding. Speak up during the trip.
If you need boarding assistance, are unsure about a life jacket or feel unwell, tell the crew. If something falls overboard, point it out instead of reaching or jumping after it.
If your plans change
Cancellation
& refunds.
Let us know as early as you can. Your refund depends on how much notice we receive before your scheduled safari departure.
Read the full cancellation policy| Cancellation notice | Refund of amount paid |
|---|---|
| 30 days or more before departure | 100%Full refund |
| 14–29 days before departure | 50%Half of the amount paid |
| Less than 14 days before departure | 0%No refund |
Notice is measured in full 24-hour days before departure, using Sri Lanka time. Refunds are calculated on the amount paid.
An optional extra service
Hotel pickup
& drop-off.
We provide hotel transport to make your river day easier. Add pickup, drop-off or both during booking. Choose each journey independently and enter your hotel details.
Transfer charges appear only after you select the service in the booking form. Local transfers, larger vehicles and other areas need a quotation.
Book & add hotel transportAhungallaKosgodaAmbalangodaInduruwaBentotaHikkaduwaAkuralaBeruwalaOther nearby area
Vehicle suitability depends on your party and luggage. Tell us what you are travelling with when you select a hotel journey.
Ready to book your river day?
Choose your date and start time online. Eligible fixed-price reservations confirm automatically. Quote-only selections confirm when you accept the complete offer. Payment is recorded separately. Continue to Genie’s hosted checkout from your private booking page when an amount is due; a payment is recorded only after server verification.
Book Now Explore the Madu River guide