An island nation located south of the Indian sub-continent, Sri Lanka has a culture and heritage integrally associated with boating and sailing with origins going back many centuries to the country’s fishing community. 

Separated from India by a few nautical miles along the narrow Palk Straits, Sri Lanka is located north of the east-west international shipping corridor in the Indian Ocean and is becoming recognised as an amazing cruising destination for superyachts. 

Despite the influence from invaders, Sri Lanka has managed to retain her unique culture, language (Sinhala), proud history and her gracious hospitality. Wherever you may go, you will always be greeted by smiles and the greeting ‘Ayubowan’, which translates as ‘May you live longer!’ 

Facts & figures

Did you know Sri Lanka was once known as ‘Ceylon’ and as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’?

Sri Lanka is an island of magical proportions. Within a mere area of 65,610 kilometers lie:

• 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
• 1,330 kilometres of coastline (much of it pristine beach), 
• 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, 
• nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 
• 250 acres of botanical gardens, 
• 350 waterfalls, 
• 25,000 water bodies
• and a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.

Ports & Marinas

Galle

Calling into the seaside town of Galle down the south coast of Sri Lanka, travelers find it spreading into the surroundings, with Fort Galle still the slow beating heart of the town’s history. The walled city, identified as a living World Heritage Site, has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the Colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British and present times and proclaimed as an Archaeological Reserve. In fact, the Old Dutch Market, the local bazaar, is standing on its 300 year old columns and tiled roof, still trading in fruits and vegetables of all colours.  

Port City Colombo

Port City Colombo celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Marina Development at Port City Colombo in January 2025. The occasion marked a significant milestone for marine tourism in the country and in South Asia. The Marina within Port City Colombo will house as many as 250 mid-sized vessels, alongside hotels, gourmet dining, retail outlets, entertainment centers, and recreational areas. 

“The new ‘Colombo City Marina’ is designed to become Sri Lanka’s new luxury maritime destination. Located at the crossroads of international maritime routes, the new marina ideally positions Sri Lanka to become a hub for luxury yachting”, enthuses Priyantha Perera of Asia Pacific Superyachts Sri Lanka. With a vision of becoming a Maritime Hub in the region, the Marina will offer a 243–berthing space for mid-to-large-size yachts and full-service facilities, including crew amenities, provisioning, maintenance and access to a yacht club. 

The luxury Marina Development is expected to be positioned as the only full service Marina between Dubai and Phuket, cementing Sri Lanka’s position as a key player in South Asia’s luxury yachting market. “With a total investment of $120 million, the Marina Development is slated for completion by 2027”, according to Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director/CEO LOLC Holdings PLC. 

APS Sri Lanka managing director, Priyantha Perera, can advise on moorings and restrictions at Galle, as space is very limited. Perera also explains that with prior approval from the Ministry of Defense, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka & Customs, owners are permitted to use privately owned helicopters for tours around the country under supervision of an Air Force officer on board the helicopter. Alternatively, he is also able to arrange charter hires through domestic helicopter / airplane operators. 

Priyantha’s vast experience covers several decades of providing agency services to ships calling in the Ports of Sri Lanka, like superyachts M.Y. Vava, M.Y. Queen Miri,  M.Y. Talisman, M.Y. Intrepid, M.Y. Talisman C, M.Y. Laurel L (calling in to Colombo for dry dock repairs), M.Y. Cloud 9 and S.Y. Hemisphere, the world’s largest luxury catamaran. 

Cruising Sri Lanka

Among the best times to visit is from October to April – when the bay is blue and the sea is calm with light winds and blue sky. During these six months all the conditions are spot on to enjoy some wonderful cruising experiences, explains Priyantha, listing some cruising suggestions. 

The main cruising destinations in Sri Lanka consist of the North-East coast and the Southern coast which boasts of some of the most pristine beaches of the world. A unique itinerary can be personally crafted for superyacht guests; one that includes the best cruising grounds, authentic experiences (such as up close and personal to the local ‘Stilt Fishermen’ found nowhere else in the world!) and a not-to-be-missed full sampling of the best of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Beruwala and Pasikuda

Ideal conditions for sailing are during the season of October to March, The beautiful coastal resort area of Pasikuda which offers one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches can also be explored during the months of April to September where the weather is more favourable.

Cruising along the beautiful coastal belt of Bentota and Beruwala with a stopover in a picturesque cove for a private swim or paddleboard and an afternoon sailing cruise is ideal for the adrenaline junkie and memorable experience when exploring beautiful Barberyn Island.  

Galle and Trincomalee

The serene waters of Galle and Trincomalee are perfect for dolphin and whale watching with the best time from August to March during the North East monsoon season. Cruising Trincomalee is recommended from April to July – the south west monsoon season. Highlights include deep sea angling, whale and dolphin watching along with water sports such as surfing, scuba diving, kite surfing, jet skiing, rowing and kayaking along with paddleboard and motor boat exploration.

Mirissa

The island is well known for its pristine beaches, water sports and luxurious villas; it’s also a harbour for starting off many water sports, sailing and cruising. 

Bolgoda Lake

The Bolgoda Lake is found in a prime locality within the city limits of Colombo popular sailing destination. Located towards the South part of Colombo within the suburbs of Piliyandala, the Bolgoda Lake is considered one of the country’s largest freshwater bodies. The Ceylon Motor Yacht Club offers waterskiing, windsurfing and motor boats. 

Yachting along the Southern Coast                                                                                            

According to the season your voyaging can be from Trincomalee to Batticaloa and from Mirissa to Galle. Embraced with golden sunsets and the fresh saline breeze of the Indian Ocean, the Southern Coast is well known by locals and celebrated by visitors, which includes the less recognized towns of Weligama and Mirissa. 

After enjoying Sri Lanka’s unique shore attractions the visiting vessel could start off with a three day cruise, departing from Mirissa to Weligama Bay, Jungle Beach and Rumassala; and back to Mirissa. During the stay visitors can go whale and dolphin watching, snorkelling, swimming and laze away on golden beaches.

Land experiences

Along with incredible cruising, don’t miss ‘Hill Country’- the lush, rolling hills of the tea plantations, famous for exporting Ceylon black tea. The best way to travel is with a 4-wheel drive vehicle into the well-maintained national parks where you can capture amazing images of wildlife. The land offers palm-studded strips of sparkling coastlines reaching up to the luxuriant hills of deepest emerald. 

Other experiences include a visit to the Koggala-Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery to see baby turtles at play and as well as the endangered adult turtles. The turtle hatcheries collect eggs from the beaches and look after them until it’s time to release the hatchlings to the sea. 

Some groups will enjoy a visit to Yala National Park, a prime opportunity to see wildlife and take photos of herds of wild elephants, leopards, reptiles and exotic birds. 

There’s no doubt Sri Lanka will continue its growth and attract an increasing number of superyachts and yachts in search of exotic adventures and beauty.