Going Dutch at Galle Fort

Built in the late 1500s by the Portuguese, then fortified by the Dutch in the mid-1600s, Galle Fort offers centuries of rich history.

Situated two hours south of Colombo on Sri Lanka's southwest side, this UNESCO World Heritage site blends charming colonial architecture with more modern storefronts and convenience. With a guide, you'll explore the ramparts, observing how these European-conceived walls — once used for defending the city — now meld into South Asian architecture and style. Once you've taken in the Galle Fort's spectacular ocean views, you'll drive to a nearby hotel for lunch before returning to port.

Sustainable Tours

This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.

Shore Thing Highlights

Explore Galle Fort, a seaside town whose architectural style is a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and South Asian influences
Ask questions as a local guide takes you around the ramparts
See the centuries-old Dutch Church, with an organ made from Malaysian calamander wood that has been in the church's impressive pulpit since 1760
Have lunch at a hotel before being driven back up to Colombo

Need to know

Approximately 2 hour and 15-minute drive each way to/from the pier
Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking and standing are involved in this Shore Thing
Sailors should expect to walk over cobblestones, uneven pavement, and/or narrow streets
Sailor should wear comfortable clothes; shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the temple
The order of sites visited may vary
No photos are allowed in front of the Lord Buddha statue
Daytime temperatures can be very hot and humid — please prepare accordingly
Sailors should bring bug spray/insect repellent, as mosquito numbers are high
This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
A visa is required for this port. Please see your voyage documentation for details

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
Safe and Insured
Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

Colombo

Art & Architecture of Colombo

Colombo's culture and art are a unique mix of relics from Portuguese, Dutch, and English settlements, blended with Indian influences.

Colombo

Colombo

Ceylon Tea Adventure

A scenic drive transports you through rolling green fields to the city of Ingiriya, home of several rubber and Ceylon tea plantations.

Colombo

Colombo

Citywide Heritage Walk

Your first stop is Independence Square, a neatly manicured park with a beautiful, colonnaded monument to Sri Lanka gaining its independence in 1948.

Colombo

Colombo

Colombo's Charms: Sacred Temples & Towering Views

Dive into Colombo's unique blend of ancient tradition and modern allure on a journey through history, heights, and breathtaking sights.

Colombo

Colombo

Colombo Food Coma Tour

A food tour is the ideal way to grasp the ethos of this cosmopolitan capital city, whose history is influenced by multiple cultures and traditions.

Colombo

Colombo

Immersive Religious Experience

Don white cotton clothes that cover your shoulders and knees and enter Kelaniya temple, where the Buddha himself is said to have preached.

Colombo

Browse All Shore Things

Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Going Dutch at Galle Fort

Built in the late 1500s by the Portuguese, then fortified by the Dutch in the mid-1600s, Galle Fort offers centuries of rich history.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know