Pottuvil Lagoon: Hours, Address, Pottuvil Lagoon Reviews: 4.5/5
Pottuvil Lagoon
Pottuvil Lagoon
4.5
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
141 within 3 miles
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0.1 mi$ • Cafe • Seafood • International
LEAF & VINE
269
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Asian • Wine Bar
Bambini's Cafe
598
0.2 mi$ • Seafood • International • Sri Lankan
Mr Fisherman
1,041
0.3 mi$ • Seafood • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Tandoori Hut
570
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Cili Restaurant
171
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • European
Why Not
276
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Asian • Sri Lankan
Arugambay Seafood Restaurant
115
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Indian • Seafood
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
96 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
24
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Matthias_Silke
Singapore9 contributions
We visited the side arm of Potuvil lagoon with our in house naturalist Yesitha from Jetwing Surf and had a great and very quiet excursion by boat (no motor) from the local cooperative, which was perfect for gliding slowly through the water and watching crocodiles, elephants and. Loads of birds (eagles, herons, kingfishers). Probably best done in the late afternoon.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Afzel T
Colombo, Sri Lanka12 contributions
An amazing lagoon boat ride with Capt. Jamaldeen and his partner Samsudeen Bawa. A rare experience to navigate through the Mangroves and see Elephants, Crocodiles and Eagles in their natural habitat. A must do if you visit Pottuvil as proceeds from the excursions go to support local families. Keep rowing Gentlemen, Heroes of the Lagoon !
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hayat tours and taxi service arugambay
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka11 contributions
When we arrived at Arugam Bay on the remote east coast of Sri Lanka, we had no idea that only a couple of days later, we would be just a few meters away from a family of elephants, in the middle of a tropical storm, while floating aboard a makeshift raft. But when we arrived at Arugam Bay, we had not heard of Pottuvil Lagoon!
Written December 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1LifeStand
Colombo, Sri Lanka5,030 contributions
In the morning, we booked a slot at 4.30pm for a 2 hour boat ride. The people who man the tiny office and rafts were attentive and polite. They gave us a mat to sit on the raft and clean life jackets.
We saw 3 elephants feeding, an eagle in its nest, a few birds and mangroves.
The boatman Ismail was a pleasant man who couldn't speak much Sinhalese, therefore he couldn't explain much, but that was okay.
It is not a must do excursion, but nice to do if you have 2 hours at your disposal.
We saw 3 elephants feeding, an eagle in its nest, a few birds and mangroves.
The boatman Ismail was a pleasant man who couldn't speak much Sinhalese, therefore he couldn't explain much, but that was okay.
It is not a must do excursion, but nice to do if you have 2 hours at your disposal.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rishan v
3 contributions
This is a must do when in Pottuvil. The lagoon is calm and lined with beautiful mangroves lining either side. We did the tour in the evening and saw the most beautiful sunset. As we cruised along, saw a few crocodiles wading into the water. Ever present peacocks made the colours vibrant. A few monkey families were seen after a day's work.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CeeWondersLah
London, UK110 contributions
Family
we had some time in Arugam bay and decided to go to Pottuvil lagoon for 'safari' . and we booked via Paddywave.
First things, they are not Irish. The Paddy is a corruption of padi or rice.
the owner is committed conservationist so do support his agency.
we rang up him up after we read some reviews . Luckily we did , as we would have booked through a tuk tuk driver and short changed on the Pottuvil lagoon safari.
the booking was made on the phone, but no deposit or credit card was required. They turned up in Tuk tuk as planned at about 6.30am, after a 20 min ride we got to the lagoon and a boat was waiting for us. The guide was very knowledgeble about the plants and birds in the lagoon. And the difference can be discerned by his spotting of hidden birds which we didnt even see.
The trip is very surreal . the boat left the jetty before dawn , and it was dead quiet as we got partway into the Lagoon. As the boatman was only paddling ( no engines), the only sounds you could hear in the semi darkness of dawn was the splashing of the paddle and the birds calling. And a full moon on the horizon.
At one point our guide got the boatman to stop by a fisherman so that we could see what he had caught.
we saw lots of birds - eagles, herons, kingfisher, peacocks ( yes peacocks), and even two crocodiles. we unfortunately failed to catch sight of elephants as it was the wrong season.
the whole trip was around 2.5 to 3 hrs and cost us about 6000 LKR. please be aware that the tuk tuk drivers offer around the 5000 to 5500 LKR price but you only get about 1 - 1.5 hrs, and you wont be having an expert guide to point out the different kind of birds.
we even made a stop near the beach end of the lagoon where we had tea and some breakfast for around 400 LKR. but the views from the beach were also fantastic. Again no beach stop if you go with the tuk tuk drivers.
you will need hats and sun tan lotion on your return trip i.e. after the boat turns around. because the sun is still very strong when you are out on the boat without shade at 10 to 11am.
First things, they are not Irish. The Paddy is a corruption of padi or rice.
the owner is committed conservationist so do support his agency.
we rang up him up after we read some reviews . Luckily we did , as we would have booked through a tuk tuk driver and short changed on the Pottuvil lagoon safari.
the booking was made on the phone, but no deposit or credit card was required. They turned up in Tuk tuk as planned at about 6.30am, after a 20 min ride we got to the lagoon and a boat was waiting for us. The guide was very knowledgeble about the plants and birds in the lagoon. And the difference can be discerned by his spotting of hidden birds which we didnt even see.
The trip is very surreal . the boat left the jetty before dawn , and it was dead quiet as we got partway into the Lagoon. As the boatman was only paddling ( no engines), the only sounds you could hear in the semi darkness of dawn was the splashing of the paddle and the birds calling. And a full moon on the horizon.
At one point our guide got the boatman to stop by a fisherman so that we could see what he had caught.
we saw lots of birds - eagles, herons, kingfisher, peacocks ( yes peacocks), and even two crocodiles. we unfortunately failed to catch sight of elephants as it was the wrong season.
the whole trip was around 2.5 to 3 hrs and cost us about 6000 LKR. please be aware that the tuk tuk drivers offer around the 5000 to 5500 LKR price but you only get about 1 - 1.5 hrs, and you wont be having an expert guide to point out the different kind of birds.
we even made a stop near the beach end of the lagoon where we had tea and some breakfast for around 400 LKR. but the views from the beach were also fantastic. Again no beach stop if you go with the tuk tuk drivers.
you will need hats and sun tan lotion on your return trip i.e. after the boat turns around. because the sun is still very strong when you are out on the boat without shade at 10 to 11am.
Written May 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SquirrelAdvisor
The Netherlands62 contributions
Couples
We did an afternoon tour of the lagoon. It was nice to be out on the water to cool down a little bit. On the lagoon it feels very quiet and tranquil, while spotting all kinds of birds and animals. We saw elephants, crocs, eagles kingfisher, and loads of other birds. Halfway they take you to pottuvil point beach where you can have some drink and there is usually surfing going on. Can recommend it.
Written June 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bernarda69
Maribor, Slovenia52 contributions
Couples
It was a rainy day but as soon as we got close to the lagoon, the rain stopped and sun tried to get through the clouds. We agreed to rent a boat with a "driver" at the Fisherman society. That way the community gets all the money!
It was amazing sitting on the "platform" between two canoes and just watch the lagoon changing it's colours as the sun started to shine. We saw a lot of birds and even 4 elephants. It was a kind of experience you never forget!!
It was amazing sitting on the "platform" between two canoes and just watch the lagoon changing it's colours as the sun started to shine. We saw a lot of birds and even 4 elephants. It was a kind of experience you never forget!!
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tessa357
Utrecht, The Netherlands5 contributions
Solo
Went on a lagoon safari with a fisherman, he paddled the boot through the lagoon by hand. There was nothing to hear but birds! Saw at least 8 elephants just outside the jungle, and many eagles. On the way back we saw farmers with their water buffalos moving around the lagoon. Very nice morning activity!
Written June 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Akm A
14 contributions
Solo
Great view so enjoy the
Nice nature and love day that day definitely recommend this place everything good ............
Nice nature and love day that day definitely recommend this place everything good ............
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lara J
Ella, Sri Lanka19 contributions
How can I book this tour? Thanks
donarugambay
Pottuvil, Sri Lanka17 contributions
You can book through tour agent in arugambay get more details from arugambay tours
Frequently Asked Questions about Pottuvil Lagoon
- Pottuvil Lagoon is open:
- Mon - Mon 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Tue - Sun 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
- Tue - Sun 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Pottuvil Lagoon tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Pottuvil Lagoon tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Pottuvil Lagoon:
- (0.01 mi) The Villa
- (0.02 mi) The Homestay Hostel
- (0.02 mi) Oyster Bay Villa
- (0.03 mi) Chillax Bay
- (0.03 mi) Romance in Bey
- Restaurants near Pottuvil Lagoon:
- (0.01 mi) DineRich, Arugambay.
- (0.01 mi) Aspak Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) River House
- (0.04 mi) Green waves veg cafe
- (0.10 mi) LEAF & VINE