Sri Lanka Land & Sea - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the overall experience of the "Sri Lanka Land & Sea - 14 Days" tour?

  This 14-day tour allows you to experience everything Sri Lanka has to offer, including history, beaches, and exotic flavors. You'll search for wildlife on safari, visit the historic city of Galle, taste flavors at a spice plantation, and enjoy the southern coast with activities like snorkeling, surfing, and beach barbecues, with potential whale and dolphin sightings.

• What age range is suitable for this tour?

  This tour is suitable for travelers between 16 and 100 years old.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 15 participants.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes standard hotels for 6 nights, a sailing catamaran for 6 nights, and camping for 1 night. The catamaran features 6 passenger cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms and 220V European 2-pin sockets, though power for sleeping aid machines is not consistently available.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 3.

• What travel style does this tour fall under?

  This tour is categorized as 'Classic' travel style.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include visiting a spice plantation to interact with Ayurveda students, touring a tea plantation and chatting with a local expert, spotting Sri Lankan elephants on a reserve safari, exploring Galle and its historic fort, sailing along the southern coast, and enjoying time on beautiful beaches.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 dinners.

• What activities are included in the tour price?

  Included activities are: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, visit to AMBA Estate, Welcome Meeting with your CEO, spice plantation visit, Kandyan cultural dance performance, Temple of the Tooth visit, tea plantation visit and tasting (AMBA), cooking demonstration, BBQ and camp at Udawalawe NP, Galle City and Fort tour, sailing Sri Lanka's south coast, visits to Weligama Bay and Galle, watching for whales and dolphins from the boat, beach BBQ, and use of snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding equipment. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include a Kandyan Cultural Dance (5-8USD per person), Royal Botanical Gardens Visit (12USD per person), Ayurvedic Center in Kandy, Trek to Ella Rock (5USD per person) in Ella, Kalametiya Village & Sanctuary visit in Kudawella, and an additional Galle Fort and City Tour.

• What are the modes of transportation used during the trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, 4x4s, local buses, walking, and a 16m (54 ft) sailing catamaran. The catamaran uses wind power when conditions permit, but may also motor when winds are unfavorable.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travelers, who are paired with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping service providers like waiters at approximately 10% is customary. For local guides and drivers, a range of $4-5 USD per person per day is recommended. For the tour CEO, a guideline of $8-10 USD per person per day is appreciated if they provided an outstanding job.

• What are the currency and credit card policies on this tour?

  Currency exchange rates can be checked on www.xe.com. ATM machines accepting Visa and Mastercard are available in major cities. Most shops accept major credit cards, but may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of the tour.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of?

  It is required to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations well before departure. Please note that a constant power source for Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines is not available onboard the boat; a suitable battery pack is required. A First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes are recommended.

• What are the dress code recommendations to respect local customs?

  Dress standards are conservative in Asia. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees (long pants, long skirts, shirts covering shoulders) is strongly recommended for land excursions. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and comfortable in the hot climate. Singlets and tank tops are not acceptable, and topless sunbathing is unacceptable. A shawl or scarf is useful for temple visits.

• What general safety tips should I follow during the trip?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home; hotel safety deposit boxes are available. A lock for luggage is recommended. Your CEO can amend itineraries for safety reasons and will accompany included activities. For free time, use good judgment, stay in small groups at night, and take taxis. Water-based activities should only be done with a guide. Swimming and snorkeling are at your own risk.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for resources like the Equaldex tool to help with travel considerations.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that turns travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They support community-owned businesses, empower women, provide youth employment, and protect the environment, integrating their projects into tour itineraries. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest donor, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to projects.

• How can I contact the tour operator in case of emergency or arrival issues?

  For urgent issues, first call the local representative or local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For airport transfers, if your flight changes within 48 hours or the transfer doesn't arrive within 30 minutes, contact the emergency number or take a taxi at your own expense. Specific contacts are provided for Sri Lanka Land (+94 772 927 374 / +94 776 424 060), Sri Lanka Sailing Operations Manager (+94 777 353 606), Global Sailing Manager (+353 876 600 644), and the South Asia Manager (+91 8851806614). General sales team numbers are also available for different regions.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and, during the sailing portion, a skipper/CEO and crew.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry services for a charge. It is recommended to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry. Laundry is not available onboard the catamaran.

• What emergency funds should I have access to?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances like route changes due to natural disasters.