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Yatours
Crescent tropical beach with palm trees and turquoise water

East Coast · 9 Days

East Coast & Open Water

Empty golden bays, warm reefs, and long slow days on the island's quieter shore — nine days of open water and open road.

From USD 1,040 per person

Where the monsoon forgets to hurry

The east coast moves differently — wider beaches, shallower bays, and a surf culture that feels a world away from the south. From Trincomalee's deep harbour to Arugam Bay's long right-handers and Pasikudah's bath-warm shallows, this is a journey for swimmers, snorkellers, and anyone who wants the sea to set the schedule.

Duration
9 Days
Destinations
East Coast
Travel Style
Beach & Relax
Best Season
April – September (dry season on the east coast)

Day by day

Day 1

Eastward
Road crossing toward the east coast

Drive from Colombo across the island to the eastern shore.

  • Scenic crossing
  • Village lunch
  • Coastal arrival

Day 2

Trincomalee harbour
Harbour view from clifftop temple

Koneswaram on the cliff, dolphin watching, and the deepest natural harbour in Asia.

  • Koneswaram temple
  • Harbour cruise
  • Snorkelling

Day 3

Nilaveli & Pigeon Island
Turquoise water around a small island reef

Boat to the reef sanctuary — turquoise water and reef fish at arm's length.

  • Pigeon Island
  • Snorkelling
  • Beach afternoon

Day 4

Whale watching
Whale surfacing in deep blue water

Pre-dawn boat for blue whales and sperm whales in the deep eastern channel.

  • Whale cruise
  • Dolphin pods
  • Seafood lunch

Day 5

Pasikudah bay
Shallow golden bay at Pasikudah

Shallow, warm water that stretches hundreds of metres — ideal for unhurried swimming.

  • Bay swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Sunset walk

Day 6

Batticaloa lagoon
Lagoon at sunset on the east coast

Singing fish at dusk, lagoon birding, and the Kallady bridge at sunset.

  • Lagoon cruise
  • Bird watching
  • Local cuisine

Day 7

Arugam Bay
Long beach and surf break at Arugam Bay

The surf point, the fishing village, and the long empty beach beyond.

  • Surf lesson
  • Beach walk
  • Village dinner

Day 8

Kumana or relax
Wild coast and lagoon in the southeast

Optional safari in Kumana National Park or a final beach day — your choice.

  • Kumana safari option
  • Beach time
  • Farewell dinner

Day 9

Return
Crescent tropical beach with palm trees

Drive back to Colombo or the airport.

  • Flexible timing
  • En-route stop
  • Airport transfer

Where you rest

Suggested stays for this route — property photos available on request.

Boutique Coastal

Jungle Beach

Trincomalee

Cabanas at the forest's edge where it meets the bay — intimate and wild.

Luxury Resort

Uga Bay

Pasikudah

The east's finest address on a bay so shallow you can walk far out.

Experiences included

Beaches

Wildlife

Village Tours

Heritage

Pricing & inclusions

Starting from

Starting price USD 1,040 / person

Final pricing depends on dates, group size, and accommodation choices.

What's included
  • Private vehicle with licensed chauffeur-guide
  • Fuel, parking, and highway tolls
  • Curated accommodation as outlined
  • Airport meet-and-greet on arrival day
What's not included
  • International flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Meals unless specified
  • Entrance fees to parks and monuments
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Good to know

Questions about this journey

Is the east coast good for families?

Pasikudah's shallow bay is ideal for children. We match accommodation and beach days to your family's pace and swimming confidence.

Wild elephant crossing a track with the southern coast beyond

Deep South

Wild South, Safari & Sea

6 Days · Private Tour · Wildlife & Coast

Dawn game drives in leopard country, then warm southern bays and whale-rich mornings.

Starting price USD 760 / person

View
View Wild South, Safari & Sea
Ancient stone temple carvings glowing in warm afternoon light

Northern Reaches

Sacred North & Ancient Trails

8 Days · Private Tour · Culture

Jaffna's peninsula light, island temples, and the quiet frontier few travellers reach.

Starting price USD 980 / person

View
View Sacred North & Ancient Trails
Galle Fort ramparts meeting the ocean at golden hour

Island-wide

The Grand Island Journey

12 Days · Private Tour · Grand Tour

Coast to hills, end to end — the complete island, unhurried, at your own rhythm.

Starting price USD 1,680 / person

View
View The Grand Island Journey
Crescent tropical beach with palm trees and turquoise water

Open water

Plan your east coast escape.

Tell us your dates and we'll balance beach days with the harbour and reef experiences you want.

From USD 1,040

9 Days