EXPLORATIONS AND EXPERIENCES IN NEGOMBO
Negombo Dutch Canal and Lagoon
A Boat Tour Exploring Hamilton Canal and Negombo Lagoon
Negombo is a fascinating and famous beach city for couples to explore, with a diverse culture in and around the enchanting city and adventures along its many waterways. Negombo is blessed with a beach and lagoon, and the Dutch and British left a lasting legacy in the heart of the city, the Hamilton (Dutch Canal) system, which even today plays an integral part in Negombo’s commerce. With so many exciting experiences in Negombo, a boat tour exploring the Dutch Canal and Lagoon is a must-do for couples.
Best done in the early morning hours, watch the city’s fishing community come alive as they begin their day on the canal. The Hamilton Canal is named after Gavin Hamilton, the British builder who expanded the Dutch canal in 1804. The Dutch, the original builders of the island's canal network, facilitated the trade of Cinnamon and other spices along this route, which spans 19 km to the north of Negombo.
The boat tour takes you through the man-made canal system and ends in the Negombo Lagoon. This immersive tour explores the sights and sounds of Negombo’s fishing community living along the Hamilton Canal and the lagoon. It also offers a chance to explore the local fauna and flora along the way.
The Negombo Lagoon boasts the island’s best crabs and shrimp. Negombo Crab Curry is a popular seafood dish hailing originally from this area. The Lagoon is a 32-acre estuary hotspot of marine life, supporting the region's fishing communities.
Highlights
- Explore the Hamilton Canal and the local fishing communities
- Watch Shrimp, Lobster and Crab fisherman of the Lagoon
- Spot local wildlife such as birds, monitors and monkeys.
- Learn about all the different types of boats that ply the canals
Arranging your Tour
Your Hotel Concierge can easily arrange the tour of your choice. Negombo has plenty of private operators who offer tours, and they can be easily found online. The tour usually includes a hotel pick-up, water on board, a stop by a lagoon-side café for refreshment, and a drop-off back to the hotel.