Travelers visiting Colombo Port can embark on an enriching shore excursion to the Moonstone Mine, offering a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry. This private tour transports guests in air-conditioned comfort, guiding them through the fascinating process of moonstone extraction and processing. Beyond the mine, the experience culminates with a serene boat ride through the Madu River’s mangrove forests, promising a truly memorable day. With inclusions such as a local cuisine lunch, this excursion promises to immerse visitors in the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the region. But the true highlight? Discovering the allure of Sri Lanka’s elusive moonstones.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive shore excursion from Colombo Port Passenger Terminal to Moonstone Mine, including air-conditioned transportation, driver, lunch, and entrance tickets.
- Pickup by driver at the jetty, who pages passengers’ names at the main exit door for a smooth start.
- Explore the Moonstone Mine, learn about extraction and processing methods, and witness gem cutting and polishing demonstrations.
- Tour not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, and not wheelchair accessible.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, flexible payment options, and overall positive customer reviews for the experience.
Overview of the Tour
The shore excursion from the Colombo Port Passenger Terminal to the Moonstone Mine offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the rich geological heritage of Sri Lanka.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, this private tour includes transportation by air-conditioned car, a driver, lunch, and all entrance tickets for a price of $240 per group of up to 2 people.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, and it’s not wheelchair accessible.
However, most travelers can participate and enjoy this fascinating experience of visiting a moonstone mine and learning about the region’s natural wonders.
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Meeting and Pickup Details
Passengers will be picked up at the Passenger Terminal – Port of Colombo.
The driver will meet the group at the jetty, paging the passengers’ names in front of the main exit door.
To find the driver, don’t use the shuttle bus or any other transport.
The key meeting and pickup details are:
- Pickup Point: Passenger Terminal – Port of Colombo
- The driver will meet passengers at the jetty
- The driver will page the passengers’ names in front of the main exit door
- Don’t use shuttle bus or other transport to find the driver
Passengers should follow these instructions to ensure a smooth start to the shore excursion.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What does the shore excursion include?
The tour offers a comprehensive package, providing transportation by air-conditioned car, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and all necessary entrance tickets.
Lunch is also included, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Visitors should dress in smart casual attire.
The experience is offered as a private tour, meaning only the booking party will participate.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing for flexibility in planning.
Tour Itinerary
After being greeted by the driver at the Passenger Terminal in the Port of Colombo, passengers embark on a scenic journey to the Moonstone Mine.
The tour offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of gemstone mining:
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Visitors explore the Moonstone Mine, learning about the unique extraction and processing methods.
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The tour includes a visit to a gem workshop, where artisans demonstrate the intricate craft of cutting and polishing the precious stones.
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Lunch is provided, allowing participants to savor local cuisine and recharge for the remainder of the excursion.
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The tour concludes with a stop at the Madu River, where guests can enjoy a serene boat ride through the mangrove forests.
Dress Code and Accessibility
The shore excursion from the Colombo Port to the Moonstone Mine has a smart casual dress code. This means guests should wear comfortable, neat, and presentable clothing.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so mobility may be limited. Pregnant travelers and those with serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to join, as the activities may be strenuous. However, most travelers can participate in the excursion.
The tour includes transport by air-conditioned car, but certain locations may require walking on uneven terrain. Overall, guests should dress appropriately and consider their physical abilities when booking this shore excursion.
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Cancellation and Payment Policy
Guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the start of the shore excursion, with no penalty.
Securing a spot on this tour is easy with the "Reserve now and pay later" option, allowing travelers to lock in their plans with a flexible payment schedule. The experience can be paid for in full upon booking or closer to the tour date, providing convenience and peace of mind.
Key points about the cancellation and payment policy:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour
- Reserve now, pay later to hold your spot
- Flexible payment options – pay in full or closer to the date
- No hidden fees or surprises
Customer Review Highlights
Travelers’ experiences with the shore excursion from Colombo Port to the Moonstone Mine have been largely positive, according to a review from a recent participant.
The reviewer, Arthur_T, noted that the driver/guide, Narlin, provided excellent service by avoiding traffic. The Moonstone Mine itself was described as a unique and fascinating experience.
While there was some confusion at the Madu River Safari regarding included lunch and boat fees, the reviewer suggested a potential refund for the additional fees.
Booking and Reservation Information
To secure a spot on this shore excursion from Colombo Port to the Moonstone Mine, passengers can reserve their tour in advance.
The tour is confirmed at the time of booking, and it’s a private experience, with only the group participating. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, allowing them to secure their spot while staying flexible.
Some key information about booking and reservations:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
Sum Up
The Moonstone Mine tour from Colombo Port is a captivating day trip that immerses travelers in Sri Lanka’s gem mining heritage. With comfortable transportation, a guided exploration of the mine, and a serene boat ride, it’s an enriching experience that showcases the country’s natural beauty and cultural traditions. Whether you’re a gem enthusiast or simply seeking an authentic local experience, this shore excursion is a must-do for visitors to Colombo.
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