F.A.Q.
SRI LANKA
F.A.Q.
HIRIKETIYA
Your destination will be Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo). It is the island’s main international airport. There are non stop direct flights available to Colombo from many European cities and even more with a change in dubai or Qatar. Cheap flights can be search via www.skyscanner.net
Most travelers need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system allows tourists to apply online before arriving. The process is simple, and a 30-day visa is usually granted. You can extend this visa up to 6 months if you decide to stay longer.
Make sure to apply through the official Sri Lankan government website to avoid any extra fees from third-party services.
https://eta.org.lk
All COVID-19 requirements have been lifted for entering Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has a surprisingly complex tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Its equatorial position means that temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, an average of around 26-30°C (78 -86°F) and is often much higher than this around midday.
In general the best time to visit is from mid November to April, as this is the dry season. April and September are the best to see the whole country, while the inter-monsoonal season in October and November sees fine weather for most of the time interspersed with sudden thunderstorms. So If you’re prepared for sudden bursts of rain, it’s still a good time of year to travel and to enjoy the beaches. Low season is May to August when the Yala Monsoon hits… which doesn’t mean heavy tropical rain all day long on the south coast, just a few showers here and there broken up at times with a bit of sunshine. During these months, the surf is very consistent and also the beaches are less crowded ;-)
Please find the directions to The Salty pelican below...
Most travelers to Hiriketiya arrive from either Colombo's international Airport or from Colombo centre.... There are several ways to get to Hiriketiya from there...
Getting Here
Private Airport Transfer (Highly Recommended): The quickest and easiest way to arrive! Your driver will meet you at arrivals with a sign, and the journey includes comfort stops. Just provide your flight info, we'll quote the current price and we’ll handle the arrangements. Estimated journey time: 3 hours.
Train Options: If you’re up for a scenic coastal journey, trains offer lovely views but can get crowded. Tickets are only available at the station on the day of travel, so there’s no pre-booking option and they cannot sell out. **We must warn you, boarding the train can get competitive, as everyone tries to get on first to secure a seat. Be prepared!
Colombo Fort to Beliatta: About 4 hours, followed by a 30-minute tuk-tuk to The Salty Pelican (tip: negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand!).
Cost: Tickets range from $1–10 USD, depending on the class.
Classes: Choose from 1st (air-conditioned), 2nd (reserved seating, non-AC), or 3rd class (non-reserved, non-AC) depending on your comfort preference.
For train times, check the Schedule
TAXIS: Taxis are readily available at Bandaranaike International Airport. They are the most convenient way to get to Colombo or other nearby towns.
PREPAID TAXIS: For peace of mind, opt for prepaid taxis available at the airport. You’ll know the exact fare upfront, avoiding haggling.
TAXIS APPS: Apps like PickMe and Uber are available in Colombo city centre and the surrounding areas, offering a more affordable and transparent option.
TUK TUK: Tuk-tuks are a common way to get around cities, towns and between the train station and Salty Pelican. They’re affordable, but it's essential to agree on the price before you begin your journey. Alternatively, use the PickMe app to book metered tuk-tuks.
Cost: Short rides typically cost around $1–3 USD.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo is Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, about 30 km north of the capital. It is well-connected to many global hubs, with flights from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
● The airport has ATMs, currency exchange services and transport services right after you exit customs.
● You can buy local mobile phone SIM cards from providers with affordable data packages; Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch right after you exit customs.
● Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination, but it's essential to take a few precautions:
● Vaccinations: It’s a good idea to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, especially if you plan to explore rural areas. The recommended vaccinations for travelers are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
● Malaria and Dengue Fever: Malaria has been eliminated in Sri Lanka, but dengue fever is still a concern. Use mosquito repellent, especially during the rainy season, and wear long sleeves if possible.
● Drinking Water: Stick to bottled water, which is widely available. Avoid drinking tap water or ice from unknown sources.
Refer to the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health website for up-to-date health advisories, vaccination recommendations, and any COVID-19 travel restrictions before your trip.
All bookings are confirmed with a 50% prepayment. This amount is refundable in regards to the terms agreed to at the time of the booking.
On arrival the remaining balance is payable and we accept card payments with valid credit/debit cards only. Unfortunately, we do not accept any form of cash payments in either rupees or any other currency at our property.
All balances due, including your stay and any additional services, will be charged to your credit/debit card only.
These are some essential items you should not forget:
● Lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate.
● Modest clothing for visiting religious sites (covering shoulders and knees).
● Swimwear for the pool and beach.
● Travel insurance that covers adventure activities like surfing or safari tours.
● International plug adaptor: In Sri Lanka, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type D, type M and type G are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. But each bed at The Salty Pelican has international charging sockets and also usb charging ports.
Things we have available on your arrival so you can consider before packing:
● Natural sunscreens, zincs and mosquito repellent available for purchase.
● Reusable water bottles to use at our free refill points around our property available for purchase.
● Each bathroom we have both complimentary shampoo and conditioner dispensers available.
● Guest bathroom towels are provided on arrival.
It's not a pure co-working space but a very balanced & friendly work vibe area. We have communal indoor and outdoor dining areas within the communcal lounging areas, where you can work from on your laptop or phone. If you looking for private work areas, or private offices we do not offer this option unfortunately. Perfect place to work if you do not require privacy but prefer a communal shared atmosphere with our regular yoga & surf guests.
We accept card payments with valid credit/debit cards only. Unfortunately, we do not accept any form of cash payments in either rupees or any other currency at our property.
All balances due, including your stay and any additional services, will be charged to your credit/debit card only.
To ensure the tranquility and mature atmosphere of our retreat, we have established a policy regarding guests under the age of 16. Generally, we do not accept bookings for individuals under this age without prior written consent. It is important to note that any arrival of guests under 16 without prior approval may result in the cancellation of their booking. We strongly advise against young children staying at our retreat, as the ambiance is typically geared towards peace and serenity. However, we understand that there may be exceptional circumstances or special requests. Depending on the season and the capacity of our retreat, we may be able to accommodate children under 16 in private room accommodation, provided they sleep in the same room as their parent or guardian. Please reach out to us in advance to discuss your specific requirements, and we will do our best to assist you.
The Salty Pelican Surf & Yoga Retreat is an ideal choice for budget-conscious yogis seeking affordable premium accommodation. Our accommodations primarily consist of premium shared rooms, offering a social and vibrant atmosphere. All premium shared rooms feature en-suite facilities. Each bed has a personal electronically locked wardrobe including room for your bag and hanging space for your clothes. There is also a personal reading light each, personal niche and shelves including personal USB charging points both bedside and within your lockable wardrobe. The shared accommodation experience at The Salty Pelican is highly valued by our guests, as it fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides ample opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. It is worth noting that our retreat primarily attracts solo traveling women, aged between 22 and 55 years, who are seeking a rejuvenating week of yoga and surf. While we cannot always guarantee availability of all-female shared rooms, they are often available when booking in advance. Rest assured, our numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor can attest to the exceptional experience we provide. We are confident that these reviews will help alleviate any concerns you may have. We sincerely hope that your only challenge during your stay with us will be bidding farewell, as The Salty Pelican holds a special place in the hearts of our guests.
We take pride in providing our guests with a safe and comfortable environment tailored to their needs. At our establishment, we understand that the majority of our clientele consists of solo female travelers aged between 22 and 55 years, who seek a rejuvenating week of relaxing yoga. While we strive to accommodate our guests' preferences, we can ensure all-female room options when booking one of our exclusive female-only room upgrades, which may incur an additional charge. This guarantees a harmonious and supportive atmosphere where women can connect, unwind, and fully embrace their wellness journey.
We've got a quick rundown of our terms and conditions to save you from diving into the depths of fine print. We've handpicked the juiciest bits for you to know, but hey, still give it a read! Here are the major terms you should keep in mind:
Booking and Payment: Gotta secure your spot with a 50% deposit. This deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your booking within 7 days – no funny business here.
Cancellation and Refunds: If your plans go haywire, we've got FREE CANCELLATION UP UNTIL 7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL DATE ( not your arrival time ) policy, but remember, there is a non-refundable 3% processing fee lurking around.
Changes Requested by the Traveler: Fancy a tweak to your package tour? Let us know, but certain restrictions apply, like the timing and availability of changes. A little flexibility goes a long way.
Early Check-Out Package Refunds: Once you have checked-in and commenced your stay, we regret to inform you that refunds will not be provided for any requested early check-out dates or tour package changes. We kindly ask our guests to plan their stay duration accordingly, as changes to the check-out date or tour package after check-in will not be eligible for a refund. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Now that you've got the highlights, take a moment to give the full terms and conditions a once-over. It's like reading the end of a book before the beginning, but trust us, it's worth it. Happy adventures with Salty Pelican !
You must have an ID-card or passport. No other proof of identity will be accepted.
Check-in: You can check in from 14:00 pm and if you’re arriving earlier, we will do our best to have a bed ready for you as soon as we can.
Please note: Reception closes at 22:00 pm without prior notice. Check-ins after this time are only accepted by appointment via email or phone call before this time has expired.
Check-out: Only from 08:00 am until the latest of 11:00am.
If you need to depart earlier than 08:00 am, any remaining balances need to be paid the day before departure.
Late check-outs:
In order to maintain our flexible calendar start dates and ensure a smooth transition for incoming guests, we regret to inform you that late check-outs are not possible. However, we are more than happy to accommodate your needs by providing luggage storage facilities, allowing you to continue using our amenities and enjoy the pool until your preferred departure time. Please note that the use of showers and bathrooms after the designated check-out time are available on request only. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our check-out policy, as it allows us to efficiently prepare the rooms for incoming guests while still providing you with the opportunity to make the most of your stay at The Salty Pelican Surf & Yoga Retreat.
Breakfast is served at our poolside restaurant between 8:00 am and 10:00 am. An a la carte breakfast is included in the price for all-inclusive booked packages and you have a diverse choice between a range of healthy dishes including Smashed Avocado & beetroot hummus toast, scrambled eggs toast with coconut symbol, Benedict Hopper, Banana French toast, Chia & Cashew Granola, fruit platters, fresh juice, local coffee & teas.
All bookings made via www.booking.com or www.hostelworld.com or similar without a package: Breakfast is not included in the price of the booking and will be charged at an additional €15 per person per day when requesting the optional breakfast.
MENU EXAMPLE
As part of our commitment to your comfort and convenience, we are pleased to offer complimentary linen for your stay. Rest assured, your beds will be thoughtfully prepared and made prior to your arrival, ensuring a warm and welcoming ambiance from the moment you step into your room. In addition, we understand the importance of having access to fresh towels during your stay. That's why we provide complimentary bathroom and pool towels, conveniently provided at check-in.
**There are no bathroom or pool towels provided for guests on a bed & breakfast stay in a shared room option.
Hiriketiya is the perfect place for beginners to learn surfing with its friendly sand bottom and it’s right on our doorstep.
Yes we do... Every bed in the shared rooms has a personal electronic lockable wardrobe with space to store your luggage, unpack your clothes, hang on a coat hanger and charge your electronics safely within your locker. The private double rooms have an XL electronic lockable safe to store all your valuables including mulitple large devices. Upon check-in, you will be given a waterproof wrist band which will give you access to our property, your bedroom locker wardrobe or safe for 24hrs a day.
You can store your luggage in our day storage for free after checking out. We are only allowed to hold your luggage till the end of that day only.
The central meeting point to start your day or nightly adventures; the perfect place to meet fellow yogis from all over the world. Here you can enjoy a swim in our mirror pool with light background music, read a book while catching some sun in one of our sun loungers, or just relax in a poolside bean bag with a nice glass of chilled goodness.
EL GROTTO is an honest culinary retreat where you’ll find no clichés — only authentic and delicious food, ice-cold beers, refreshing cocktails, and a simple but modern Boho setting where banter and good vibes flow freely.
Pull up a seat. Kick back. This is where we unwind and indulge. It’s that stepping-off-the-plane-in-a-foreign-country vibe, it’s the weight of a cocktail in hand, it’s that Sri Lankan sea breeze.
We are adamant about keeping our food offering small and delicious — no dishes acting as purely menu fillers here. Enjoy a straightforward choice of flavorful dishes such as homemade popcorn falafel, homemade croquettes, beetroot curry, fish tacos, crispy vegetarian pakora burgers, vegetarian burrito Buddha bowls, falafel bowls, crunchy nachos and an all-day brunch menu, that the team is excited for you to share amongst friends.
In the space, there’s a covered dining area for friends & couples, and a poolside sun loungers and beanbags area for those who want to chat while they sip cocktails, enjoy delicious bites, and take in the tropical vibes.
We have 4 scheduled evenings during the week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) where you can sign up for our group dinners at additional charges if not already included in your package.
There is also free unlimited cold filtered drinking water dispensers available from outside your room.
SEE SAMPLE MENU
No... we trust you but in return we do ask that you respect the other guests and be quiet when you return to The Salty Pelican. Our front gate remains locked after 22:00, which you can easily enter with your electronic wristband when returning late at night.
We try our best to allocate beds in the same room for friends travelling together. However, this is not always possible. Please contact us directly for any special requests, including accommodation in the same room.
To ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all our valued guests, we kindly request that you obtain prior approval from The Salty Pelican management before inviting any outside visitors onto our premises. We want to provide an environment that fosters a peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone staying at our retreat. Therefore, we have implemented a policy that restricts outside visitors from entering without prior approval. This policy includes overnight stays by visitors or guests not included in the original booking. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this rule, as it enables us to maintain a secure and pleasant atmosphere for all our guests. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this policy, please don't hesitate to reach out to our management team for further clarification.
We have free wifi available at our retreat. Please kindly note, the wifi is mostly stable but even with due care, there can be the odd power cut in Sri Lanka. Its not always within our control unfortunately.
Yes we do.. we can arrange to wash your clothes and dry them for you at additional rates. Please ask at reception to book a time. Same day washing and return on request only and at the managements discretion
What if my flight back home has an early departure time and I need to depart Salty Pelican around midnight.... Can I request a refund for the last nights stay or any unused activites from my package inclusions?
You can stay at the Salty Pelican all day and practice yoga, go for your last surf lesson, use our surfboards or even join one of our group dinners before your departure. Unfortunately no refund requests are accepted for that scenario and you cannot change your last night to accommodation only.
Our yoga retreat is a non smoking building. Anyone who breaks this rule will be asked to leave without any refund. We do however, provide the exclusive use of our outside pool, restaurant area, garden area and balcony’s from every room for smoking. Is is not permitted to smoke in the indoor open lounge room and dining area though.
We have a fully functioning poolside restaurant and no guest kitchen facilities or available guests fridges.
The reception is usually open for check-ins between 08:00 AM - 22:00 PM most days but hours can vary depending on the season and capacity at our retreat.
We can only accept arrivals later than 22:00 PM when requested prior to your arrival via email or phone call only! Arrivals between 00:00 and 08:00 AM will not be accepted. If you have an early morning flight arrival, you can consider an airport or Colombo city hotel before arriving at The Salty Pelican between our reception hours later that day.
If you have an early flight and need to leave before 08:00 am, please arrange check-out and any remaining balance due the day/night before your departure.
My plane arrives in Sri Lanka at 02:00 AM in the morning, can I arrive at The Salty Pelican this time ?
You can either wait at the airport and we arrange an airport transfer to pick you up around 05:00 AM and bring you to The Salty Pelican (3hrs drive) when the reception opens at 08:00 AM and wait around our lounge/restaurant areas until your room is ready, usually around 14:00 PM or earlier where possible. Or you can book a hotel near the airport or in Colombo centre to stay the night and choose to arrive for your check-in time around 14:00 PM
Unfortunately we cannot accept any check-ins between 22:00 PM - 08:00 AM
Theres space directly in front of The Salty Pelican to park your scooter for free.
Send us an e-mail containing your booking request and your contact details. We will get back to you as soon as possible with the information required to make your booking.
Yes we do, for booking the minimum amount of 20 persons or more. Please send us an email and we will advise you which months and dates are possible.
No problem ;-) Usually 95% of our guests are either complete beginners or have only surf once or twice before. You re going to fit right in here and our surf instructors will make sure you learn the proper techniques and have loads of fun also.
Of course that wouldn't be a problem arriving anytime after 08:00 AM and you are more than welcome to relax around our lounges, pool area or restaurant until your room is ready, usually by 14:00 PM or only earlier if possible. We can also store your luggage securely while you wait.
To avoid being ripped off, you should only change your cash at any official cash exchange, safest bet is on arrival at the airport. Its right outside the arrivals exit gate.
There are two ATMs a few minutes away from our retreat by tuk tuk or a short 10 min walk, where you can withdraw rupees with your credit card or bank card. The maximum amount per transaction is 60,000 rupee (€250 - €300). Mulitple transactions can be done one after another.
All balances due, including your stay and any additional services, will be charged to your credit/debit card only. NO CASH PAYMENTS ACCEPTED AT OUR PROPERTY
Every bed in the shared rooms, has there own personal electronic locker that can fit your entire travel bags, valuables, clothes hangers and more. There is also a charging point within your locker to top up devices securely whilst you're chilling by the pool.
Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and every power socket is internationally compatible including for each personal bed, lounge and pool areas. We also provide USB charging ports beside each bed.
We offer a wide and diverse selection of FLOWT surfboards, catering to various skill levels, sizes, and shapes. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate surfer, we have the perfect board for you.
** Please take note that surfboard rental is a complimentary inclusion with all our package bookings, available only between the hours of 7 AM to 7 PM but not available on your departure day. Please be aware that this offer does not extend to bed & breakfast reservations or bookings made through third-party providers such as booking.com or hostelworld.com, which do not provide our all-inclusive packages.
For guests who have not booked a package, surfboards can be rented at an additional cost of €35 per person per day.
Water temperature is 28 °C and more... so leave your wetsuit at home.
The average temperature in Sri Lanka all year is between 27-30 °C.
Its warm enough in Sri Lanka most of the year to walk around in a bikini or shorts most days. If you are sensituve to mosquitoes, bring some long trousers or longer skirt, would be a good idea when going to or near the beach at night.
We highly recommend getting travel insurance because, you know, life happens. Take care of it yourself, and we'll take care of the adventure. Please note that there are no refunds for any unused activities included in your tour package. In the unfortunate event of injury or sickness, it is solely the responsibility of each guest to have their own travel insurance coverage. Your well-being is a priority, so make sure you're protected and ready for an incredible experience with us.