About us

The Captain Fernando Boat Tours history

Following the Fernando family tradition of prawn fishing on Negombo Lagoon, Romesh Fernando started fishing with his father after finishing school in 2014. Seeing the increasing popularity of tourism in the local area, Romesh decided to try his luck offering lagoon tours to tourists as a way of supplementing the family’s livelihood. After launching the first little tour boat “Sophie Rose” in 2015 the business proved successful and the company Captain Fernando (PVT) Ltd was registered in 2018. From humble beginnings the Company now has a small fleet of three modern motorboats and 12 kayaks based at the company’s newly built “Captain’s Landing” headquarters, on the lagoon at Munnakkaraya, Negombo. Captain Fernando works in partnership with the local community in providing catamaran sailing, lagoon fishing and crabbing, kayak guiding, and extra motorboats for large group tours.

Our commitment to the lagoon environment

Romesh loves working amongst family and friends on the lagoon and sees eco-tourism as the way forward to achieve a sustainable future for the natural environment and to preserve the traditional local culture and lagoon communities. Romesh has become an environmental leader in the lagoon community working closely with the Forest Department Sri Lanka, the Environment Department and the Coastal Conservation & Coastal Resource Management Department as a community liaison person for research and monitoring of the mangrove ecosystem. Romesh shares the knowledge of mangrove ecology and conservation that he gains with the Negombo Lagoon community and engages in activities such as mangrove planting and clean-up events. With the support of his network of environmental and eco-tourism partners Romesh has participated in numerous mangrove ecosystem activities and events. The Captain Fernando team help to reduce plastic waste and build community awareness of the importance of preserving our fishery for future generations. Romesh organises annual clean-up events with local youth groups and guests.

Safe, professional boat services to international standards on Negombo waterways

  • Clean, modern boats built for tourism with low noise and low emissions 4-stroke engines
  • Boats are licensed for tourism with sea worthiness and fire rating certification
  • Public liability insurance for boats and land-based facilities
  • Full safety equipment, lifeguard & first aid trained crew
  • Qualified tour boat skipper with Coxswain Certificate from Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Mahapola training college, Colombo
  • Fluent English-speaking local guide
  • Modern guest bathrooms and facilities at our “Captain’s Landing” tour base

Certified by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)

As a water sports and marine eco-tourism operator on the Negombo waterways.

  • ✅ Boats and facilities comply with SLTDA standards for safety and sustainability.
  • ✅ Fully covered with public liability insurance for your peace of mind.
  • ✅ Equipped with full safety gear on all boats.
  • ✅ Operated by a qualified crew trained in:
    • Boat operations
    • Lifeguarding
    • Guiding and eco-tourism
  • ✅ Committed to providing a safe, professional, and eco-friendly experience.

With Captain Fernando you are in safe and professional hands!

SLTDA Registration number: SLTDA/SQA/WS/00116






varies according to itinerary
For 1 Pax

Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Departure times: by arrangement

Price: hourly hire for boat and crew

Minimum age: all ages

Fitness challenge: low to medium


varies according to itinerary
For 1 Pax

Duration: 2 to 8 hours

Departure times: by arrangement

Price: varies according to itinerary

Minimum age: all ages

Fitness challenge: low to high