Singing Fish

The Riviera singing fish tour is a relaxed, informal night-time excursion out on the lagoon. It lasts about an hour. It is also the experience of a lifetime. You simply put on your orange life vest and leave the rest to us. We know the places where you’ll hear the best variety of fish “songs” and we’ll take you right there. Don’t be surprised when we cut the motor and hand you an oar. Put the paddle end into the water and hold the rounded handle to your ear. With a little luck you will hear the clicks, buzzes, whirrs, and occasional high notes that are really the mating songs of fish species in our lagoon.

So many people come to Batticaloa just to hear the singing fish. We recently took a scientist friend of ours out on the Riviera boat. He didn’t tell us until afterwards that he was sceptical. Maybe, he thought, the sounds were vibrations from the bridge or some other phenomenon. Maybe it was all a bunch of romantic storytelling just to attract tourists. As it turns out our biologist friend was able to pick out five or six different “tunes.” Later he did a little research and found out that the singing fish phenomenon is for real. The fish release air from an organ called the swim bladder. By doing this they generate unique sounds and attract mates. Nothing fishy about this romance!

So join us for a warm, romantic evening on the lagoon. Enjoy the breezes, the peace and quiet, and discover the singing fish for yourself.

• Per person: Rs. 1,500 – (Minimum 2 persons)
• Family package: Rs. 4,500
• Time: After 10.00 pm
• Boat: 4 stroke engine boat (maximum capacity for 8 adults)

Average duration: 45 – 90 min (Hearing the singing fish is not 100%
guaranteed. It depends on weather conditions, water currents and other external facts. According to local knowledge and our experience the audibility is usually higher during clear skies and days (10) saddling between full moon)