TORONTO — After making waves with its industry-first sailing trip in Sri Lanka, G Adventures has announced the launch of a second itinerary along the island’s east coast.

Priced from $1,999 per person (not including flights), the seven-day ‘Sailing Sri Lanka – East Coast’ includes highlights like standup paddleboarding along deserted beaches, a visit to Koneswaram Temple, and snorkelling in Pigeon Island National Park. It’s designed to complement the existing ‘Sri Lanka tour, meaning trips will run in the country throughout the year and give travellers two different options. Trips will travel the east coast from July to September 2018, before heading to the south coast from November 2018 to April 2019.

‘Sailing Sri Lanka – South Coast’, which first launched in February 2018, is already 90% sold out in its first season. According to the company, its land-based trips in Sri Lanka in 2017 tripled in demand.

Both sailing trips take place on a brand new 52-foot catamaran that carries up to eight passengers. The boat was launched earlier this year for G Adventures and has four double/twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms, portholes and pop-up skylights.

Compared to the south of the island which features more on-land excursions, the east coast is more deserted and secluded, with some of Sri Lanka’s best snorkelling opportunities. Both itineraries are timed for optimal whale watching, and guests can also take advantage of the two kayaks and two standup paddleboards onboard.

Vince Donnely, Global Sailing Manager, says the new east coast itinerary adds valuable extra capacity and gives travellers the opportunity to explore new sailing territory.

“We were thrilled to be the first small-group adventure company to explore Sri Lanka by sea, and we’re even more excited to be offering a second ‘travel first’ with this new itinerary along the east coast. Both trips have a local chief experience officer (CEO), skipper, and cook onboard, so travellers will experience the local culture and flavours as they explore the stunning Sri Lankan coastline,” he says.

The addition of Sri Lanka sailing brings the number of sailing destinations offered by G Adventures to nine, with 26 different itineraries in total operating in the British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Cuba, Greece, Indonesia, Maldives, Montenegro and Thailand.

For more information go to gadventures.com.