Our Story
Round the Island was established on 16th February 2023 as a tribute to Sri Lanka’s deep connection with the sea. Born from a seasoned boat captain’s love for the ocean and powered by an internationally approved, one-of-a-kind vessel, we explore the island’s undiscovered waterways through unforgettable boat tours in Colombo, sailing adventures, snorkelling, and scuba diving experiences. Our mission is to open new horizons in Sri Lankan marine tourism, sharing the untold stories of a nation rediscovering its spirit through the water.
Known for its sun-kissed beaches, tropical charm, mouth-watering cuisine, lush hills, and ever-welcoming smiles, Sri Lanka offers far more than meets the eye. Recognized worldwide as a “must-visit” island, Round the Island brings a fresh perspective to discovering the Pearl of the Indian Ocean through unique boat tours, sailing, and water adventures across Colombo and beyond.
From cruising the waves along the southern coast to navigating the historic Hamilton Canal, each journey is designed for exploration and connection — whether it’s snorkelling, fishing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Our tours can be customized to match your sense of adventure, budget, and pace — with options for private charters or shared experiences with fellow travellers.
About us
Mark Scott is no stranger to the waters. His earliest childhood memory takes him back to being a 4-year old lad, towing toy boats with a stick. Small wonder then that Mark has dedicated his life to navigating the waterways of the world.
First having touched down on the island of Sri Lanka in 1985, a 21-year old Mark fell in love with the untouched beauty of the island that he now calls home. Prior to making his permanent abode in Sri Lanka in the year 2010, Mark was the owner of the renowned Lakebay Marina, a historic landmark in the state of Washington. He and his family account for more than 3 decades in the Marina business having dealt with vessels of varying sizes and capacities from around the world.
Mark has accumulated thousands of nautical miles under his cap, and is also certified with a Coxswain license, that certifies his necessary skills to command, safely and efficiently, a commercial vessel engaged in inshore operations.
Apart from being the Captain of the ship, Mark also functions as the Navigator of each curated tour. His 12+ years in Sri Lanka have been put to good use, uncovering lesser travelled water routes, navigating both the coast and the waterways inland, and learning from the locals on what makes Sri Lanka so special. Nowhere else in the world will you find a guide who loves his adopted home, as much as Mark does.
Our Captain
For a boating tour, the boat is of course the most important component, and at Round the Island we have ensured to have acquired a truly, one-of-a-kind vessel. Known among the boating fraternity as “the Rolls Royce of Boats”, our Grady White comes with a haul designed to be comfortable even while riding the bigger waves.
Equipped with a powerful Yamaha 4-stroke motor, navigation lights, GPS tracker, stereo system, high frequency radio for emergencies, a fully-fledged safety kit including life jackets and many more amenities, the vessel has the ability to sail in any weather. Whether you choose to sail as the sun rises or sets, the vessel is also complete with a canopy to keep out the harsh rays and the heat.
Regularly maintained by Yamaha, the vessel is also certified by the US Coast Guard.