Whale watching

Although sports fishing has been popular off Sri Lanka's shores for years, there's still plenty of world-class marine life to see, & a different type of surf safari is gaining ground. Assisted by the aid foundations that came to Sri Lanka after the tsunami, the previously little-known port of Mirissa is now a launch base for small enterprise trips to spot Blue & Sperm Whales, & dolphins. Most of the crew are ex-fishermen, saved from relying on handouts by this new income. Promising a nigh-on guaranteed chance of spotting a whale during peak seasons, Mirissa's waters are amongst the world’s best locations to spot these incredible mammals, with small vessels setting out daily at around 5am, complete with a local naturalist on board.