Meet the Cetaceans
Giants cruise the depths around this teardrop-shaped island. Blue whales and other awe-inspiring species make frequent appearances, and the south coast offers almost guaranteed sightings in the right season. Seeing these ocean titans at close quarters is a moment that sends tingling down your spine. Watch dolphins and porpoises swimming close to the boat, and keep an eye out for whales breaching the surface as they make their way through the warm waters.
Spot these magnificent kings of the ocean in Mirissa on the south coast or in Kalpitiya on the northwest coast, during the winter months from November to April. In the summer months, the east coast, specifically in Nilaveli, is the best place to spot them.
Highlights of a boat tour in Sri Lanka:
Travel to the steep underwater drop-off south of Mirissa where the whales congregate.
Push the boat out with private charters by sail catamaran.
Spot blue whale, sperm whale, whale sharks, dolphins and several other species.
Image gallery
For anyone with sea legs, it’s difficult to pass the southern resort of Mirissa and not find yourself, as dawn breaks, hopping into a boat and heading out of the harbour towards the open ocean. Cruise over waters that change from emerald green and azure to deep, deep blue as they fathom away over the drop off, and pause to await the arrival of the whales.
See what our client Sally said about the experience, “ We were in 2 minds about the whale trip, the early start isn’t really us on holiday, but the experience was amazing and we talked of nothing but the whales for the rest of the day. A really, really magnificent experience and humbling to the point of feeling quite emotional”.
Creating memories
In Mirissa, if you’re in the right place at the right time, you are pretty much guaranteed a sighting. Unless you’re a serious photography fanatic, we’d suggest putting the cameras away - successfully using a camera on a bobbing boat is one of life’s great challenges, and it’s good advice just to enjoy the moment. The majesty of these animals usually silences everybody and creates some extraordinary memories.
Responsible providers
We take our commitment to responsible wildlife encounters very seriously and only work with operators that are dedicated to high standards. Thankfully, the Sri Lankan authorities have strict rules that support this approach. If budget allows, the best way to see the whales and more is via a private charter out of Mirissa. Utter luxury aboard a stable catamaran means photography is easier (though still a serious skill). The food is outstanding, and the knowledge of the onboard naturalist completes the experience.
