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Whale watching, Mirissa

Sri Lanka, The South Coast

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Since blue whales were first discovered off the south coast of Sri Lanka (how were they ever missed?!) in the early 2000's, scientists realised that Sri Lanka might well be the best place in the world to see both the blue whale and its smaller cousin, the sperm whale. In reality, fishermen always knew they were around but attaching no commercial importance to them, left them to their own devices.

As it happens, the sharp fall-off in the continental shelf means it is likely that whales live off the south coast of Sri Lanka all year round as well as migrations in season. They can only be seen when the sea is flat and calm - roughly during the 'season' which typically starts in late December and runs till April. Note that this cannot be guaranteed. 

Whilst whale watching tours have long been popular off Trincomalee in the northeast, sightings there have always been hit and miss. However, when the experts realised that potentially large numbers of whales were migrating between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, passing by the Sri Lankan coast close to Dhondra head, a search party was launched. Within 15 minutes experts found the first blue whale, and when they moved further out to sea, they found even more.

In the time since this discovery, whale watching trips have sprung up and become well-organised affairs. From your base near Mirissa, spend the early morning at sea with your binoculars scanning the water: all being well you will get up close and see the largest mammal on earth with your own two eyes.

Incredible.

Note that whale watching is only possible during the season. There are a good number of boats which operator in a way that is potentially dangerous to passengers. Bear in mind that there is a busy shipping lane just offshore here. Contact Experience Travel Group to discuss further.

 

 


Whale watching was great. We saw four blue whales, dolphins and a pair of turtles and the staff on the boat were very well organised.

Peter, March 2012

You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.

Slow Paced Luxury

Slow Paced Luxury

Some of the most beautiful luxury accommodation in the south of Sri Lanka and a deluxe wildlife safari away from the crowds.

South Coast Discovery

South Coast Discovery

Head to Sri Lanka's southern coastline. Explore the exotic landscape, discover historical Galle, and relax on the beach.

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Travel Guide to Sri Lanka

CURIOUS TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO SRI LANKA

Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog