Best Whale Watching Sites in Sri Lanka- Discover Sri Lanka's Top Whale Watching Destinations

Often regarded as one of the most popular venues to experience whale watching in the island Kalpitiya is a top destination for the activity due to the city's location. As a peninsular the area in the north-western Maritime province in Sri Lanka is ideally situated to witness a wide range of whale species including Eden's whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, Bryde's whales and the illusive blue whale. Bottlenose dolphins as well as Risso's dolphins are also found in large schools off the coast of Kalpitiya during the official whale watching season which takes place from the month of September to May. The month of April in particular is deemed the best time to go on a whale watching safari. If one is visiting the area during the period, don't forget to include a trip to Kalpitiya on the Sri Lanka tour itinerary whether you're an independent traveller or on a Sri Lanka Tailor-made holiday. Most tour operators are located along Alankuda Beach.

Although Dondra is often not listed as one of Sri Lanka's top whale watching locations or famed as a destination for the activity the area is an important crossover point for both marine creatures as well as commercial maritime activities. The Dondra canyon has been identified as one of the best venues to witness massive blue whales congregate to feed on plankton flowers in the region. The best time to head to Dondra for a whale watching excursion are between the months from October to November and then again from March onwards till May. Most commonly spotted whale species in Dondra include false killer whales, Eden's whales, orcas, Bryde's whales and sperm whales. The two intermonsoonal seasons of the year are ideal for whale watching tours as sightings are more common during this time.

Mirissa is quite possibly the most well-known whale watching hotspot in the island and rightfully so the city is not only within easy driving distance of the capital Colombo but is also a whale watching destination served by a great majority of the local tour operators. Whale watching season in this part of Sri Lanka kicks off from December to April when resorts and navy operated vessels head out off the coast to catch a glimpse of the largest mammal in the world.

Another whale watching hotspot on the eastern coast Trincomalee is more than a beach holiday hub for the masses. Home to the most expansive submerged canyon in the island the area offers unmatched whale watching opportunities for visitors and locals alike. The best time to visit Trincomalee for the purpose of engaging in a whale watching excursions is during the months of July and August when the mammoth marine creatures occupy the feeding areas off the coast. Land based whale sightings are also common during this time of year. In fact it is said that one need not venture too far out of the coast of Trincomalee to catch a glimpse of whales during the season. Those who are visiting Trincomalee in the time between December and May can hop on a tour and head south from Nilaveli towards the Foul Point lighthouse.