Joanna James
Sri Lanka is the kind of island that promises an adventure at every turn. Its strategic position surrounds the land with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and an influx of marine life, including over 20 species of whales! Here are the top places for whale watching in Sri Lanka!
Mirissa, a lovely lazy little town located in southern Sri Lanka, is most popular for whale watching tours. Due to the continental shelf being narrower around the Mirissa coastline, ocean depths will go to over a kilometre a short way from shore; therefore, heading out in the early hours will increase your chances of catching a glimpse of humpbacks, blue whales, and other types. Make sure to book your tour through a reliable operator. For the best experience when whale watching in Sri Lanka, make sure to choose local operators guaranteeing eco-friendly and responsible tours that don't stress the magnificent creatures with their presence. Some like Walkers Tours are reputed operators in Sri Lanka. December to April is the best time for whale watching in Mirissa.
Western Sri Lanka is different from the southern coast. The closest seaside resort to the international airport in Katunayake, the west coast is more commercialised than the lazy south, with expansive and developed coastal stretches. However, here too you can spot whales between November and April.
The most popular area for whale watching in the west is the town of Kalpitiya. The area is famous for kitesurfing too, owing to the excellent wind conditions and little lagoons dotting the peninsula. Both dolphin and whale watching are popular in the area, with sperm whales being the most spotted. Tours can last for about 3 hours and will start at the crack of dawn.
Still unspoiled by commercialised tourism, the eastern coast of Sri Lanka is a splendid place to relax and fall in love with nature. Isolated beaches, quiet coves, and thrills of water sports await. You will find the historical attractions fascinating to explore while planning a whale-watching cruise will often end with successful sightings.
One of the most rewarding towns on the eastern coast for whale watching, Trincomalee is serviced by top whale watching tour operators in Sri Lanka. You can even book a private whale watching tour aboard a luxury yacht, and savour the splendours of the beautiful east coast. The best time for whale watching in Trincomalee is March to April and August to September. About 8 kilometres from the coast of Trincomalee, you will, in most instances, be rewarded with sights of the magnificent blue whale. For those of you wanting to stay on dry land, a lookout point called Swami Rock just may reward you with sights of a whale breaching the surface of the ocean. If you head further north to the town of Nilavelli, you will be able to take a boat to the Pigeon Island National Park, where snorkelling is a thing and spotting a whale is a huge possibility.
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