Joanna James
Witnessing the majestic blue whale, the world’s largest animal seems like a distant dream for many. But this doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience - there are plenty of places where you can encounter these gentle giants, and the island of Sri Lanka is one of the top destinations for whale watching. Several hotspots around the island provide the best encounters all year round, with many locals and tourists relishing the chance to catch more than a glimpse of the creatures. If whale watching is on your travel bucket list, here are a few things to know about the whale-watching experience in Sri Lanka.
There are two locations in Sri Lanka known almost exclusively for whale watching. The most popular is the town of Mirissa located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, between the towns of Gall and Matara. Mirissa is known for its scenic beaches and is the most accessible spot for encountering not only blue whales but other marine animals too.
The other popular destination for whale watching on the island is Trincomalee, a town located on the country’s East Coast. Trincomalee is home to one of the best natural harbours in the world and also boasts impressive coastal areas with picturesque beauty. As such, it is a popular spot for whale watching, particularly for families.
It is important to consider peak times for whale watching in Sri Lanka when planning your visit to the island. If you plan on heading to Mirissa, the best time to visit is from November to April when whales are known to migrate to the southern part of the island. If Trincomalee is your top pick, then you can visit the eastern coast at any time from May to October by which time the whales will have moved to the island’s eastern waters. The combined whale-watching seasons of Trincomalee and Mirissa means that Sri Lanka has the longest whale-watching season which lasts for 9 months.
The great thing about whale watching in Sri Lanka is that you’ll encounter various whale species, as well as other marine animals. Whether you’re out on the waters in Mirissa or venturing out from the shores of Trincomalee, you’ll witness the famous blue whale as well as sperm whales, killer whales and whale sharks. Keep your eyes open for spinner dolphins, striped dolphins and bottlenose dolphins that frequent both areas in the peak seasons.
Most Sri Lankan whale-watching excursions begin early in the morning at around 6 and last for a good 4 to 5 hours. As such, you’ll need to bring your typical beach essentials including sunglasses, sunscreen and a beach hat. Most tour operators like Walkers Tours often provide drinks and snacks to keep you energised during the tour. If however, you’re taking prescribed medications, you’ll need to bring these along.
Whale watching is one of the most enjoyable ocean-based activities in Sri Lanka. However, the right precautions need to be taken when planning your excursion and during the tour. When booking tours, make sure that the tour operators are officially certified and follow the correct safety measures and guidelines for both passengers and marine wildlife.
Additionally, when out on the water avoid trying to attract the animals with food items, light displays or sounds. Passengers should also avoid getting into the water with the animals unless the tour operator has special permissions and licenses to do so, with a team of professionals on board.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
