Whale watching
Whales and dolphins may be seen off Sri Lanka’s west, south, and east coasts. Whale sightings are more common on the south coast. Whales spend the entire year on the south coast of Sri Lanka since it is a great feeding place for them.
There is also the possibility of seeing Byrde’s Whale, Fin Whale, Humpback Whale, Killer Whale, Minke Whale, Sperm Whale, Melon Headed Whale, and the rare Omura’s Whale.
There are small boats that can carry up to six passengers and large double-decked vessels that can carry up to 300 passengers. The whale watching boats would sometimes travel up to 20 kilometers offshore and stay in the water for 3 to 5 hours.
Additional information
Best time and popular spots
November to April
- South Coast
Mirissa
The Blue Whale is a common sight in Mirissa. And also, an excellent location for spotting sperm whales, killer whales, Bryde whales, short-finned whales, bottlenose dolphins, and striped dolphins.
- West Coast
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is an excellent location for viewing enormous pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat, jumping, spinning, twirling, and leaping.
The Spinner Dolphin is the most sought-after dolphin to observe since it continually breaches. The months of March and April are the best for whale watching in Kalpitiya.
May to October
- East Coast
Trincomalee
Though blue whales are not as abundant as at Mirissa, the sighting of spinner dolphins is more prevalent. However, the observation location in Trincomalee is closer to the land than the one in Mirissa, being around six to eight nautical miles away. There are opportunities to see sperm whales.