Whale & Dolphin Watching
The largest animal that has ever lived, within a morning boat ride of the shore.
The continental shelf drops away steeply just a few nautical miles off southern Sri Lanka, which brings deep-water species unusually close to land. Between November and April, blue whales feed off Mirissa alongside sperm whales, Bryde's whales and spinner dolphin pods that can number in the hundreds. When the southern season closes, the same animals are reachable from Trincomalee on the east coast from May to September.
Boats leave before dawn and are usually back by midday. We only use operators who keep to the responsible-distance guidelines and carry proper safety equipment — a slower approach that sees more, and disturbs less.
What’s included
- Blue whales, the largest animal on earth
- Sperm whales and Bryde’s whales in the same waters
- Spinner dolphin pods in the hundreds
- Responsible-distance operators only
- Breakfast served on board
- Sea-sickness tablets and life jackets provided
Add Whale & Dolphin Watching to your trip
Tell us roughly when you are in the country and we will check availability, arrange the transport to get you there and fold it into the rest of your itinerary.
- A reply within 24 hoursUsually the same working day.
- Fits around your plansWe work it into the days you already have.
- Nothing to pay nowNo card details to check availability.
Other things to do
All activities
Half day (two dives)Diving & Snorkelling
Coral gardens, colonial-era shipwrecks and reef sharks — on whichever coast is in season.
PriceOn enquiry
2 hours to multi-day campsSurfing
One of the easiest places in the world to learn, and a serious destination once you can stand up.
PriceOn enquiry
Half day (afternoon drive)The Minneriya Elephant Gathering
The largest gathering of wild Asian elephants anywhere in the world, on the bed of a receding reservoir.
PriceOn enquiry