Whale-Watching in Sri Lanka
A holiday to Sri Lanka can be made unique if you incorporate whale-watching into the holiday itinerary. Expressions Holidays can tailor-made a holiday to Sri Lanka with whale-watching.
Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean, where 26 cetacean species are found. Its waters offer an outstanding opportunity for observing blue whales and sperm whales as well as a variety of dolphins, particularly off the south coast and off the north-west coast (Kalpitiya). We can organise a whale-watching boat trip from the port of Mirissa, between the months of December and April (April being historically the best month for sightings). During the migration, blue whales are seen relatively close to shore, since the continental shelf is narrow to the south of Dondra. Even sperm whales sometimes come within a few miles offshore. Also look out for pods of spinner dolphins which can sometime number in the hundreds. On a lucky day you may see long-snouted spinners, along with spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins and Fraser dolphins, a sight equally as thrilling as the awesome whales. The boats only operate during the months between December and April and only run subject to favourable weather conditions.
Where to stay: Weligama Bay Resort is the nearest in our hotel selection to Mirissa where the boats leave from. The Fortress Hotel, Kahanda Kanda (inland) and the hotels in Thalpe and Galle are all within an hour’s drive away, a little further from Tangalle. A boat trip can also be arranged en route between Galle and Tangalle or Yala.