Sri Lanka is home to up to ten [10] different species of whales, including fin, humpback, Bryde’s and of course the majestic blue whale. Known to be one of the most sought-after destinations for whale (and dolphin) watching in Asia, tourists gather around the South Coast (Mirissa and Galle) or North East Coast (Trincomalee) depending on the time of year they visit, to get up close and personal with these giants of the deep. For most, seeing a whale leaping acrobatically at sea is an once in a lifetime experience.
Before you start planning and set off on a whale watching tour of a lifetime, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Best time of year to go whale watching
Whale Watching can be done throughout the year, along different coastlines of Sri Lanka. However, the most popular season is between late November and mid-April – along the South Coast at Mirissa and Galle. This time of year is perfect, especially if you’re looking for a sun-kissed holiday, that gives you access to a little bit of everything that makes Sri Lanka a paradise. From the beach clubs to the nightlife, local culture, and even the surfing and water sports – visitors are able to choose from a plethora of activities and sites to visit during this time that will complement their whale-watching experience.
It’s important to note that the mighty Blue Whale is most likely to be seen between February and mid-March, due to the migration of krill.
Best time to start your whale-watching tour
Most whale-watching boat trips start at 6:30 am in the morning and trip durations (generally 3-5 hours for the round-trip with an hour of whale watching) can vary depending on the weather and condition of the sea.
What to wear/ what to bring
Hold your horses, it’s time to check inventory.
When it comes to setting sail on the open seas remember to wear layers, and maybe even bring a waterproof outer jacket, along with sunglasses and sunscreen (because you know the sun’s going to be out!), and of course plenty of drinking water.
Make the most of your trip
Planning your holiday around your whale-watching tour isn’t a bad idea.
If you’d like to combine your whale-watching trip with a wildlife safari – head to Yala National Park, which is approx. a 2-hour car ride from Galle or Mirissa. Anytime between February to April are the perfect months to visit, not just because of the presence of the majestic blue whale but also because the water tables in the national park are low, and so animal sightings, particularly around lakes, are far higher.
Yala National Park is home to the largest population of leopards anywhere in the world.
Looks like you’re ready to set sail and make some memories.
