Whale watching in Sri Lanka

Dolphin and Whale Watching in Sri Lanka

October 3, 2019 10:55 am

If you are an animal and ocean lover, then this is the ultimate experience that you absolutely cannot miss out on. It’s an early start, but it is worth it. Different species of Whales such as the Blue Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Pilot Whale, Sperm Whale, Killer Whale & Dolphins can be spotted in Sri Lanka. The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth, and these magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant. Their hearts, as much as an automobile. They are also among the loudest animals on the planet. They emit a series of pulses, groans, and moans, and it’s thought that, in good conditions, Blue whales can hear each other, up to 1,000 miles away. Blue Whales have few predators but are known to fall victim to attacks by sharks and Killer Whales, and many are injured or die each year from impacts with large ships.

Sri Lanka hosts the largest super pods of whales in the world, which is spotted by some during the period of migration. Whale migration takes place during the latter parts of April which is when it is ideal for whale watching in Kalpitiya. However, whale watching is possible year around, in different parts of the island, as the whales migrate from the Southern coast to the Eastern coast during the summer.

The season for the Whale sightings in the Southern Coast is from November to April. Dondra Point along the Southern Coast is the best-known place for Whale sightings. Some lucky seafarers have claimed to have sighted schools of Dolphins alongside Whales as well. Usually the months from December to April is the peak season for Dolphins and Whale sightings. Out of these, January and December guarantee sightings. While you are in Sri Lanka, do not forget to travel to Mirissa and hire a fully insured trawler which are often affiliated with local restaurants and set out to the sea.

However, it is recommended that you set out to the sea around the early hours of 5.00 – 6.00 a.m. in order to be there around 10.00 a.m. the ‘ideal’ time for sightings. Whale watching in the South is not recommended during the summer like how whale watching in the east is not recommended during the winter. Most whale watching operators follow the same, however it is not recommended to whale watch off season as the seas are choppier and in turn makes the experience an uncomfortable one. These seasons mostly depend on the monsoons and the nature of the sea. Out of these months. Spend approximately 5 hours on a boat scouring the ocean for these magnificent creatures. If you wish to cut your journey short, and witness these magnificent beasts from the sky, this option is available to you as well however it is limited to the winter season of the southern coast.

The season for Whale Watching in the East Coast is from May to October. The deep blue sea off Trincomalee is a top spot for Blue Whales and Dolphins. Though not as much as Kalpitiya, the sea off the coast of Trincomalee is also known as habitual ground for wild Dolphins in Sri Lanka. As the Dolphins live about 10 km away from the shore, the boats leave as early as 5 a.m. in order to sight Schools of Dolphins. However, Trincomalee is mostly famous for Blue Whale sightings. Even during season, if a certain period is experiencing detrimental weather, whale watching is often cancelled, as we are an island in the Bay of Bengal which is a tropically active zone.

Get expert advice from one of our professional travel designers if you are interested in an exclusive Whale and Dolphin watching experience by catamaran, speed boats or by air in Sri Lanka, contact us via email.