More than 26 species of cetaceans such as blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales can be observed from the Sri Lankan coast. Blue whales are the most frequent guests in Sri Lankan waters. Popular whale-watching locations include Dondra Point, Mirissa, and Trincomalee.
Dondra Point is the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. Due to the narrow continental shelf, whales can be seen as close as a few miles from the shore. Sometimes they can be seen 54-m (176-ft) from Dondra lighthouse. Dondra Point is the most reliable place for whale watching due to a ninety percent chance of seeing blue whales and a well-developed infrastructure. Tours to Dondra Point leave from Galle and Hikkaduwa.
Mirissa offers regular whale and dolphin watching excursions. Boats leave at 7 am from Mirissa Harbor and spend three or four hours at sea. The chances of seeing whales and dolphins during high season is over 90%. The best time for whale watching on the southern coast is from November to April.
An alternative option is to watch whales in Trincomalee, located on the northeast coast. Most of the whale-watching tours there start at 6:30 am. Depending on the sea conditions, it can take up to 3 hours. In the north, the best time for whale watching is usually from July to September
Practical info
What types of whales can be witnessed on the Sri Lankan coast?
More than 26 kinds of cetaceans can be seen off the Sri Lankan coast, where blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales are quite common. Other rare species that are spotted include Bryde's whales and killer whales, along with different dolphins and porpoises. Show more
Which spot in Sri Lanka has the highest likelihood of seeing blue whales?
Dondra Point is the most dependable location to see Blue Whales in Sri Lanka. Since there is a narrow continental shelf, the whales can appear as close as only a few miles from the shore, making it an ideal location for whale watching. There is reportedly a very high chance of seeing blue whales in Dondra Point, up to 90%. Additionally, Dondra Point offers a well-established infrastructure that promises a comfortable whale watching experience. Show more
From which location in Galle do the whale watching tours start?
Most whale watching tours in Galle depart from Galle Harbour, which is situated approximately 20 minutes away from the city centre by car. Many tour operators also provide transfers to and from the harbour. Generally, the whale watching tours take between 4 to 6 hours, with the departures scheduled early in the morning. The tours usually provide refreshments, snacks, and a qualified guide to offer insights and details about the activity. Show more
During which months is it the best time to see whales on the southern coast of Sri Lanka?
The ideal time to observe whales on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is from November to April. These months of the year see calm seas and exceptional visibility, which makes it easier to spot whales and dolphins. The odds of spotting blue whales, sperm whales, and other cetaceans are high during this period. Nonetheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that the high season usually sees more crowds, and it is advisable to book the whale watching tours in advance. Show more
What is another coastal city in Sri Lanka known for whale watching besides Mirissa?
Trincomalee, located on the northeast side of Sri Lanka, is another renowned coastal city for whale watching besides Mirissa. The location offers visitors the opportunity to see Blue whales and sperm whales, particularly between July and September. The tours usually begin early in the morning and can take up to 3 hours depending on the sea conditions. Unlike the Southern coast, Trincomalee is less crowded, meaning that visitors can enjoy a quieter, more relaxed whale watching experience. Show more
