AN OCEAN WILDLIFE SAFARI
Whale Watching
Encounter The World’s Largest Creatures
Sri Lanka is blessed with the largest land animal in its jungles and the largest animal on the planet: blue whales. These ocean giants migrate off the Eastern and Southern coastal belts, and as experiences in Tangalle go, it is the most popular adventure for couples visiting Sri Lanka. Whale watching offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these graceful creatures breaching the ocean waters as they migrate on a thrilling ocean wildlife safari.
Between November and April, the southern coast becomes a hotspot for whale migration, creating the perfect conditions for spotting different species of whales. With a 90% chance of encountering some species of whales during this peak season, get ready for the ocean wildlife safari experience of a lifetime.
Highlights of a Whale-Watching Experience
- Earth’s largest mammal, The Blue Whale
- The Sperm Whale
- The second largest animal after Blue Whales, Fin Whales
- Other Whales such as Sei Whales, Byrde Whales
- Spinner Dolphins, Flying Fish and Sea Turtles
Whale-watching trips depart from Mirissa Harbour, an hour from Tangalle. The tour typically lasts 4-6 hours, and most depart before 7 a.m. from the harbour. So, pack your sense of wonder and prepare to be captivated by the Southern Ocean’s marine splendour!
Essential Tips: Research other visitors’ experiences to ensure you choose an ethical operator that follows the International Whale Watching guidelines. Ensure you carry seasickness medication at least one hour before the tour.
Location and Hours of Operation
Operators take off from Mirissa Harbour.
Tours Commence before 7:00 am. Some leave at 6:30 am, so ensure you’re at the harbour at 6:00 am (check with your operator)
Duration: Most tours will last between 4-6 hours.
Cost: Costs vary depending on several factors. The average per-person price on a group tour is around US$50 -60 for adults and US$35-45 for kids between 5 and 12 years old.
(Terms and Costs are current as of September 2024)