Whale Watching

Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity and tropical waters make it a paradise for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts. It is one of the top three destinations to observe blue, sperm, humpback, and Bryde's whales. The waters are abundant with krill, a favorite food for whales. Additionally, there is an annual migration of blue and sperm whales between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea along Sri Lanka's coast.

Best Time and Place for Whale Watching

Mirissa (December to April)

This area boasts some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. In this southern region, the ocean depth can reach over 1 kilometer just a few kilometers from the shore. This allows whales to swim very close to the coastline.

Kalpitiya (November to April)

Tourism is relatively new here and it is not as renowned as other western parts of Sri Lanka. However, hotels and guest houses offer whale and dolphin-watching tours. These trips start early in the morning and last about three to four hours.

Trincomalee (March to September)

The eastern part of Sri Lanka is quieter and more tranquil than other regions. It only takes about a 30-minute boat ride from the coast of Trincomalee to encounter blue whales. It is truly an unforgettable experience. If you prefer not to take a boat ride, you can visit Swami Rock for a chance to glimpse these magnificent sea creatures. For those who enjoy being in the water, Pigeon Island National Park is located 1 km off Nilaveli Beach. It is home to various live corals and marine life, and if you're fortunate, you might get close to a whale.