As humans, it’s fascinating to take in the world around us and see what other species we share the world with. One of these is animal watching – be it on safari, jungle trekking, or in this case, out on the oceans. Mirissa, a village in Sri Lanka, is one of the best places in the world to go whale-watching, and where an avid visitor could find ethical tours to see these majestic creatures of the sea.
Mirissa
A fishing village that’s sandwiched between the towns of Matara and Galle, it’s best known for its scenery, white-sandy beaches and delicious food. It’s a popular holiday destination for many to go sightseeing and relax – and can be reached by car, bus, or train. It also has many activities, the least of which are the marine life tours widely available throughout the village, as many residences and tourist accommodations are quite developed and are a great place to stay.
Whale watching in Mirissa
For those who want to go whale watching in Mirissa Sri Lanka, it’s important to know what kind of wildlife you can expect when you go. Luckily, there’s a lot to see; while the main attraction is indeed the great blue whale, there are other whale species too such as the killer, sperm and shark whales. Other than whales, there are also several dolphin species and turtle species to see as well.
Ethical Practices
It’s of utmost concern that as fans of these creatures, we should also watch out for their safety. Unethical businesses only focus on business needs and invade the space of these beauties, putting them at risk and intimidating them. To that end, it’s important to only patronize the tours that know to respect boundaries when whale-watching.
What to Bring
While most reputable companies will offer personal protection that will vary between them as well as the First Aid supplies that all boats require, there are some things you can bring to make your trip easier and more comfortable. These include things such as snacks and drinking water and awareness about any medication that one may use. Attire should be simple and comfortable, as the high temperatures may require some effort to bear over several hours.
Other Activities
Being a picturesque town, Mirissa and its nearby locations are fun to check out as well with many accommodation options the likes of Tri Koggala within close proximity. You can take a day trip to Weligama (15 minutes away), a famous surfing spot to book a surf lesson from many places peppered across the shore, or you can just travel around and take in the sights from Parrot Rock for the classic palm tree-lined sight. For a better view of daily local life, head into Matara town for the hustle and bustle.