The whale watching season in Mirissa, Sri Lanka starts from November and lasts through to April next year. This pristine coastal area of southern Sri Lanka is a beloved spot of whale and dolphin lovers who come to see the frolics of mischievous dolphins and the more majestic glides of whales.
If you stay at a Mirissa hotel like the well placed Casa Colombo Collection Mirissa, you will have easy access to whale and dolphin watching excursions. Most boat excursions start around 6:30 in the morning and include breakfast on board. Experienced guides will direct the boat towards areas where you are likely to encounter these majestic sea creatures and observe the international protocol for whale watching which will augment your chances of catching a lengthy glimpse of these creatures. A single excursion lasts 4 to 5 hours.
If you are lucky and the sea gods favour you, chances are that you will be able to witness Blue Whales gliding through the sea waters as well as Fin Whales and occasionally even Killer Whales. Sperm Whales and Fin Whales swim in the waters near Mirissa while the “smiling” Bottlenose Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and Spinner Dolphins vie for prominence. You will also see the Common Dolphin during your excursion. On clear days a school of flying fish may scamper across the sea near your boat and you may catch glimpses of a turtle or two.
Whales and dolphins are wild sea creatures and they don’t answer to the whims of humans. It is best to be prepared to practice patience during your whale and dolphin watching excursion and wait for the fortuitous moment to watch the antics of these unique beasts of the sea. If you go to Mirissa make sure you book your excursion with a reliable operator that respects whales and dolphins and adheres to international protocol which requires extreme care. The moment that you catch the exquisitely shaped body of a whale emerge from the water and glide back inwards in one athletic and smooth movement is something worth waiting for; it evokes a sense of the mystery of the sea and an ancient call close to our hearts.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
