Mirissa Whale Watching Tour

Overview

Blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins are seen off Mirissa and the East Coast, with the Mirissa season running roughly December to April. This standalone excursion covers the same early-morning boat trip included in our Southern Coast journey, arranged on its own for travellers who only want the whale watching.

What's included

Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Professional English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide
Fuel, Parking & Highway Tolls
Government Taxes
Boat Excursion & Park Fees
Refreshments

Highlights

Blue whales, the largest animal that has ever lived
Sperm whales, Bryde’s whales and the occasional whale shark
Spinner dolphins, often in pods of hundreds
An early-morning departure, when the sea is at its flattest
A private transfer to the harbour rather than a shared coach
Season roughly December to April off Mirissa

What to expect

1

Before dawn: The drive to Mirissa harbour

Boats leave early, because the sea off the south coast is flattest in the first hours of the day and the sightings are better before the wind gets up. We collect you from your hotel in the dark and have you at the harbour for boarding.

Hotel pickup in a private vehicle
Boarding at Mirissa harbour
Life jackets and the safety briefing

2

Early morning: Out to the shelf

The continental shelf drops away close to shore here, which is the whole reason Mirissa works. It is a run of an hour or so out to where the blue whales feed, and the crew and spotters work the horizon for a blow.

The run out to the feeding grounds
Spotters working the horizon
Spinner dolphins, often on the way out

3

Morning: With the whales

A blue whale surfaces to breathe several times before the long dive, and the fluke coming up is the moment everyone is waiting for. Boats keep their distance and cut engines. This is watching, not chasing.

Blue whales
Sperm whales and Bryde’s whales
The fluke on a sounding dive
Whale sharks and turtles, occasionally

4

Late morning: Back to harbour

Back alongside by late morning, and back at your hotel with the rest of the day free, or carry on to Galle Fort, Coconut Tree Hill or Unawatuna with your driver.

Return to harbour
Refreshments aboard
Onward to Galle, Unawatuna or your hotel

Gallery

Good to know

Season: Roughly December to April off Mirissa; May to September is the East Coast’s turn, out of Trincomalee
Departure: Early morning: boats leave the harbour around first light
Time at sea: Typically three to five hours, depending on how far out the whales are
Sea sickness: Take a tablet the night before if you are prone to it. The swell is real and the boat sits still while watching
Bring: Sun protection, a windproof layer, and a camera you do not mind getting sea spray on
Included: Private vehicle, chauffeur guide, fuel, parking, tolls, boat excursion and park fees, and refreshments

Best time to go

December to April is the Mirissa season, with January to March the most reliable stretch for both blue whales and calm water. Outside those months the southwest monsoon makes the sea off the south coast rough, and the whales have moved round to the east. Between May and September we would send you out of Trincomalee instead.

Frequently asked questions

Am I guaranteed to see a whale?

No. These are wild animals in open ocean and nobody can promise a sighting on any single morning. What Mirissa has is one of the most consistent blue whale seasons in the world, because the continental shelf comes close to shore. In season, the great majority of boats find something.

What is the best month?

January to March. December and April both work, but the sea is flattest and the sightings most reliable in those three months.

How long are we at sea?

Usually three to five hours. If the whales are feeding far out it takes longer, and the crew will keep going rather than turn back early.

Will I get sea sick?

Some people do. The run out is bumpy and the boat then sits more or less still in a swell, which is the part that catches people. If you are prone to it, take a tablet the night before rather than on the morning.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, with the same caveat about the swell. Younger children usually do better on a calm January morning than at the edges of the season.

Can we combine it with Galle on the same day?

Easily. You are back on land by late morning with your own vehicle and driver waiting, so Galle Fort, Coconut Tree Hill or Unawatuna all fit into the same afternoon.