There’s nothing quite like witnessing the grandeur and majesty of a whale swimming wild and free in the ocean. In Mirissa, Sri Lanka this is a sight that you can enjoy as part of a memorable adventure in the Indian Ocean.
Getting There
The town of Mirissa can be found on the island’s southern coast; it is around 151 km from the commercial capital, Colombo and can be reached via the Southern Expressway. For a faster and more scenic mode of transport however, you can make use of air taxi services from the likes ofCinnamon Air which offers flights to Koggala near Mirissa.
Casting Off
Boats on whale watching excursions generally depart from Mirissa Harbour at around 6:30 am and the voyage out to sea can take about two hours. The whale watching season is between November and April and while you aren’t guaranteed a sighting, it is still one of the most captivating things to do in Sri Lanka.
Types of Whales
On your adventure, you may spot the Blue Whale, the largest animal in the world known to have ever existed! An excursion with a knowledgeable guide may help you identify other species too including Sperm Whales, Fin Whales and Bryde’s Whales.
Other Creatures of the Deep
The great thing is, on such voyages you may also spot diverse marine species including playful spinner, bottlenose or common dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of turtles, sharks or even some flying fish!
