Amongst the most unforgettable experiences in Sri Lanka is to see whales swimming wild and free in the seas around Trincomalee; apart from that nifty rhyme, here’s more that you need to know!
Planning Your Visit
Trincomalee lies along the east coast of Sri Lanka around 257 km from the commercial capital, Colombo. One option would be to be based in the coastal town of Passikudah; you can choose to stay by the beach at properties like Amethyst Resort Passikudah and head off on excursions to Trincomalee for whale watching.
Best Times to Go
Generally, the whale watching season in Trincomalee runs from May to October, though there have been instances where these marine mammals have been spotted in March and April too. Cruises depart around 6:30am and can last four to five hours after which you can continue sightseeing in Sri Lanka and its east coast.
Whale Sightings
One of the most memorable encounters to look forward to when whale watching in Trincomalee is to observe blue whales, the largest creature on the planet! In these waters, sperm whales have been spotted as well and depending on your luck, you may also catch glimpses of Bryde’s and killer whales as well.
Spotting Dolphins
While whale sightings are not guaranteed, take heart because on your adventures you may also spot playful dolphins swimming and frolicking in the ocean! On such excursions, spinner dolphins are the most commonly seen species, though you may witness bottlenose, striped or Risso’s dolphins here too.
