Whales & Dolphins
The waters around Sri Lanka are among the best whale-watching areas in the world. Blue whales — the largest animals that have ever lived — pass the southern coast on their annual migrations in astonishing proximity to the shore.
What you can see
- Blue Whales: November – April, off Mirissa. Up to 30 meters long, weighing 150 tons.
- Sperm Whales: Year-round, off Mirissa and Trincomalee. Often in groups.
- Spinner Dolphins: Year-round, hundreds at a time, acrobatic jumps
- Bryde's Whales, Orcas: Rarer, but possible
Whale-Watching Spots
- Mirissa: Main season November – April. Sighting rate 70–80% for blue whales.
- Trincomalee: May – August. Less commercial than Mirissa.
- Kalpitiya: November – April. Dolphins in massive schools.
