Mirissa is Sri Lanka’s most accessible whale-watching hub, and a holiday in this town would be incomplete without signing up for this adventure. Here’s what you need to know about whale-watching in the area.
Mirissa_Beach_Sri_Lanka | img by Tharakaliyanage via wikipedia commons
Timing Matters
Those who are visiting Mirissa for the purpose of enjoying a whale-watching tour must time their visit as whale-watching is not an year-round activity. The official whale watching season in Mirissa is from November to April, which also coincides with the peak tourist season. Trincomalee, the east coast’s whale-watching beach town, on the other hand, sees the most number of whales between May and October.
Tour Operators Galore
Tourists will have a number of tour operators at their disposal for a whale-watching excursion but selecting the one that’s most suited to your budget will depend on the quality of your research. Those based at the Lantern Boutique Hotel or any other boutique hotel in Sri Lanka can book a tour via their accommodation provider while others can book a tour online prior to arriving in Sri Lanka. The duration and the terms and conditions will differ so it is important to consider online reviews before booking a tour.
What to Expect
Mirissa is famed as one of Sri Lanka’s best whale-watching destinations due to the high probability of spotting blue whales. These elusive creatures are known to make an appearance thanks to the verdant feeding grounds occupying the southern shoreline of the island. Sperm whales are also frequently spotted while several dolphin species are also known to show up near tour boats.
Safety Guidelines
It is best not to consume a big meal before the departure time as seasickness can occur quite easily when one has a full stomach. Packing motion sickness pills are also prudent even if you are not usually prone to feeling queasy during boating tours.
