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To More Inquiry
+94 77 359 7732
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+94 77 359 7732
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Whales and Dolphins watching

Whale and dolphin watching is the premier activity of Mirissa Water Sports (MWS). We are the first and longest established whale-watching operator on the south coast of Sri Lanka.

MWS has had over 3 consecutive seasons of whale sightings. Most sightings occur 3 to 6 miles off Mirissa. There are also sightings all year round, which has put Sri Lanka and the Mirissa on the list of the worlds ‘Top Hot Spots’ for sperm and blue whales. We work closely with Sri Lanka’s leading marine mammal expert, Anouk Ilangakoon, who helps us identify the types of whales and their migrating habits.

Blue whales are most frequently seen during the first quarter of the year off the South and West Coast of Sri Lanka. This is part of their migration route pattern. Mirissa Water Sports keeps accurate logs of the sightings so that we can predict the arrival of the blue whales for future whale watching tours. January and April is also a good time for dolphins. We are often accompanied by pods of spinner dolphins during our trips.

Included

  • Fresh Brekfast
  • Welcome Tea/coffee
  • Mineral Water
  • Fruits
  • Public liability
  • Life Jackets

Tour Details

  • Customers are requested to arrive at MWS by 6.00 am for morning tour
  • Vessels are departing at 6.30 am
  • 90% Sightings are guaranteed
  • No refund will be made if no sightings but we will arrange a free rescheduled trip depending on seat avaialability (Conditions apply)
  • We advise you to take sea sickness tablets if you have sea sickness
  • An averange trip takes 4 to 5 hours (Duration might differ depending on the distance and sighting locations)
  • Total refunds made if the vessels returns to the harbour due to technical problems, bad weather or other unavoidable circumstances
  • Parents with infants are advised to bring necessary foods
  • Pregnant mothers and parents with children age below 3 are requested to obtain advice and approvals from a doctor
  • All the passengers must wear safety jackets, Face mask throughout the journey

One of our vessels, The Spirit of Dondra, can be hired for cruising, anchoring in bays for swimming, snorkelling & picnics or just for sight-seeing. The coastline around Mirissa is noted for its wonderfully unspoilt coconut fringed beaches and coves. Minimum hire is 2 hours for a maximum 08 people.

  • Starting time is negotiable as per your request

For this reason, WDC has codified the criteria which we believe must be met in order for whale watching to be truly responsible and sustainable to whales and dolphins and the marine environment, and truly beneficial to passengers, operators and communities. In order to qualify, trips must offer:

  • A prime recreational and educational experience for participants which motivates them to care about marine mammals and the sea, and to work for marine conservation;
  • An experience that seeks to reduce the impact on whales, so that whales are watched with the lightest ‘footprint’ possible: this includes respecting relevant regulations or codes of conduct; ensuring vessels are fit for purpose; approaching with extreme care and attention,; respecting approach distances, and limiting time spent in their vicinity;
  • Opportunities for researchers to gather scientific information and disseminate findings to managers and the public;
  • An experience built around a naturalist or nature guide who can provide accurate information, help to find the whales and describe their behaviour, and successfully build the bridge between the urban participant and the sea;
  • The active involvement of the community or region in its work, enabling communities and regions to have a financial as well as a personal interest in whale watching and the conservation of cetaceans and the sea. (Source: IWC, 19961, Hoyt/WDCS, 2005, and Lott et al. 2006)

In addition, we seek to promote situations where research is being conducted so that the whales and dolpins are also being carefully monitored over the longer term. Whale and dolphin species are subjected to many pressures in the modern world and we believe that such monitoring can help to determine their status and the potential sustainability of the factors that may be affecting them, including whale watching. In the United States, Whale SENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies (Maine through Virginia) by NOAA Fisheries Service, NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Another collaborative progamme is Dolphin SMART, which aims to promote responsible viewing and stewardship of wild dolphins. The programme currently has participating operators in Florida, Alabama, and Hawaii. Launched in the Florida Keys in 2007, Dolphin SMART is the result of a collaborative effort between WDC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Dolphin Ecology Project, and local dolphin-watch tour operators. Read More

Frequently Asked & Question

The best season for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April, when sea conditions are calmer and blue whales are most commonly seen. However, we also operate from August during the summer season. Over the past three consecutive years, we have spotted many blue whales during August and September as well.

A typical tour lasts around 3 to 5 hours, depending on whale sightings and sea conditions.

Yes, whale watching is generally safe for families. Life jackets are provided, and experienced crews ensure safety throughout the trip.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and motion-sickness tablets if needed. Light breakfast and water are usually recommended.
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