Nestling comfortably on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is a charming beach town. And it is famous amongst travellers for two things; tranquil beaches and whale watching. In this brief guide, we discuss the ins and outs of whale watching in Mirissa. Without further ado, let us dive into the great big seas.
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When is the whale watching season in Mirissa?
If you do a Google search for ‘Whale Watching Mirissa’, the season between November to April would appear. This period is ideal as the waters settle down a little, and whales start migrating from the Southern hemisphere to the Northern hemisphere. The seas around Mirissa become feeding grounds to the mighty ocean creatures during this period. And you are likely to spot plenty of whales and dolphins frolicking around. You can take your time to meet these wondrous creatures. Find accommodation near Mirissa such as Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, and explore the turquoise depths for giants of the seas.
What type of whales can you see in Mirissa?
You will most probably spot blue whales in the waters near Mirissa from November to April. But that is not all. If you team up with an experienced guide, you can see a number of other sea creatures. You’ll see sperm whales, humpback whales and Bryde’s whales. There would be dolphins playing around, and flying fish beckoning you into their salty world. And, as mentioned before, Mirissa is one of the best places to see Blue whales. At any given time, you have a 90 per cent chance of seeing a blue whale.
Why do you need to book with an ethical whale watching operator?
Unethical operators are simply looking to make a buck, no matter the consequences. They will pack the boat with too many people, and try to get far too close to sea creatures for comfort. You might even see 10 or so boats chasing whales. This is distressing to the whales. Ethical tour operators on the other hand treat these giants with the respect they deserve. And you will get to see the whales peacefully going about their business as you watch from a reasonable distance. And ethical companies stay out in the seas for much longer.
How to prepare for whale watching in Mirissa?
Whale watching tours depart around 6 to 6 30 in the morning and stay out for about 5 hours. If you don’t catch a glimpse of whales, they even stay out for up to 8 hours. Hence, you should prepare for a few hours at sea. Take your refillable bottle of water. Apply sunscreen, and put on your trusty sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat would come in handy to allow you to gaze afar. You can take a snack along to keep the hunger pangs at bay. The sea tends to be rather rough. It is advisable to prepare to combat seasickness beforehand. You can take recommended medication before you sail away in search of whales. This way, you’ll be in a stable condition to spot sea creatures and enjoy the waves.
How much does a whale watching tour cost in Mirissa?
The rates start around Rs 4000 which is about 22 USD per person. There is an additional charge of government fees of 18.50 USD per person.
Can you swim near whales in Mirissa?
Swimming with whales or dolphins without obtaining a government permit is illegal in Sri Lanka. If a tour operator offers to let you snorkel with dolphins and swim near whales, they are trying to scam you. You probably won’t be able to swim with giant sea creatures off the coast in Mirissa. But you can go snorkelling nearer the shore to encounter vibrant fish and smaller sea creatures in their natural habitat.
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