Whale & Dolphin Watching

Sri Lanka may be one of the easiest places to watch whales and dolphins, allowing it to become a global top spot to watch blue and sperm whales. Increased sightings of both blue whales and sperm whales off the southern coast of the island have now opened up a window of opportunity for whale watching tourism in the island's Deep South.

A high concentration of blue whales and sperm whales have been spotted in the seas off Dondra Head along the deep south coast of Sri Lanka, during the months of November to April. The frequency as well as the proximity to the shore makes Sri Lanka one of the easiest places in the world to spot blue or sperm whales.

Blue whales are the largest animals on earth growing up to some 110 feet in length and weighing up to some 180 metric tons. They feed on krill, a shrimp like marine invertebrate. Sperm whales, the largest carnivore mammals, mostly feed on squid and octopus in the deep sea bed. Naturalists say conditions around the island are good for whale habitat due to the nutrient flow from the country's river system.

Some of the blue whales off Dondra Head could be resident whales while others could be migratory ones crossing over to the Arabian Sea from the Bay of Bengal. There have been 27 species of marine mammals recorded so far in Sri Lankan waters. To see a Blue whale at sea is something most of us can only dream about. To see more than one in a lifetime is a rarity reserved for a fortunate few.

Best time to go: November to April is the best time period, and April is the peak month. Over a thousand images of the whales and dolphins were taken by clients and the operator during the month of April 2008 only.

The guest has the option of joining an already scheduled boat or charter the small vessel.