While Sri Lanka offers an infinite number of breathtaking landscapes to explore, stepping beyond its shores reveals a sight far beyond your imagination. The waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding Sri Lanka are home to a wealth of marine biodiversity, including some of the world’s most majestic creatures who call the sea their home. Sri Lanka's geographical location in the heart of the ocean means that whales and dolphins are abundant along our coastlines, particularly in shallower waters where the warm temperatures provide ideal conditions for feeding, breeding, and migration. Perhaps the most extraordinary marine attraction that calls Sri Lanka home - the largest animal to have ever existed on our planet. They are frequently spotted in Mirissa and Trincomalee as they make their way on their migration routes. In addition to blue whales, Sri Lanka is also home to other whale species including fin whales, sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and even orcas - pods of which have been spotted in our waters. Apart from these behemoths, Sri Lanka’s waters are also home to several species of playful dolphins. These highly intelligent and social creatures make for an exciting spectacle. Spinner dolphins delight with their acrobatic leaps and Bottlenose dolphins are eager to interact with people, with striped and common dolphins can be seen chasing after boats. Whale and dolphin watching usually takes place aboard small but highly powerful boats holding a limited number of people, although larger vessels are also available for group outings. These tours generally depart early in the morning to maximise chances of sightings. Sri Lanka takes the conservation of its favourite ocean-dwelling residents seriously. However, in recent years, unethical practices by some tour operators, such as relentlessly chasing after these shy creatures, have highlighted the importance of choosing a responsible service provider and adhering to ethical guidelines. This ensures that the animals are not disturbed, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats. Whale and dolphin watching offers a very profound experience that surpasses other wildlife tours. The sight of these majestic creatures existing in all their glory leaves a lasting impact and you will walk away from this experience feeling humbled and with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the deep blue sea.
