You scan the horizon, stretching into infinity. Morning has broken and the sounds of the sea are all around. The waves lap against the hull as you push deeper into the great azure that is the Indian Ocean. Suddenly up ahead you spot movement. A huge form, primordial like, slowly breaks to the surface as you watch with bated breath. Rising above just long enough for you to witness the sheer majesty and awe-inspiring size is the unforgettable sight of a blue whale, swimming wild and free in its ocean home. Whale watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka certainly offers an amazing journey of discovery out to sea!
Mirissa can be found along the South Coast of the country and if you are in search of beach hotels in Sri Lanka along this stretch of shoreline, then consider options such as Citrus Waskaduwa. Plan an excursion from here to Mirissa Harbour where whale and dolphin watching trips begin early morning, generally between 6.30 – 7.00 am. The best time to spot whales is from November to April, with December to March being considered the peak period for sightings.
Your voyage out to sea can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours and while there is no guarantee of seeing these magnificent marine mammals, it is an adventure nevertheless. Not as elusive as the whale are the different varieties of dolphins that inhabit these waters. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly seen varieties here. However the main draw are the whales be it blue, fin or sperm whales that have been spotted in the seas around Miriisa.
Make sure you bring along some suntan lotion, sun glasses and hats or caps because though it is relatively early morning, it can get quite hot. Also carry a pair of binoculars if you have one and it goes without saying to bring a camera or camcorder with you to capture that special moment when you see your first whale. Also have some sea sickness pills just in case; the constant rocking of the boat may test ‘landlubbers!’
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.