In the distance you see a spurt of misty water, your excitement increases and the crew tell you to look towards 12 o clock, this is whale watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka with Raja and The Whales. An ethical company who follows all international Whale Watching regulations and operates in Mirissa, one of the best places for whale watching in Sri Lanka where you can see a variety of species as well as the iconic blue whale.
While travelling Sri Lanka with our trusty tuk from Tuktuk Rental we stopped off in the busy coastal town of Mirissa. A hotspot for whale watching, we couldn’t wait to get out on the boat and see what was out there, this is where we stumbled across the dark side to whale watching. A few companies disregarded the regulations and therefore the whales welfare while operating their tours, some offered diving & snorkelling with the creatures which is in fact illegal in Sri Lanka. After looking around and talking to a few locals, we found Raja and The Whales, which we think is the best whale watching company in Mirissa.
Chapters
No time to read now?
Save this guide on Pinterest
Whale Watching In Sri Lanka
The hazy sunsets, speeding tuk tuks and endless stretching ocean is enough to draw any traveller to the island, but the wildlife tops the list for us. One of the best places in the world to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, we couldn’t miss whale watching in Mirissa.
Along with Trincomalee, Mirissa is a hot spot for whale tours and therefore shouldn’t be missed off your Mirissa itinerary.
Raja and the Whales – Whales And Dolphin Watching, Mirissa Sri Lanka
The first locally run whale watching tour, Raja and The Whales is a family business that started in 2009. In this blog we recommend the company as they follow international Whale Watching regulations as well as collect data for marine research and efforts.
It was clear on the boat the love the crew had for marine life, everyone was extremely knowledgeable and were happy to share facts on the animals as well as their habitat and local life for whales in Mirissa. We chose Raja and The Whales and were extremely happy, they went above and beyond to make our day unforgettable.
What Can You See On Whale Watching Tours In Mirissa?
The sea is brimming with wildlife and there’s no shortage in the different types of species you can see. Of course for us the draw was the largest mammal on earth, the blue whale, but you can also see sperm whales, fin whales, orcas, whale sharks, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, plus multiple fish species such as flying-fish and tuna.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Raja And The Whales – The Best Whale Watching Experience
Sleepily, we made our way to the main office at 6am to register ourselves, this was quick and easy. The tickets cost LKR 15k-20k each, depending on the season you go. We were then taken to the boat which is large and can hold up to 90 people, they informed us they only fill it to half capacity, this was really appreciated as on the water we saw other boats over crowded.
We were offered tea and biscuits and once we were on our way they brought round a plate of fruit and an omelette breakfast, this was delicious and well needed for the long tour ahead.
After around one hour we were lucky enough to spot a Fin Whale, the second largest whale in the world! We tracked the whale for a further hour and saw it swim alongside the boat. This trip we didn’t spot a blue whale, (apparently there is a 50% chance in Mirissa) but Raja and The Whales went above and beyond taking us to see a huge pod of spinner dolphins, there must have been around 200 which was magical. There were no other tours around and we’re extremely grateful for Rani and his crew to have taken us, although many boats left the dock at 6am, we were the last to return due to the crew’s efforts to find the dolphins even though we had already seen a whale.
While returning back to the port we were given a king coconut before disembarking the boat. A great experience, albeit a long one. We were on the boat for 7 hours, something you may want to consider if you’re with children.
No Time To Read Now?
Save this pin to Pinterest to read it later!
Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Watching Mirissa
Final Thoughts On Our Whale Watching Tour
Although we didn’t see a blue whale we loved the experience, you can sense the power of the Fin Whale as it swims effortlessly by the boat. The 200-300 spinner dolphins transported us into a Disney movie as they jumped, spun and played behind the boat.
This is an experience you can’t do everywhere highlighting why Sri Lanka felt so special to us and why Sri Lanka is one of our favourite travel destinations. If you visit Mirissa looking for a whale tour please consider booking with an ethical company, one that will ensure these animals will be cared for and respected, we can recommend Raja and The Whales and we hope you catch a glimpse of the majestic giant, the blue whale.
Best Places To Stay In Mirissa
$ Budget
JJ’s Hostel
For solo traveller’s looking for a dorm room in Mirissa, the best hostel is JJ’s. Only a 5-minute walk down to the main road and beach, so you’re not far from restaurants and cafes.
$$ Mid-Range
Emerald Bay Resort
Situated right on the beach, so you can wake up to the sound of the waves. Perfect for beachfront views without breaking the bank. Restaurant and bar on site, and steps away from the action.
$$$ High-End
Mandara Resort Mirissa
The place to go if you’re after luxury in Mirissa. Located right on the beach, it offers spacious rooms, with a choice for a private plunge pool or jacuzzi.
Spacing
Top Things To Do In Mirissa Map
Essential Items for Sri Lanka
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Water Shoes – Lightweight with Protection
Stay protected from sea urchins with these shoes. Also useful for trekking to waterfalls and snorkelling. We also love our microfibre towel and dry bag.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
