Happy Holiday with Sanjeewa
EN
Home
A fishing boat with its nets on the beach, looking out to sea on the south coast of Sri Lanka

Home › Whale watching at Mirissa

Whale watching at Mirissa, from anywhere on the coast

Blue whales pass close to the south coast of Sri Lanka every winter, and the boats leave from Mirissa harbour soon after sunrise. I collect you from your hotel in the dark, drop you at the harbour in time for your boat, and wait to drive you back.

Season November to April Boat arranged for you Car or van SLTDA licensed
Ask me for a price

Available 24 hours · +94 77 197 3898

How far it is

An early drive along the coast

Boats leave Mirissa harbour at around half past six to seven in the morning. These are typical times by road to the harbour, so you can see how early we need to leave.

Where you are stayingTo Mirissa harbour
WeligamaAbout 15 minutes
Ahangama, MidigamaAbout 25 minutes
Dickwella, HiriketiyaAbout 45 minutes
Galle, Unawatuna, KoggalaAbout 45 minutes to 1 hour
TangalleAbout 1 hour
HikkaduwaAbout 1.5 hours

When to go

November to April

On the south coast the sea is calm from about November to April, and this is whale watching season. December to April is usually the most reliable time. From May to October the south west monsoon makes the sea rough, and few boats go out.

Blue whales are what most people come for. Sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and sometimes Bryde's whales and turtles are seen too. Most trips in season see whales, but no operator can promise it.

Visiting between May and October? The whales are on the other side of the island then, near Trincomalee. Tell me your plans and I will suggest what makes sense.

How the morning works

Out before sunrise, back for a late breakfast

1. Pickup in the dark

I collect you from your hotel early enough to reach the harbour before your boat leaves. Bring a jacket, as it is cool on the water at dawn.

2. On the boat

Trips usually last three to five hours, depending on where the whales are. I can book a boat for you with an insured, experienced operator that keeps a respectful distance from the whales.

3. Back on land

I am waiting at the harbour when you return. Go back to your hotel, or stop for breakfast and a swim at Mirissa beach on the way.

From guests

“Sanjeewa was an excellent driver, extremely kind and reliable. I would even give 6 stars.”

Wolfgang S. · Google review

5.0 from 10 reviews. Read them all on Google.

Get a price

Plan your whale watching morning

Fill in what you know and tap the button. WhatsApp opens with your message ready to send, and I reply with a price for the whole vehicle and help with the boat.

Message me on WhatsApp

Questions

Before you go

Will I get seasick?

The sea can have a long swell even on calm days. If you are not sure, take a seasickness tablet before the boat leaves, sit near the back, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Is the boat included in your price?

No. My price covers the drive to the harbour and back, with fuel, parking and waiting time. The boat ticket is paid separately. I can book it for you and explain the cost before you decide.

Is the price per person?

No, my price is for the whole vehicle. A family of four in the car pays the same as a couple.

Can children come?

Yes, many families go. It is a long morning on the water, so bring snacks, water and sun protection.

Can I combine it with something else?

Yes. After the boat, many guests visit Galle Fort, the stilt fishermen at Koggala, or a tea factory on the way back. Tell me what you would like and I will plan the day.

Also on the south coast

More ways I can help

Yala safari Colombo airport transfers Kandy to Ella Udawalawe safari Galle day tour Day tours and island tours
Ask me for a price