Research on Sperm Whales was initially done in the seas of Sri Lanka off the East Coast in the 1980s. Subsequent Whale research was severely restricted due to conflict in the North and the East.  In 2003 it was initiated once again and it was found that the Indian Ocean waters surrounding Sri Lanka had the highest density of Sperm Whales in the world as well as providing life for the mighty Blue Whale – the largest animal on earth -- Fin Whales, Humpback Whales and Dolphins.  Most whale species found in the waters of Sri Lanka do not migrate long distances for feeding and breeding and therefore remain in the surrounding seas throughout the year.  Boat excursions into the deep seas are possible from December to April when the seas are at their calmest along the south and west coasts.

South Coast: During the season in December and April, large pods of Dolphins and Blue Whales can be seen just a few miles offshore.  Mirissa Water Sports, based in the Mirissa Harbour, offers Whale and Dolphin watching excursions which can take up to three hours.

North West Coast: Hundreds of Spinner Dolphins can be seen just minutes off the shores of Kalpitiya in the North West during the season from December to April.  Observed in pods, these Dolphins often swim along side the boats and frolic in the seas -- a thrilling sight for children and adults alike.

Mirissa Water Sports, based at Mirissa Harbour, is a charitable organization helping to generate youth employment in tsunami-affected coastal areas. Mirissa Water Sports offers Whale and Dolphin watching as well as sailing, fishing, river cruises, coastal cruises, sea kayaking, and snorkelling for visitors to the South coast. Our partners in Kalpitiya on the North West coast are based in the small fishing village of Alankuda. Known as Alankuda Beach, this is an eclectic beach resort designed with rustic style situated on a deserted 2 kms stretch of pristine private beach. The shimmering seas here are calm and inviting during the months of November to April and ideal for Dolphin and Whale watching. Alankuda Beach also offers a range of water sports including windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, kite surfing, deep-sea fishing and snorkelling.

Mirissa Water Sports - Click Here
Information on Whale & Dolphin watching, river cruising, sailing, and snorkelling

Building A Future (BAF) - Click Here
Information on watersports, community development projects, upcoming events.

Alankuda Beach - Click Here
Information on Whale & Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya

Eco Team - Click Here
Information on Whales species, whale spotting in Sri Lanka

American Cetacean Society - Click Here
Informaton on whales and Dolphins

'Best for Blue – is Sri Lanka the best for seeing Blue Whales?'
by Gehan de Silva Wijeyratne, Ceylon Daily News, May 2008 Click Here

'An abundance of Whales'
by Andrew Kittle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 3 No 12