Sri Lanka is fast becoming an amazing spot for watching whales and dolphins. Since the 1980’s Trincomalee was dubbed the whale watching hot spot of Sri Lanka.
However, recently there have been whale sightings in other areas that are easy and more accessible for us.
Dondra Point, located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, is the best spot to watch whales. The ideal time to spot these majestic beauties is during the period of December to April, when the seas are much calmer and less choppy.
There are excellent chances of spotting a blue whales and sperm whales at close proximity to the shore, making Sri Lanka one of the best places to whale-watch in the world! This is because the whales’ migration path is just off Dondra Point – eastward to the Bay of Bengal in December/January and westward towards Maldives and Africa in April. There are plenty of towns that provide easy access to Dondra Point such as Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Galle, Weligama, Tangalle and Mirissa, which all have popular beaches. These towns have ample accommodation and specific packages set for eager whale-watchers.
If your interest lies in dolphins, then the best place for you is Kalpitiya. Situated in the west coast of Puttalam district, this historical town is a 2½ hour drive from Negombo. The best season to catch the dolphins is November to March, and thousands of dolphins have been spotted by tourists without sailing off to deep sea. Naturally, hotelists have capitalised of this and provide accommodation ranging from holiday cottages to beach villas in the area. Kalpitiya also boasts the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka called the ‘Bar reef’; a wonderful place for scuba divers and snorkelers.
