Whale Watching

Sail out from Mirissa harbour to see blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins with a responsible operator (November–April).

Blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins off Mirissa, with hotel pick-up from Galle, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa or Bentota – the season runs November to April.

A blue whale morning off Mirissa and an afternoon in Galle Fort, from Colombo and back in a day – the expressway makes it possible.

The east coast's whale season runs when Mirissa's is over – March to September, peaking June to August. Sperm whales are far more common here than in the south.

A short break that combines the best of the south: a leopard safari in Yala, whale watching in Mirissa and a sunset walk in Galle Fort. Perfect before or after a Maldives holiday or a business trip to Colombo.

The two giants of Sri Lankan wildlife in one trip: the leopards of Yala and the blue whales of Mirissa – the largest animal ever to live. Add flamingos in Bundala and a beach afternoon, and you have a perfect nature break on the south coast.

A tour designed around light, not a checklist. Travel with a photographer-naturalist, use private safari jeeps with beanbags and extra time at sightings, and plan every shoot around golden hour.

Golden sand, palm trees and turquoise water – this is Sri Lanka's classic beach holiday, with just enough sightseeing to keep it interesting. Hop along the south coast from the river estuary of Bentota to historic Galle, whale-watching Mirissa and the quiet coves of Tangalle.

Sail out from Mirissa harbour to see blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins with a responsible operator (November–April).

A short break that combines the best of the south: a leopard safari in Yala, whale watching in Mirissa and a sunset walk in Galle Fort. Perfect before or after a Maldives holiday or a business trip to Colombo.