Mirissa is one of the best places for whale watching in Sri Lanka, and is well known as one of the top places in the world to see blue whales. Unfortunately there are only a few operators in the area that offer ethical whale watching tours. Opting for an ethical tour is crucial for the preservation and safety of these magnificent creatures. There are several operators in Mirissa which are known for overcrowding and relentlessly pursuing whales in their boats during whale watching encounters. Seeing blue whales in their natural habitat was an amazing experience for us and was one of the highlights of our Sri Lanka itinerary. In our opinion it’s an experience everyone should have when visiting Mirissa. This guide covers all you need to know about ethical whale watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
Enjoy more ethical wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka with our guide to snorkelling with turtles at Polhena Beach and our comparison between Yala and Udawalawe National Park!
Whale watching tours in Mirissa, Sri Lanka
During the peak whale watching season in Mirissa, which runs from November to May, there is a 90-95% chance of seeing whales. Sri Lanka’s warm coastal waters are thriving with nutrients, making it a paradise for blue whales.
The biggest draw for whale watchers is the chance to see pygmy blue whales, which reach up to 24 metres in length (as opposed to 30 metres for other blue whales). Whale watching tours from Mirissa regularly spot pygmy blue whales, as well as some of the other types of whales in Sri Lanka such as Bryde’s whales and sperm whales.
Other marine species can be seen on tours too, including bottlenose dolphins, orcas, and turtles. If you are interested in seeing different species then make sure to read our guide to humpback whale watching in Akureyri, Iceland.
Tours require an early start, with most whale watching trips departing Mirissa around 6am-6.30am. Trips normally last around 5 hours, although if there are no sightings tours may be extended up to 6-8 hours in the hopes of spotting whales.
We have been fortunate enough to go on whale watching tours in Mirissa twice, in both 2017 and in 2020, and saw around 10-20 pygmy blue whales on each trip. It was an amazing experience and we cannot recommend it enough – as long as you pick an ethical tour operator.
Some operators offer a free tour the next day if there are no whale sightings on your trip, but you are still required to pay the government tax of around 3,500 rupees.
Although both of our whale watching tours in Mirissa were calm, it is common to have rough conditions at sea. We recommend taking a sea-sickness tablet like dramamine as a precaution so that it doesn’t affect your trip.
Ethical vs. Unethical Tours
In recent years, some whale watching tours in Mirissa have been criticised for unethical practices such as overcrowding, chasing whales, and not keeping a respectful distance from the whales – as shown in the images bleow. Thankfully not all operators are like that, and there are a handful of responsible and ethical whale watching companies in Mirissa.
Picking an ethical whale watching tour not only ensures a memorable experience, but also discourages operators from continuing unethical practices.
On ethical tours you often get better views of whales, as the operators make a point to find whales away from other boats and avoid crowding around whales. This means you can often get better views and nicer photos without other boats in the background!
Better yet, responsible operators will also provide interesting facts and information about the whales – so you can learn more about these magnificent creatures!
Booking an Ethical Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa
To book an ethical whale watching tour in Mirissa we recommend directly contacting one of the companies below.
From our personal experience, the only three ethical whale watching companies in Mirissa are Whale Watching Club, Raja & the Whales, and Whale Warriors.
We definitely recommend Whale Watching Club, based on our experiences. The team has always exceeded our expectations, and they usually provide a free tour the next day if there are no sightings.
You can contact these companies through their websites or visit their local offices in Mirissa. Prices for ethical whale watching tours in Sri Lanka start at around 4,000 rupees per person, with an additional 3,460 rupees per person for government fees and taxes. Some tours now package everything in one price of $50 USD per person as of 2022.
An ethical whale watching experience in Mirissa offers a much more authentic and rewarding experience that benefits the whales. It’s vital to support ethical operators when considering whale watching in Mirissa, as it ensures the safety of the whales in the area and means others will be able to enjoy seeing them on tours in years to come!
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