Mirissa is the new Trincomalee, with the whales, the gentle giants of the ocean and the dolphins parading their presence in the deep seas of Mirissa.
Situated at the southern coast of Sri Lanka from beyond Mirissa coast lies the Indian Ocean its vast majesty right up to the Antarctic land mass. These amazing marine mammals migrate through these vast and fertile stretches from December to April during the annual breeding season. Mirissa itself is a quiet and peaceful coastal town boasting unspoiled beaches. Blue whales, Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, bottle nose dolphins, common dolphins and spinner dolphins grace the waters of Southern Seas of Sri Lanka from Weligama to Mirrissa and can be found within just eight to ten nautical miles from Mirissa harbor
Setting off from Mirissa there is a 90% opportunity to come across Sperm whales and good pretty chance of sighting the Blue whale as well. There are believed to be around 26 different species of whales traversing this region and this includes the well-loved dolphin.
The movement of whales in the Southern Costs of Sri Lanka had been under scientific scrutiny for the last decade and was well documented by The Voyage of Odyssey, the second research vessel to do research on marine life off Sri Lanka's southern coast in 2003.
"To see a Blue whale at sea is something most of us can only dream about. To see more than one in a lifetime is a rarity reserved for a fortunate few," Genevieve Johnson, a research crew member, was quoted as saying in one of the reports in 2003, commenting on abundance of whales in Southern seas of Sri Lanka.
Dolphin and Whale watching season falls from November to April in down south. Morning session will starts around 6.30 amfrom Mirissa fisheries harbour. Total trip duration is 3 to 4 hours and will depend on sea condition.
Almost all the boatshave roof, seats, and toilet facilities are equipped with life raft, life jacket, life rings and communication equipment and are registered with Ministry of Ports and Aviation while Passengers are insured by Sri Lanka insurance cooperation.
Things To Do : Whale watching, Photography, Sightseeing
