Whale & Dolphin Watching
Off Trincomalee, the east coast has its own whale season — blue whales and sperm whales offshore, big pods of spinner dolphins closer in. A different coast and different months to Mirissa, same promise: we go out when the animals are there, not on a fixed schedule.
Prefer the boat to yourselves?
Book the whole boat as a private charter — up to 5 people, on your own schedule.
1–5 persons: LKR 83,750 · 6–10 persons: LKR 167,500 (2 boats)
Sri Lanka is one of the best places on earth to see blue whales — the largest animal that has ever lived — and off both our coasts they pass close enough to reach on a morning boat. Early start, open water, and a good chance of blues, sperm whales, Bryde’s whales and big pods of spinner dolphins riding the bow. Sightings are never guaranteed by anyone honest — but the odds here are genuinely good, especially in peak months. You go out with an experienced local crew who know these waters.
What’s included
- An experienced local crew
- Refreshments on board
Not included
- Seasickness medication (bring your own)
- GoPro photos and video (not included on whale watching)
- DAN dive insurance (not a dive)
Good to know
Booking closes 24 hours before departure. Minimum age 4 in Mirissa (5+ recommended), 6 in Nilaveli.
Highlights
- Look for blue whales — the biggest animal alive.
- Spinner dolphins by the hundred, riding the bow.
- Early boat, open ocean, small-group feel.
Requirements
- Mirissa: minimum age 4 (we recommend 5+ — early start, up to a few hours at sea, young children can get seasick).
- Nilaveli: minimum age 6.
- Booking closes 24 hours before departure.
- No swimming or experience needed.
Programme & duration
An early departure, approximately 3 hours at sea.
What to bring
- A warm layer (it can be chilly at sea early)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A camera
- Seasickness medication if you’re prone to it — take it before departure
Meeting & pick-up
- Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
- Our centre is right on the beach — most accommodation is a short walk or tuk tuk away. There is no tuk tuk pick-up service on the east coast.
- Your confirmation email carries the exact meeting point and time.
Who it’s for
For: Anyone who wants to see whales and dolphins, families with kids old enough for an early boat.
Not for: Not for those who get badly seasick without medication, or who need a guaranteed sighting.
What you might see
Blue and sperm whales; big pods of spinner dolphins.
Choose your date
September 2026
Select a date to see availability for Whale & Dolphin Watching.