Bespoke whale watching private cruise to encounter finned giants – Mirissa

Experience the kiss of salty air as you journey into the Indian Ocean, to one of the world’s best whale hotspots. See it all from giant Blue Whales to majestic Sperm Whales, on a private charter, off the coast of Mirissa.

SLDT/1702/WDW03

Why you need to book this trip?

• World’s best: As per the research, the deep south of Sri Lanka (off Mirissa) is one of the world's best locations (amongst the top two or three) for watching Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, two of the most sought after marine mammals. In fact, for seeing both Sperm and Blue Whales together, it may even turn out to be the best location in the world.
• The waters off Mirissa in the southern coast of Sri Lanka are home to some of the largest whale and dolphin colonies in the world.
• Experienced: Sri Lanka Day Tours owning company Eco Team initiated commercial whale and dolphin watching in Sri Lanka way back in 2000 in association with the international dolphin watch. Back then, whale watching was not commercial and only serious researches, whale enthusiasts did whale watching in Sri Lanka.
• Responsible: We run our whale watching Sri Lanka trips as per the guidelines given by the International Whaling Commission. https://iwc.int/wwguidelines
• Out of the three dolphin watching and whale watching destinations, namely dolphin and whale watching Mirissa, dolphin and whale watching Kalpitiya and dolphin and whale watching Trincomalee. Out of the three locations Mirissa remains most popular.
• Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans observed and identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, which we can access freely.
• We operate purpose built boats fitted with all the necessary safety devices including compass, GPS, nautical charts and UHF radio for whale watching. Our boat is steady, fast, reliable and safe. We have on board washroom facilities, resting facilities etc.
• Our whale watching Sri Lanka crew is customer friendly, experienced and responsible.
• We may not be the cheapest but we are the most responsible and most dedicated to find you whales in Sri Lankan waters.
• One of the most popular things to do in Sri Lanka, when you are in the south during the whale watching season.
• We do private whale watching safaris for groups and individual couples/families as well.
• We able to cater to wheelchair bound guests and very proud of it.

Details of boats used for whale watching Mirissa

• We mostly use two boats for whale watching Mirissa. A smaller boat is mostly used for private charters.
• Passenger capacity: 50 people
• Maximum speed: 12 Knot
• Engine OBM: Hyundai 429 HP 
• Manufacture: Hull – Sri Lanka, Engine – Hyundai 
• Observation deck
• On board sanitary facilities 
• Powered with GPS navigation and radio and mobile communication facilities
• Insured and certified by required government authorities
• Wheelchair access could be arranged

Canoe through warm lagoons and quivering mangrove forests – Unawatuna
Wander through the homes of water birds, bathed in timid sunlight, while canoeing through the impossibly beautiful lagoons and mangroves of Unawatuna.

SLDT/1811/Ex17

Why should you book this trip?

• Explore the picturesque lagoons of Unawatuna during a leisurely 2 hour canoe trip led by an informative and experienced guide.
• Marvel the changing landscape and a fascinating array of flora and fauna, while you paddle past the surrounding mangrove forest.
• An abundance of birdlife is something you should watch out for , as our guide touches on the rich ecosystem of the southern coast.
• Refreshments and a tuk-tuk ride to the dock await you.

Private lagoon safari mission: identify 150 birds – Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

Scour the hidden wetlands of the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary with a naturalist, on private dugout canoes, and spot over 150 species of bucket list birds.

SLDT/1909/Sa11

Why should you book this trip?

• It is a fascinating activity for those who love nature in general and bird watching in a wondrous environment, at an impressive frequency and at times, unbelievable proximity.

• Kalametiya is a coastal wetland area that is situated on the picturesque south eastern coast of Sri Lanka with a very rich biodiversity of avifauna.

• The Kalametiya Lagoon Safari is considered to be amongst the top 5 activities to do in Tangalle short excursion and number 1 activity to do in Kalametiya. 

• The Kalametiya area records about 150 species of birds, of which 54 are migratory. There are four nationally threatened birds found within the sanctuary – Indian Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl and Black-capped Purple Kingfisher, with Jungle Fowl being the only endemic species.

• Our Kalametiya Lagoon Safari is not only designed for serious birders but for all those like and appreciate nature. There are many other species such as water monitors, porcupines, monkeys and land monitors you can see catch sight of during this day excursion. 

• An experienced local guide accompanying you makes this bird watching  excursion in Sri Lanka, even more special and inspiring.

• Logistically situated on your way to the famous Yala National Park, visiting the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary can easily be included in your itinerary.

• The Kalametiya Birding Safari could be easily done from the hotels in Tangalle/ Ranna / Rekawa areas. 

• Avail yourself the opportunity to interact with the local community who are engaged in traditional fishing and witness their way of life. 

• Our Kalametiya Lagoon Safari is conducted in a very sustainable manner without the use of any motorised boats. We care and respect the local way of life and the tours are done without causing any disturbance to their livelihood. 

• Fascinating sights and scenery to be experienced while birding in Sri Lanka.  

• Sri Lanka Day Tours, Eco Team’s specialised birding arm, offers professional and quality birding tours in Sri Lanka since year 2000 for the birding community around the world, accommodating different levels of birding interests and is geared to ensuring a satisfying and unique experience.