Often regarded as one of the most rewarding choices when looking for things to do in Kalutara visitors can enjoy not only in Mirissa but Sri Lanka as a whole, signing up for a whale watching tour is a top priority for marine life enthusiasts visiting the paradise isle. As one of the prime whale watching destinations in the country Mirissa along with Trinocolmalee, Nilaveli and Kalpitiya visitors it is not only visitors vacationing in Mirissa who engage in the popular activity as locals and tourists based in hotels in surrounding areas the likes of Anantara Kalutara Resort also make the day trip to the area.
The best time to visit Mirissa for a whale watching tour falls between the months of November and April. Although whale watching tours are also conducted in the period between May to October the rough sea conditions means tour operators may cancel tours due to safety reasons. A mere 40 minutes away from the southern capital of Galle there are several tour operators offering whale watching tours off the coast of Mirissa. Most tours set out in the early hours of the morning and the duration of the trip can take from three to five hours depending on the season and the visibility of the world’s largest mammals. Mirissa is home to countless varieties of whales not just the elusive Blue whale but also Sperm whales, Killer whales and Bryde´s whales as well as Fin whales. In addition to the larger than life mammals those who are engaged in a whale watching tour can also expect to see schools of dolphins frolicking along as well. Dolphin species commonly visible on whale watching tours in Mirissa include Risso’s dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Striped dolphins and Spinner dolphins. Other marine life such as Flying Fish and Bluefin tuna and sea turtles are also sighted on whale safari excursions. As one of the most dependable whale watching hotspots in the island nation spotting whales on a boat tour in Mirissa is highly probable unlike other whale watching venues in the island where chances of encountering the marine creatures in the open sea are not guaranteed.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+