SL Navy conducts tours from few locations. We took our tour from the Navy camp at Galle. Usual time of the tour is 7:00am. However, it was started around 7:45am.
It takes about an hour to reach to where you can see whales. Dolphins can be seen much earlier than this. This boat is a semi-luxury cruise with an approximate capacity of 200 passengers. Breakfast is included for each ticket. You may also buy food or drinks from the cafeteria in the ship.

We noticed that nearly 25% of passengers (majority of children) were vomiting during the journey. Some were seriously sick and could not enjoy or had energy to watch whales. It is better to take some precautionary medication for vomiting if you think you may vomit.

We saw about 7 – 10 whales and many dolphins. It was a fantastic journey and worth the money. The Navy staff was very kind and helpful.

Useful tips

• Don’t eat a lot of food or drink lot of water before the journey.
• Take some precautionary medication for vomiting.
• Take a pair of binoculars. The ship cannot go very closer to whales.
• Don’t take this trip if you are sick or unfit. You won’t enjoy the journey.

Visit the official Navy website http://whalewatching.navy.lk for more details about their whale watching trips.

Dolphins are also commonly can be seen in Mirissa. Kalpitiya is the other place to watch whales in Sri Lanka. Not like Mirissa, you do not have to go far to watch Whales in Kalpitiya.

Most of the travel agents in Sri Lanka and overseas can book whale-watching tours. Talk to your travel agent or contact the Sri Lanka Eco Tourism team.