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Curious about what you need to know before booking a whale watching tour in Mirissa? In this blog, I cover everything you need to know and then some.
We’ve traveled Sri Lanka extensively and one of our favorite things to do here is whale watching. I’d argue no trip to the country is complete without it! It’s hands down one of the best places in the world for it.
But if you’ve never been on a whale watching tour before, there are a couple of things to know besides which tour is best (we cover that, too!). We wrote this blog so you can book one with peace of mind and have the best experience possible!
1. What whales can you see in Mirissa?
Believe it or not, there are actually seven types of whales that can be seen!
While blue whales are the most common, other species such as sperm whales, fin whales, and Bryde’s whales are known to make regular appearances on whale watching tours. If you’re lucky, and I mean super lucky, there’s even a chance you’ll spot killer whales or whale sharks! But truth be told, I’ve only ever seen blue whales.
Along with the whales (jeez, I’ve said whales a lot already!), striped and bottlenose dolphins like to swim alongside boats so there’s a good chance you’ll see them, too. Depending on the time of year, turtles, tuna, and flying fish can be seen all over the place as well. There’s so much life in the ocean!
2. What I loved about our whale watching tour in Mirissa
Well, obviously whales, but that’s a given. Really though, there’s a lot!
Treatment of the whales: Something that I loved about this specific whale watching tour we took was how considerate of the whales our tour provider was. They don’t chase them down if they see one (a practice that stresses whales out) but instead, know where they commonly feed and wait in those areas. It felt much more organic and I love it when people practice eco-friendly tourism!
The staff: Everyone was incredibly kind and made sure we had everything we needed. As someone who can get seasick, I appreciated that they provided medicine for those who forgot theirs and places to lie down if it got really bad (more on that later). They were also really good at spotting wildlife and pointing it out to others even though the whales or dolphins were sometimes farther away.
Nice boat: The boat was clean and had bathrooms we felt comfortable using. They also provided water, which was really nice! The chairs were comfy as well, but I spent a lot of time standing for a better view.
Not crowded: Even though it was high season when we went, the boat wasn’t overcrowded so it was easy to get to a good vantage point. Since there are plenty of tours that go, this is usually the case and it’s nice to not have to worry about missing out because there are too many people.
3. What are the best whale watching tours in Mirissa?
Half-Day Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Swimming
This catamaran whale watching tour is the one we took and it was fantastic. While 6 am may seem like an early start time at first, this is exactly when you want to head out because it’s when whales are most active! Plus, they provide breakfast and coffee, so if whale watching didn’t have you buzzing already the coffee certainly will.
As someone who gets seasick, I prefer catamarans like this one because they rock less. However, if it’s still too much for you on the tour, they have mats below that you can lay on until your seasickness (hopefully) passes.
We got incredibly lucky and saw not one, but two blue whales, dolphins, and even a turtle! It was amazing and more than we could have hoped for. The captain of the boat goes in a different direction than other tour providers and swears he can talk with the whales here. I mean after seeing what I did, I can’t argue otherwise!
The cherry on top is the stop you’ll make for 30 minutes of swimming in the ocean, so don’t forget your swimsuit! I recommend bringing some snacks because I always get hungry after swimming and it’s nice to have for the journey back.
At only $60 USD per person, this tour is our top pick, and the best bang for your buck. It departs daily year-round so don’t miss out and book your spot today.
Reserve our FAVORITE whale watching tour easily here!
Half-Day Whale Watching Tour with Hotel Pickup
What I love about this whale watching tour is that they offer hotel pickup, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting to the docks on your own first thing in the morning. I mean there’s a lot more to love than that, but pickup is pretty sweet!
While the boat departs at 6 am, the action starts about an hour later when you make it out into the ocean far enough where the whales like to hang out. Keep your eyes peeled for more than just whales though as you cut along the beautiful coastline on the double-decker boat which is great for animal spotting.
Something else I really like about this whale watching tour is that if you haven’t spotted any whales, they will stay out longer for a chance to see some. The tour is 4 hours long, but they have no problem extending it an hour to up your chances of seeing something!
I think this tour is perfect for families who don’t want to deal with transportation and have a great day out. And at only $70 USD per person, it’s a killer (whale?) deal!
Book this tour here and you can choose to pay later!
Private Combo Tour – Whale Watching and Galle Fort
It’s no secret that Mirissa has more than whale watching and I think this private tour is the perfect way to easily add on one of the other must-have experiences when visiting, Galle Fort.
Immediately I love that they offer pickup from multiple cities like Colombo, Galle, Hikaduwa, Ahungalla, and Bentota. However, depending on where you’re staying, your day can start as early as 4 am if you’re in Colombo or 5 am if staying in Mirissa. All worth it though!
The first half of the day is spent out on the water for about 4-5 hours in a comfortable boat as you and your group look for whales and dolphins. It should be noted that while this is a private tour, the whale watching part is with a public company and other people will be on your boat. Tickets for whale watching are NOT included and will have to be purchased the day of for $50 USD.
After whale watching, the tour continues as you are escorted to Galle Fort in your private air-conditioned vehicle. This old Dutch fort is super quaint and loaded with historical buildings and I loved walking its quiet streets. Since this is a private tour it’s flexible and if there’s something you’re interested in, ask your guide and they can make it happen for you!
If you’re traveling to Mirissa in a group (up to 7 max for this tour), look no further than this combo tour. It’s by far the easiest way to visit multiple must-see sights with a professional guide and private transport.
Related Read: For more bucket list activities for your trip, check out our blog on 25 unforgettable things to do in Sri Lanka!
4. Can you get seasick while whale watching in Mirissa?
Oh yes. You can definitely get seasick whale watching.
As I mentioned above, choosing a tour that takes you out on a catamaran is much better than a double-decker boat since they are smaller and don’t rock around as much. However, you can still get sick. Just about all tours will have mats you can lay down on if you get super sick and some even provide medication if you don’t have any.
My advice is to buy the best seasickness meds you can and take them with you from home. Chances are you will also need them for car rides between towns in Sri Lanka as well since the roads can be super windy.
5. What happens if you don’t see any whales?
Unfortunately, that happens sometimes and most people say it’s about a 50/50 chance on any given day. Usually, if you haven’t seen any whales and it’s almost time to go back, boats will stay out for an extra hour or so.
Some tours might offer for you to come back the next day, but that’s up to the provider. I will say though that it isn’t a super common practice, but it never hurts to ask!
If you book this snorkeling with whales tour, the provider does say that if you don’t find any whales, then you’re able to get a 50% refund or reschedule the booking to try again for free!
6. What are the best months to go whale watching?
December through April are the best months to visit Mirissa for whale watching. The water is calm, the chances for seeing whales go up slightly, and rarer whales like the sperm whale are more likely to be around.
But if you aren’t there during those months, don’t worry! It’s possible to spot whales any day of the year.
7. Can you swim with whales in Mirissa?
Yes, you can! This tour lets you go snorkeling with whales and provides everything you need to do so. I’m talking about transportation, snorkeling gear, and even snacks!
What we love is that this is a small-group experience with a max of 10 people. Plus, you take a smaller boat, so it’s much easier to get to the whales faster than on the traditional cruises. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll swim with whales! If you don’t find any whales, the tour operator offers a 50% refund or a chance to come back the next day for free.
Tours leave daily and are about 4-5 hours. You can book your tickets here in advance for $349 USD.
Related Read: If you’d like to snorkel with turtles instead, read our guide to snorkeling in Mirissa where we spill the beans on all the best places to find turtles!
8. Should you book in advance?
Considering they start around 5-6 am in the morning, I would book a whale watching tour at least a day in advance. But since they go every day of the year, it’s not necessary to book something super far in advance.
We like booking with the company Viator (who all the tours we mentioned are through) because they offer free cancellation. So you can book a tour as far in advance as you like, and if you change your mind, just cancel it at least 24 hours in advance and you’re good!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
9. Do you need to bring anything on a whale watching tour?
Most tours provide snacks, water, and coffee, but if you want some specific munchie you can find it at Cargills, the local supermarket chain.
Regardless of the time of year, I’d bring a waterproof jacket, binoculars, and seasickness medication if you get sick easily.
10. Is whale watching in Mirissa worth it?
Yes, it totally is!
Mirissa is fast becoming one of the best places in the world to go whale watching and with great tours, competitive prices, and amazing staff, I can see why. Plus with such high chances to see whales year-round, I think it makes it an easy choice.
But it’s not just whales to get excited about, there’s so many other incredible sea creatures you can spot as well. And with Sri Lanka’s dedication to eco-friendly tourism, you can take any of our recommendations above with peace of mind.
Related Read: Another tour we highly recommend is a safari! These are our picks for the 15 best safaris in Sri Lanka.
Where to Stay in Mirissa, Sri Lanka
There are tons of options for places to stay in Mirissa – it is actually kind of overwhelming! Below are some great choices for every budget:
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for the most luxurious stay in Mirissa, head to the Three Gables Boutique Villa. This beachfront property has everything you need for a relaxing stay – modern rooms (some with sea views), an upscale restaurant, a pool overlooking the beach, private beach access, and unmatched service! They are villa-style rooms, so you have lots of privacy and access to the shared lounge and free breakfast.
Prices start at $205 USD. Check availability and book your stay online.
Mid-range – $$
Sira’s Chalets – If you’re looking for a seaside hotel then Sira’s Chalets is a great option. They are literally on the beach and offer amazing private rooms all with air conditioning. For a few dollars more than their cheapest room, you can also get an ocean view! Rooms cost around $50 USD per night and can be booked here.
Ballena Regency – These guys aren’t quite on the beach but their rooftop restaurant gets some great views. The rooms here are super luxurious and some rooms even have views of the ocean. It’s located just 150 meters from Mirissa Beach and they have a very nice pool. Rooms are priced at $85 USD and higher, you can book it on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Green Garden Guest Mirissa – The Green Garden is one of the places we stayed in Mirissa. It’s a really good budget choice that’s super close to the beach and beach access (the resorts block access to the beach in most places). It was the cheapest private room with air conditioning, breakfast included, and a private bathroom – we highly recommend it!
Rooms start as low as $10 USD and can be reserved online in advance.
Hangover Hostel – The Hangover Hostels are famous around Sri Lanka and are the perfect place for the solo traveler or group looking for a social atmosphere and a little bit of party. The Hangover Hostel Mirissa is in a great location with beach access only a minute from the front door.
Shared dorm rooms start at $7 USD per person, and private rooms are $25 USD. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Getting Around Sri Lanka
To visit all of the best places in Sri Lanka, you’re going to need a mode of transport. You have a few choices when it comes to getting around Sri Lanka:
Rent a Tuk-tuk
Easily the most popular (and most fun) way to travel around Sri Lanka. We actually rented a tuk-tuk on our trip and absolutely loved it! Tuk-tuks are easy to drive, cheap to rent, and the freedom that comes with your own wheels is unmatched.
If you do decide to rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, be sure to go with a reputable company that provides quality tuk-tuks, such as Tuktuk Rental (who we rented from.) These guys not only offer an amazing service, but their tuk-tuks are actually rented from local families, providing income for the local community.
If you decide to rent from Tuktuk Rental, be sure to use the coupon code ‘DEST‘ for 5% off!
For more info, read our blog: The Truth about Renting a Tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka.
Hire a Driver
If you’re only planning on going to a couple of destinations, then a private driver is not a bad idea. In the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, your driver can take you to your next destination. All you have to do is sit back and relax!
You can hire highly-rated drivers in advance to pick you up right from the airport when you arrive in Sri Lanka. This driver will take you to your hotel in Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, or Unawatuna. Whereas this driver will take you to Kandy.
Of course, every time you want to change destinations you will have to arrange for another driver (unless you book this driver who will drive you around for an entire week). Car transfer can easily be organized through your hotel.
Take Public Transport
This is a choice I only recommend for those on a very tight budget and with plenty of time. Public transport is everywhere in Sri Lanka in the form of public buses and trains. It is also very cheap, costing less than a couple of dollars per journey.
However, it isn’t the most comfortable way to travel. The buses don’t have air conditioning and neither do many train services. They can also be slow-moving, stopping every couple of minutes to pick up more passengers.
With that said, public transport is popular with budget backpackers, and it is mostly safe. This is one way to travel for those who want to get around as the locals do!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Seeing whales in Mirissa is one of our favorite memories. There aren’t many places in the world where you can see whales year-round, so definitely plan a whale watching trip whenever you’re here!
If you found this article helpful, have a look through all our blogs about Sri Lanka for more travel advice and inspiration. I put a few blogs below I thought you might like:
23 BEST Places to Visit in Sri Lanka (to help plan your trip!)