Sri Lanka's premier whale-watching launch point, where dawn boats head into deep water off the south coast to find blue and sperm whales.

Overview

Mirissa is the country's most famous base for whale watching, thanks to the deep ocean trench that runs close to the coast off Dondra Head. In season, boats leave the harbour before dawn in search of blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, along with sperm whales, Bryde's whales and pods of spinner dolphins. Sightings are common on calm mornings, and the trips also offer a memorable view of the south coast from the sea.

History

Commercial whale watching from Mirissa took off after the end of the civil conflict in 2009, when researchers confirmed that resident and migrating blue and sperm whales pass close to the southern tip of the island. It has since grown into one of Sri Lanka's signature wildlife experiences, prompting calls for more responsible, regulated boat operation.