Dolphin watching

Dolphin watching season in Sri Lanka

If you are planning to explore the ocean in search of Dolphins the best time is from the month of November to April. During this time the sea is known to  be calm making it easier to spot dolphins. Hundreds of dolphins could be spotted roaming the ocean leaving the spectators in awe. The tour would take you about three to four hours. Most of the tours take place early in the morning about 6 am since it is mostly likely to spot them in the early hours.

Once you spot the dolphins you can have the experience of playing with them, even the chance to swim with these playful sociable animals. The local agencies will help you out in planning your tour and provide with you all the insights required about the journey with the amazing dolphins. Note that  dolphin sightings are not always guaranteed since they depend on factors such as the weather, sea conditions and our luck.

Dolphin watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is a beautiful small town located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is one of the famous places for Dolphin watching in Sri Lanka. This town is also known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. A place where you can relax and be yourself. Mirissa offers you boat tours for you to explore the sea and look for these amazing creatures. This place is famous for spotting spinner dolphins. They are normally spotted in the early hours of the morning.  Make it a memorable experience as you watch the beautiful dolphins playing and swimming by your boat. What a delightful moment it would be to watch them in such close proximity!

Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya has emerged as a famous place for water activities recently in Sri Lanka. Any adventurous soul’s visit to this place  is not complete if they don’t go to watch the dolphins. Take the opportunity to explore the Indian ocean as you encounter marine animals such as dolphins, whales and various other underwater species. Experienced professional guides will guide you throughout the expedition. The Bottlenose dolphins and the Spinner dolphins have made their home here. The chance to capture beautiful memories of the dolphins along with the breathtaking scenery of the coastline that surrounds them would be an unforgettable moment. Thousands of dolphins are spotted during the months between November and March in Kalpitiya.

Different species of Dolphins found in Sri Lanka

Dolphins are among the most fascinating animals that live in the ocean and are found along the coastlines of Sri Lanka. They are playful creatures and are thrilling to watch. There are various species of dolphins that could be found, some of them are specified below.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin are well known species in the coast of Sri Lanka and are easily spotted in tours, These species are known to travel in pods of 10 to 30.

Spinner Dolphins 

They are also referred to as the long snouted dolphin.  Spinner Dolphins are  spotted in both Kalpitiya and Mirissa. They are known to be relatively smaller in size. These dolphins are known for their acrobatics and occasionally leap into the air, which is one of their distinguishing characteristics. They can rotate up to seven times in the air and they playfully swim around the boats bringing a smile on all those who watch.

Risso’s Dolphin

They are considered to be one of the largest species of Dolphin. A unique feature of this dolphin is they can grow up to 14 feet in length and are also spotted in the island’s coastlines. They are also sighted in Trincomalee, the eastern coast of the island.

Striped Dolphin 

They live in tropical temperatures. Striped Dolphins are relatively smaller in size. One of their important traits is that their body color is different to that of other dolphins.

All these species have their own unique features and make your dolphin watching expedition a memorable experience.

Dolphin watching cost

Foreigners –  The tour would cost a foreigner  about  US$95 for 2 persons including the admission ticket charged by the wildlife. An amount if US$25 is charged for an additional person who wishes to join.

Locals –  Traveling in a small boat of 6 passengers would cost an amount of LKR 27,000. If a larger boat with 10 persons it would cost LKR 37,000.

Most of the tour facilities would include boat transfers. Life jackets and water bottles for the journey,

Safety tips

Let us guide you with some safety tips for your tour.

• Make sure you wear comfortable clothes for the tour.
• If you are looking forward to taking some memorable pictures it would be best if the camera is waterproof.
• Wearing sunscreen is a good option for sunny days and also bring other essentials such as hats and sunglasses.
• Always make sure to follow the guide’s instructions and give the dolphins  their space so that they are not disturbed.
• It is our responsibility to keep our surroundings clean therefore avoid littering or disposing of trash.

In conclusion, dolphin watching in Sri Lanka is an exciting experience any explorer would want to be a part of.  Take the chance to explore the island’s beautiful coastline and marine life. Swim with dolphins and take the chance to interact and watch them with close proximity. Gain the experience of a lifetime as you find yourself part of the marine world of dolphins!