Whale Watching from Hikkaduwa on Shared Boat

A resort town along the southwestern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. If you are looking to broaden your adventure, a whale watching boat tour from Hikkaduwa is a wonderful addition to your itinerary. This tour offers the chance to witness some of the largest mammals in the world in their natural habitat. You may observe sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, occasional orcas, and many types of dolphins as they swim off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. They are best seen between December and April, when the seas are calmer.

Includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of an English-speaking chauffeur
• A whale watching tour
• Tickets
• Snacks (sandwich or bun, a serving of seasonal fruits)
• Tea or coffee (one serving per person)
• One liter of bottled mineral water per person
• All taxes and service charges

Excludes:

• Meals where not specified
• Gratuities (optional)
• Expenses of a personal nature

Experience:

You will be picked up from your hotel in Hikkaduwa at 5:00 am and driven to Mirissa in an air-conditioned vehicle. The journey from Hikkaduwa to Mirissa Harbour takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The boat will depart from the harbour at 6:30 am. The whale watching tour lasts for approximately four hours, including travel time from and back to the harbour. You will spend about one hour at the primary sighting spot, where whales can be clearly seen. The total tour duration is around seven hours.

The boat will reduce its speed and engine noise when approaching the whales, stopping at a safe distance of at least 300 feet. The closest approach may be about 100 feet, while still ensuring responsible tourism with minimal environmental impact. A naturalist on board will explain various whale species and their behaviors and help you identify the whales you encounter. Always ensure that you do not disturb any whales that come close to the boat. Once the excursion is complete and you return to the harbour, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Hikkaduwa.