The bustling port of Mirissa serves up Sri Lanka’s best whale and dolphin watching experiences. Several well-organized boat tours operate daily, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious.
I particularly love the 6-hour Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour (£120) – it’s comprehensive and thoughtfully includes essentials like hotel pickup, snacks, and motion sickness medication. For a shorter option, the Trincomalee Whale Watching Boat Tour (£63) packs great value into 2 hours with breakfast included.
For those with deeper pockets, the private Mirissa Majesty cruise (£630 per person) offers an intimate 4.5-hour experience, while the South Coast Overnight Cruise provides the full maritime adventure.
Let’s explore these outstanding whale watching tours in detail:
Key Points
- The All Inclusive Mirissa Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour offers a 6-hour experience with hotel pickup/drop-off, snacks, and seasickness pills, catering to wheelchair users.
- The Whale Watching Boat Tour in Trincomalee provides a 2-hour excursion to spot blue, Bryde’s, and sperm whales, with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
- The Mirissa: Whale & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise is a 4-5 hour tour from Mirissa Fishery harbour, with hotel pickup and a high customer satisfaction rating.
- The Galle: Mirissa Majesty: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise offers a customized private 4.5-hour boat journey with swimming in the Indian Ocean.
- The South Coast Overnight Cruise is an all-inclusive 9-hour to 2-day experience, featuring an ocean cruise, sunrise viewing, and water activities at Weligama Bay.
All Inclusive Mirissa Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Ride
The All Inclusive Mirissa Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Ride offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures in their natural habitat.
Priced from Kč 1,793 per person, this 6-hour English-language tour departs from Mirissa and provides wheelchair accessibility. Guests can sail the Indian Ocean in search of whales and marine life, with potential sightings of dolphins and other mystical creatures.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, and a water bottle. While sightings depend on luck, the crew ensures a comfortable experience, offering seasickness pills if needed.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides an exceptional whale and dolphin watching adventure.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Mirissa Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Ride Review
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Whale Watching Boat Tour in Trincomalee
Situated on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee offers a prime location for whale watching enthusiasts.
The Whale Watching Boat Tour from Dutch Bay promises a 2-hour excursion to spot blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, and dolphins. Priced at £62.84 per person, the tour includes a freshly prepared breakfast onboard and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
With a high chance of whale sightings, the boat maintains a responsible distance to respect wildlife. While reviews are mixed, the tour offers free cancellation and a pay later option.
Passengers are advised to bring appropriate attire and gear, as the tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Boat Tour in Trincomalee Review
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Mirissa: Whale & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise
One of the premier whale and dolphin sightseeing cruises in Mirissa is the 4-5 hour tour departing from the Mirissa Fishery harbour.
Priced from $110 per person, the cruise offers the chance to spot a variety of marine life, including blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, and several dolphin species.
Pickup from the hotel is included, and the tour returns to the harbour by 11:00 AM.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on customer reviews, the cruise is praised for its knowledgeable and friendly crew.
Feedback suggests that smaller crafts may provide better viewing due to the boat size limitations.
Read our full review: Mirissa: Whale & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise Review
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Galle: Mirissa Majesty: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise
For those seeking a more exclusive whale and dolphin watching experience in Mirissa, the Galle: Mirissa Majesty: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise offers a customized private boat journey to escape the crowds.
Priced from $630 per person, this 4.5-hour cruise allows you to witness majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
You’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the Indian Ocean‘s clear waters, supervised by the tour staff.
Complimentary refreshments, transportation, and all taxes are included.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this intimate excursion blending tranquility and thrill is worth considering for your Mirissa adventure.
Read our full review: Galle: Mirissa Majesty: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise Review
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South Coast Overnight Cruise: All-Inclusive Tour!
The South Coast Overnight Cruise: All-Inclusive Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning coastal regions of Sri Lanka.
Priced from $620 per person, this 9-hour to 2-day experience includes an ocean cruise, breathtaking sunrise viewing, water activities at Weligama Bay, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Amenities such as hotel pick-up and drop-off, full board, stand-up paddleboarding, and government taxes are included. Guests must be ready 15 minutes before scheduled pick-up, with transportation available from various hotels.
While children under 10 aren’t recommended, the cruise combines adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature, led by an English-speaking guide.
Read our full review: South Coast Overnight Cruise: All-Inclusive Tour! Review
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Mirissa: Ocean Elegance: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise
Mirissa’s Ocean Elegance: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise offers a truly remarkable marine adventure.
This private boat journey, customized for your group, allows you to witness majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Priced at $600 per person, the 4.5-hour tour includes transportation, refreshments, and government taxes.
Highlights include supervised swimming opportunities in the Indian Ocean and knowledgeable guides to enhance your experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later, this exclusive cruise is an unmissable opportunity to connect with Mirissa’s vibrant marine life.
Read our full review: Mirissa: Ocean Elegance: Exclusive Whales & Dolphins Cruise Review
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Recap
Mirissa offers a range of exciting boat tours and cruises for visitors to explore the stunning coastal scenery and spot whales and dolphins. From all-inclusive whale and dolphin watching trips to exclusive cruises, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests and budget. With knowledgeable guides and modern vessels, these tours provide an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.