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Whale watching from Trincomalee
About March to August
About Whale watching from Trincomalee
Off Trincomalee the continental shelf drops away close to the coast, so whales and dolphins can be seen not far from shore, usually from about March or April to August, when the sea on the east coast is calm. Whale-watching boats in Sri Lanka need an annual licence under the Sea Mammals (Observation, Regulation and Control) Regulations of 2012, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard monitor trips. The regulations require boats to keep about 100 metres from whales, and swimming with whales needs a special permit, which is rarely given. Ask to see the boat’s licence, choose an operator that keeps its distance and does not chase the animals, and go early in the morning, when the sea is calmest.
Why it's on our list
- About March or April to August
- Deep water close to shore
- Choose a licensed boat
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Whale watching from Trincomalee before you go.