Southern Sri Lanka

Stilt fishermen, surfing and rocky coves: southern Sri Lanka is the ultimate beach destination. There’s wildlife aplenty here, from Yala National Park – home to the largest population of leopards anywhere in the world – to nightly turtle watches in the small village of Rekawa. Whether you want to get stuck in with snorkelling or watch the lapping shoreline from a rustic restaurant, the south of Sri Lanka is a perfect place to reconnect with nature.

Whale watching in Mirissa

Mirissa makes for a picturesque stay by the sea, and is arguably the best and most popular area to go whale-watching in Sri Lanka. What makes it a prime spot for whale-watching is its geographic position: this is where the continental shelf is at its narrowest, with ocean depths reaching 1km a few kilometres offshore.

There are plenty of tour operators (mostly at Mirissa Harbour) who offer dolphin- and whale-watching excursions, setting off from Weligama Bay. There are also a few touts who offer tickets at cheaper prices, but it’s important to choose a reliable operator for the most eco- and safety-conscious trip. Some boats cater for eight or so people, others over fifty. Tours start early at 6am, and during the three to four hours you’re out on the water, you’re likely to catch sightings of blue, sperm and possibly even a Humpback whale.