Best Season for Whale Watching in Galle, Sri Lanka

The teardrop isle of Sri Lanka is fast becoming a hub for whale watching enthusiasts who want to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitats. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich marine ecosystems, Sri Lanka is home to a number of different whale species, both migratory and non-migratory. It’s no wonder that whale watching is a highly popular activity, attracting both tourists and locals during the whale season in Sri Lanka. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with not just whales – dolphins, too, make frequent appearances on these excursions, and are sure to be the highlight of any trip.

Galle is situated in the southern coast of the island and is a well-known tourist hotspot due to its colonial, seaside charm. It also happens to be a great spot to do some whale watching with friends and family. So take a trip to go whale watching Galle, and discover the peak season to travel below.

Whale watching hotspots include Mirissa, Trincomalee and Galle. Travellers interested in whale and dolphin watching in Sri Lanka need to keep a couple of factors in mind when booking a trip. This is still a budding sector in the island’s tourism industry, so there are many organisations that cash in on the activity. It’s best that you do some research before booking a trip and only target responsible tourism operators. This way, you can ensure that your whale watching experience will not only be ethical for you, but for the whales too. Check whether the trip is accredited by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS). Unfortunately, there is no government regulation in place with regard to whale watching, so it is best to make some prior inquiries to learn more about whale watching policies before embarking on a trip.

Tourists who want to combine a whale watching trip with a wildlife safari to Yala National Park should plan their visit between February and April, which marks the peak Galle whale watching season. The tourism season in Sri Lanka usually kicks off in December and January, following the October-November monsoon. To steer clear of the crowds, though, it’s best to go between February and March. During this time, you will find several whale watching tours in the southern coast near Galle and Mirissa – a hotspot for these marine giants. Thanks to the narrow continental shelf in this area, access to deep waters is faster and more convenient. For an even better experience, and a chance to soak in the beautiful scenery on the way, consider embarking on the famous coastal train journey from Colombo to Galle.

Visitors will be able to spot almost ten different species of whales off the Sri Lankan coast. Some of these include fin, Bryde’s, minke, humpback, and sperm whales. Pods of playful dolphins are also present between late November and mid-April. If you want to spot the majestic blue whale, they are usually seen between February and mid-March. This is the best time for blue whale watching in Sri Lanka because of the tiny marine creatures called krill that are present in abundance – the blue whale’s favourite meal! The whales thrive on these small crustaceans as they migrate around the world’s oceans.

Galle offers a range of attractions that draw in travellers all year round, such as the iconic Lighthouse, the historic Fort, and the Dutch Reformed church. Other things to do in Galle include trying out the great cafés and restaurants, shopping, and going diving and snorkelling in nearby Unawatuna. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for luxury, Galle has accommodations to suit every need. One of the best hotels in Galle is the elegant Jetwing Lighthouse, designed by Geoffrey Bawa. With its stunning ocean suites, spacious pool, and charming coastal ambiance, it’s a top choice for those seeking a touch of class.

Sri Lanka is a great spot to visit for whale watching enthusiasts, and the coastal town of Galle is one of the best places to observe these beautiful marine mammals.