2-Day Whale Watching & Southern Sri Lanka Tour

Exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coast and witnessing the majesty of whales in their natural habitat – this 2-day tour promises an unforgettable adventure. From the historic Galle Fort to the serene Bentota River, travelers will enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. But the true highlight awaits in Mirissa, where the chance to spot humpback and blue whales up close leaves a lasting impression. With a well-curated itinerary and convenient transportation, this tour offers a seamless way to discover the best of southern Sri Lanka.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day tour exploring the southern coast of Sri Lanka, including whale watching in Mirissa and visits to Galle Fort and Bentota Beach.
• Opportunity to spot humpback and blue whales during the best viewing season from November to April.
• Itinerary includes cultural experiences like visiting a Buddhist temple, mask carving center, and sea turtle hatchery project.
• Tour available in English and German with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
• Maximum group size of 10 participants, providing a more personalized and intimate sightseeing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 2-Day Whale Watching & Southern Sri Lanka Tour offers an immersive experience, taking travelers on a journey through the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region.

Priced from $292 per person, the tour runs for 2 days and limits group size to 10 participants. Available in English and German, the tour boasts free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, paying later to secure their place. With an action-packed itinerary, the tour promises unforgettable sights, from Galle Fort to whale watching in Mirissa.

Itinerary Day 1: Colombo-Bentota-Galle-Mirissa

On the first day, the tour kicks off with a pickup from participants’ accommodations in Colombo. The group then sets out to explore the southern coast, visiting Bentota and Galle. In Bentota, they’ll see the famous beach and the Kande Vihara Buddhist temple. Next, they’ll tour the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, the Galle lighthouse, and a mask carving center. After lunch, they’ll visit a sea turtle hatchery project and a spice garden. A boat ride on the Bentota River provides a chance to spot wildlife like crocodiles, lizards, and monkeys. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Mirissa.

| Location | Activity |

| — | — |

| Bentota | Bentota Beach, Kande Vihara Buddhist temple |

| Galle | Galle Fort, Galle lighthouse, mask carving center |

| Bentota | Sea turtle hatchery, spice garden |

| Bentota River | Boat ride to see wildlife |

| Mirissa | Overnight stay |

Sightseeing Highlights in Bentota and Galle

Bentota, a picturesque coastal town, boasts the renowned Bentota Beach, where visitors can enjoy the golden sands and azure waters.

Bentota, a picturesque coastal town, boasts the renowned Bentota Beach, where visitors can enjoy the golden sands and azure waters.

The tour also visits the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city’s rich colonial heritage. Guests will wander through the fort’s historic ramparts, admiring the Dutch-colonial architecture and exploring the charming boutiques, cafés, and art galleries within its walls.

The Kande Vihara, a prominent Buddhist temple, offers insights into Sri Lankan culture and spirituality.

Plus, the tour explores a mask carving center, providing an opportunity to witness the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Sinhalese masks.

Boat Ride on Bentota River

A relaxing boat ride on the Bentota River allows guests to observe an array of local wildlife in their natural habitat.

During the safari, you may spot:

• Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks

• Exotic birds soaring overhead

• Giant lizards scurrying among the mangroves

• Playful monkeys swinging from the trees

• Serene water buffalo cooling off in the shallows

This tranquil river cruise provides a unique opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystem and catch glimpses of the country’s remarkable biodiversity.

It’s a peaceful respite from the day’s sightseeing activities.

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Overnight Stay in Mirissa

After an eventful day exploring Galle and Bentota, the tour transitions to an overnight stay in Mirissa.

Travelers will enjoy a comfortable 3-star compatible hotel in this coastal town known for its picturesque beaches and whale watching opportunities. The hotel provides breakfast and dinner, allowing guests to fuel up for the next day’s whale watching adventure.

With its convenient location, the hotel serves as a cozy base to rest and recharge before the tour’s final day. Mirissa’s tranquil setting provides a relaxing conclusion to the first half of this comprehensive Southern Sri Lanka experience.

Itinerary Day 2: Mirissa-Colombo

On the second day, the tour departs from Mirissa and heads back to Colombo. The highlight of the day is the whale-watching experience in Mirissa, which is known for lunge-feeding humpback and blue whales. The best viewing season is from November to April, but sightings are possible year-round.

The tour also includes:

• Visiting the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary

• Exploring Unawatuna Beach

• Stopping at Bentota Beach

• Hotel pickup from Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, and Galle

• All taxes included

The tour concludes with a return to Colombo, providing travelers with memories of Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coast and the chance to witness the majestic whales.

Whale-Watching Experience

As the highlight of the second day, the tour offers a whale-watching experience in Mirissa, a renowned destination for sighting lunge-feeding humpback and blue whales.

The best viewing season runs from November to April, though sightings are possible year-round. Participants board a boat and venture out to sea, keeping an eye out for the majestic creatures.

With luck, they’ll witness the whales breaching the surface, showcasing their sheer size and power. The boat tour also provides a chance to observe other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles, in their natural habitat.

Included Features and Important Information

The tour package includes a night’s accommodation with breakfast and dinner at a 3-star compatible hotel in Mirissa.

Accommodation for a night at a 3-star hotel in Mirissa, with breakfast and dinner included in the tour package.

The tour also includes guided visits to popular sites like the Galle Fort, a mask museum, a sea turtle conservation center, and a Buddhist temple.

Guests will enjoy a river safari and a whale-watching tour.

Hotel pickup from several locations and all taxes are covered.

Travelers should bring their passport.

Children under 3 are free, and those aged 3-12 receive a 50% discount.

Personal expenses, boat charges, tips, and other unspecified services are excluded.

Common Questions

What if I’m Prone to Motion Sickness During Boat Rides?

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared. Bring medication or other remedies to help manage seasickness. The boat tours may encounter wavy ocean conditions, so taking precautions can ensure you fully enjoy the whale watching experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour price doesn’t include these. It’s recommended to pack light snacks and water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness during boat rides.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?

The tour itinerary is fixed at 2 days, but you can explore extending your stay in the area on your own. There doesn’t seem to be an option to formally extend the organized tour.

Do I Need Any Special Gear or Clothing for the Whale Watching?

For the whale watching portion, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that can withstand the ocean breeze. Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket or sweater is also advisable to stay comfortable during the boat trip.

How Does the Hotel Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The hotel accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences by offering alternative meal options. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals, which the hotel will provide upon advance notice. The hotel aims to cater to individual dietary needs.

The Sum Up

Explore the stunning southern coast of Sri Lanka on this 2-day whale watching and southern Sri Lanka tour. You’ll visit picturesque Bentota Beach, historic Galle Fort, and take a serene boat ride along the Bentota River. The highlight is an unforgettable whale-watching experience in Mirissa, where you may spot humpback and blue whales. This immersive tour is priced at $292 per person and concludes back in Colombo.

You can check availability for your dates here: