Whale Watching Boat Tour From Hikkaduwa

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure from Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. This 6-hour boat tour takes you to Mirissa, where you’ll spot majestic blue, sperm, and fin whales, as well as playful dolphins. With a knowledgeable guide, a packed breakfast, and responsible wildlife viewing practices, this tour promises an enriching encounter. Explore the wonders of the ocean and come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures.

Key Points

• A 6-hour whale watching boat tour offered from Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, priced at $120 per person and including hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and responsible wildlife viewing.
• The tour departs from Hikkaduwa, travels to Mirissa for a 3-hour whale watching excursion, and returns to Hikkaduwa, with opportunities to see blue, sperm, and fin whales, as well as dolphins.
• The boat follows responsible viewing practices, maintaining a safe distance of at least 300 feet from the whales, and the naturalist guide provides insights on whale behaviors and identification.
• The tour includes a packed breakfast, water, and an educational component that enhances the understanding and appreciation of marine wildlife.
• The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing reservation now and payment later, and provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all taxes and service charges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Whale Watching Boat Tour is an activity offered from the coastal town of Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.

It’s priced from $120 per person and lasts 6 hours. The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking naturalist guide, and responsible wildlife viewing practices.

Guests can expect to see a variety of whales like blue, sperm, and fin, as well as dolphins. The tour also includes a packed breakfast and water.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

Itinerary

Depart from Hikkaduwa via car for the 1.5-hour drive to Mirissa, where the whale watching adventure begins.

Arrive at Mirissa and embark on a 3-hour whale watching excursion, with the opportunity to spot blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and various dolphin species.

Arrive at Mirissa and embark on a 3-hour whale watching excursion, spotting blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and various dolphin species.

Responsible viewing practices are followed, with the boat slowing down for optimal viewing and maintaining a safe distance of at least 300 feet, with the closest approach at 100 feet.

After the whale watching activity, return to Hikkaduwa via the 1.5-hour car ride back.

Note that itineraries are subject to change.

Wildlife Viewing

Participants have the opportunity to see an array of whale species, including blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales, as well as various dolphin species.

The tour employs responsible viewing practices, with the boat slowing down for optimal observation and maintaining a safe distance of at least 300 feet, with a closest approach of 100 feet. This ensures a respectful and sustainable interaction with the marine wildlife.

The onboard naturalist guide provides valuable insights, educating guests about the whales’ behaviors, identification, and surfacing patterns, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Educational Experience

An onboard naturalist guide provides valuable insights, educating guests about the whales’ behaviors, identification, and surfacing patterns throughout the tour.

Travelers learn fascinating details about the diverse whale species found in Sri Lankan waters, including blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and occasional orcas.

The guide explains how the boat maintains a safe distance during the whale watching experience, slowing down for optimal viewing without disturbing the marine life.

This educational component enhances the overall wildlife encounter, allowing guests to deepen their understanding and appreciation of these magnificent creatures.

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Inclusions and Additional Information

The tour includes a packed breakfast and fruit or tea/coffee, as well as a 1-liter bottle of mineral water for each guest. Plus, the whale watching safari and all taxes and service charges are covered. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, and gratuities are included.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Packed breakfast and fruit or tea/coffee | Lunch or dinner |

| 1 liter of bottled mineral water | – |

| Whale watching safari | – |

| All taxes and service charges | – |

| Hotel pickup and drop-off | – |

| Gratuities | – |

Customers also have the flexibility to reserve their spot now and pay later.

Booking Flexibility

Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing booking flexibility. This allows travelers to secure their place on the whale watching tour without needing to pay in full upfront.

This option is convenient for those who want to finalize their travel plans before committing financially. With the reserve now, pay later option, guests can lock in their desired tour date and time, giving them peace of mind.

This booking flexibility makes the whale watching experience more accessible and accommodating for a wider range of travelers.

Responsible Viewing Practices

While on the whale watching tour, the boat maintains a safe distance of at least 300 feet from the whales, with the closest approach at 100 feet.

This responsible viewing practice ensures the whales aren’t disturbed or stressed by the boat’s presence.

The naturalist guide also provides commentary on whale behavior and surfacing patterns, allowing guests to observe the magnificent creatures without interfering with their natural activities.

This sustainable approach to wildlife viewing promotes the conservation of Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem and allows for an educational and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Departure and Duration

Guests depart from their hotels in Hikkaduwa for the 6-hour whale watching tour.

The journey to Mirissa takes 1.5 hours by car. Upon arrival, guests embark on a 3-hour whale watching expedition, with the chance to spot blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and various dolphin species.

The boat adheres to responsible viewing practices, maintaining a safe distance from the marine life.

After the whale watching, guests return to Hikkaduwa via the same 1.5-hour car ride. The tour’s duration allows ample time to fully immerse in the wildlife viewing experience.

Common Questions

What Are the Weather Conditions Typically During the Tour?

The weather during the tour is generally favorable, with sunny skies and calm seas. Temperatures are mild, making it ideal for spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Occasional light winds or minor rainfall may occur but won’t significantly impact the experience.

Can I Get Seasick During the Boat Ride?

It’s possible to experience seasickness during the boat ride, as the ocean conditions can be unpredictable. However, the tour operator provides measures to minimize discomfort, such as stable boats and seasickness medication. Travelers prone to motion sickness should take precautions.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it provides opportunities to observe marine wildlife responsibly. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and life jackets are provided for safety. However, the long boat ride may not be suitable for very young kids.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour allows photography throughout, but guests are advised to avoid flash and maintain a respectful distance to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. Cameras and phones can be used freely to capture the stunning whale and dolphin sightings.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if I Wish To?

Guests can’t extend the duration of the tour. The 6-hour itinerary is fixed and cannot be modified. However, travelers have the flexibility to book the tour in advance and can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours prior.

The Sum Up

The Whale Watching Boat Tour from Hikkaduwa promises an unforgettable adventure. Explore the waters off Mirissa, where you may spot majestic whales and playful dolphins. This 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a packed breakfast, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience. Responsible wildlife viewing practices are followed, allowing you to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

You can check availability for your dates here: