Whale Watching Industry
Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins (cetaceans) in their natural habitat. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity such as bird watching, but it can also serve scientific and/or educational purposes. A study prepared for International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2009 estimated that 13 million people went whale watching globally in 2008. Whale watching generates $2.1 billion per annum in tourism revenue worldwide, employing around 13,000 workers. The size and rapid growth of the industry has led to complex and continuing debates with the whaling industry about the best use of whales as a natural resource.
Evolution of Whale Watching Industry
1950: Organized whale watching started in the United States, the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego was declared a public venue for observing the migration of gray whales.
1955: the first water-based whale watching commenced in the same area, charging customers $1 per trip to view the whales at closer quarters.
1971: The Montreal Zoological Society commenced the first commercial whale watching activity on the eastern side of North America, offering trips in the St. Lawrence River to view fin and beluga whales.
1984: Erich Hoyt, who had spent much time amongst the orcas of British Columbia, published the first comprehensive book on whale watching, The Whale Watcher’s Handbook, which Mark Carwardine called his number one “natural classic” book in BBC Wildlife Magazine.
1985: more visitors watched whales from New England than California. The rapid growth in this area has been attributed to the relatively dense population of humpback whales, whose acrobatic behavior such as breaching (jumping out of the water) and tail-slapping thrilled observers, and the close proximity of whale populations to the large cities there.
1992: The first worldwide survey of whale watching was conducted by Hoyt for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
1995: The survey was updated and submitted by the UK government to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings as a demonstration of the value of living whales.
1999: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) asked Hoyt for another expansion, which was published in 2001.
2009: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) asked Hoyt for another expansion, which was published in 2001.
It was found that Commercial whale watching operations were found in 119 countries. Direct revenue of whale watching trips was estimated at US$872.7 million and indirect revenue of $2,113.1 million was spent by whale watchers in tourism-related businesses since then.
Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
On the South and East Coasts of Sri Lanka and The Maldives, the industry is growing. During winter and summer, pygmy blue and sperm whales cross the southern tip of the island, migrating to the warmer waters of Southeast Asia. Many pygmy blue whales can be seen at Dondra Point in Sri Lanka, accessed through the Mirissa or Weligama Harbour. Whale-Watching Tours can be arranged in Sri Lanka. Blue Whales and some types of Dolphins can be seen in the sea of Mirissa in Sri Lanka. Many sightings have been reported from November to April.
How to Reach Mirissa
Take a bus heading to Matara or Tangalle from Fort in Colombo and ask to get out in Mirissa. Depending on when you go, a trip will take between 3.5 to 5 hours. Another option is that you take the train from Colombo Fort to Weligama, which is 7 km from Mirissa and then go by bus or tuk-tuk. Train also available to reach Mirissa via Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle from Colombo Fort and normal departure times are as follows.
Monday to Sunday 06.55 | 8.35 | 10.35 | 14.25 | 15.50
Monday to Friday 16.45
Weekend/Holidays 06.10
Whale Watching Prices and Duration
Whale watching prices are ranging from $ 35 up to about $500 depending with your taste and available attributes. The duration also may vary from 03 hours to 06 hours.
Few whale watching providers are shown here for your references only. It may make your life easier but we don’t get anything by publishing the service providers.
Service Providers
Whale Watching Cruise from Galle
- From £46.07
Go in search of whales on this 4- to 6-hour morning whale watching cruise from Galle. After early morning hotel pickup, don a life vest and cruise onto the Indian Ocean aboard a comfortable, 50-foot (15-meter) boat, with an expert skipper and crew. Savor a continental breakfast and tea or coffee as you sail to areas frequented by whales. Watch for species such as blue, sperm, killer, humpback and pilot whales in the waters, snap once-in-a-lifetime photos and look out for other marine creatures, including dolphins and sea turtles. 4- to 6-hour morning whale watching boat trip from Galle Sail onto the Indian Ocean to spot blue, pilot, sperm and other species of whales Watch for other wildlife such as dolphins, whale sharks and sea turtles Enjoy a light breakfast and morning tea or coffee as you sail Life vests and safety equipment fitted on board Family-friendly cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included
What’s Included
We will pick up and drop off from your staying hotel at Galle, Gintota, Boosa, Unawatuna, Talpe, Koggala, Ahangama, Midigama, Weligama or Mirissa City.
Also, Breakfas is provided.
What to Expect
Discover world biggest mammal blue whale and other types of whales in your visit down south Sri Lanka.
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking Not recommended for pregnant travellers A maximum of 12 people per booking There may be a supplemental transportation charge if booked for 1 person, contact tour operator after booking A minimum of 2 people per booking is required Not wheelchair accessible Near public transportation Infants must sit on laps Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers Operated by Summer Dew Tours.
Q: What is the maximum group size during Whale Watching Cruise from Galle?
A: This activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers.
Whale Watching Cruise from Galle
Whale Watching Mirissa with Eagle Eye
- From £35.99
Overview
Welcome to Eagle Eye Whales & Dolphin Watching. “Blue Whale” the largest animal in the world – one of the most beautiful creatures of nature. Not everyone has the chance to see this living being with their own eyes. What if you are interested in this? Need a good service provider to join with? If Yes, we can provide you this once in a life time experience with best service. It’s been more than 6 years, we are still doing our best to our guests. A brand new TriMaran vessel, well acknowledged professional crew is always there to give you the best of us. We maintain the distance between boat and the animal. Our purpose is to protect the animal and give you our best when you are with us.
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Breakfast
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- Insurance and Life Jackets
- Morning free pickup (Mirissa Area)
- Wifi
- First Aid and Sea Sickness Pills
What to Expect
Welcome to Eagle Eye Whales & Dolphin Watching. “Blue Whale” the largest animal in the world – one of the most beautiful creatures of nature. Not everyone has the chance to see this living being with their own eyes. What if you are interested in this? Need a good service provider to join with? If Yes, we can provide you this once in a life time experience with best service. It’s been more than 6 years, we are still doing our best to our guests. A brand new TriMaran vessel, well acknowledged professional crew is always there to give you the best of us. We maintain the distance between boat and the animal. Our purpose is to protect the animal and give you our best when you are with us.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 70 travellers
- Operated by Eagle Eye Whale Watching
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum group size during Whale Watching Mirissa with Eagle Eye?A: This activity will have a maximum of 70 travelers.
How to Book
WHERE TO STAY
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