Dolphin & Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
Set sail with Pearl Divers and witness majestic whales and playful dolphins off the coast of Unawatuna and Trincomalee.
- Duration
3–4 hours (early morning departure recommended)
Quick Facts
- Group Size
Small groups for comfort & viewing
- Season & Locations
Unawatuna: October to April
Trincomalee: May to October
- Best Sightings
Blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins
- What to Bring
Sun protection, camera, hat, and light jacket
Quick Facts
- Duration
3–4 hours (early morning departure recommended)
- Group Size
Small groups for comfort & viewing
- Season & Locations
Unawatuna: October to April
Trincomalee: May to October
- Best Sightings
Blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins
- What to Bring
Sun protection, camera, hat, and light jacket
Experience the Giants of the Ocean
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching. Just a short boat ride from shore, you can encounter pods of spinner dolphins leaping beside the boat or witness the incredible sight of a blue whale — the largest animal on Earth — gliding through the Indian Ocean.
At Pearl Divers, we offer guided whale and dolphin watching trips in both Unawatuna and Trincomalee, following seasonal patterns to maximise sightings. With our professional crew and safe boats, this is an unforgettable adventure for families, nature lovers, and anyone who dreams of seeing marine giants in their natural habitat.
What You’ll Experience
Pods of dolphins
Spinner, bottlenose, and Risso’s dolphins often play alongside the boats.
Whales
Depending on the season, you may see blue whales, sperm whales, and Bryde’s whales.
Stunning ocean views
Enjoy Sri Lanka’s breathtaking coastline as you sail.
Photography opportunities
Capture unforgettable moments of marine wildlife in action.
- Whether you catch your first fish or your biggest yet, every trip is an adventure to remember.
Why Choose Pearl Divers for Whale Watching?
At Pearl Divers, your comfort and safety come first. Our skilled boat crew and local guides know the migration routes and best offshore areas for sightings, giving you the highest chance of an unforgettable encounter. We provide comfortable, well-equipped boats with safety gear and keep groups small so every guest has a good view.
We also operate with eco-friendly guidelines — maintaining respectful distances, avoiding noise disruption, and ensuring our tours do not disturb the whales and dolphins. By joining us, you support sustainable marine tourism that helps protect these incredible animals.
FAQs
When is the best time to see whales in Sri Lanka?
From October to April in Unawatuna (south coast) and May to October in Trincomalee (east coast).
How far do we travel offshore?
Most sightings are within 5–15 nautical miles from shore, depending on conditions.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Families are welcome, but we recommend children be 6+ years old due to the duration of the trip. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.
Which whales and dolphins can we expect to see?
Common sightings include spinner dolphins, blue whales, sperm whales, and occasionally Bryde’s whales.
Will I definitely see whales?
While sightings are frequent, these are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. Our guides use local knowledge to give you the best chance of success.
FAQs
When is the best time to see whales in Sri Lanka?
From October to April in Unawatuna (south coast) and May to October in Trincomalee (east coast).
How far do we travel offshore?
Most sightings are within 5–15 nautical miles from shore, depending on conditions.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Families are welcome, but we recommend children be 6+ years old due to the duration of the trip. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.
Which whales and dolphins can we expect to see?
Common sightings include spinner dolphins, blue whales, sperm whales, and occasionally Bryde’s whales.
Will I definitely see whales?
While sightings are frequent, these are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. Our guides use local knowledge to give you the best chance of success.
Book Your Dolphin & Whale Watching Trip
Witness the world’s largest animals and playful dolphins in the wild. Join Pearl Divers for a safe, eco-friendly ocean safari in Unawatuna or Trincomalee.