Watching animals in their natural habitat is a rewarding experience. Marine life is as interesting as the life on sea. Dolphin watching in Sri Lanka is quite rewarding and magnificent experience. Seeing these creatures the color of the sea, rising out of the sea and twirling around with happiness and swimming alongside your boat will make your heart leap with joy.
- Kalpitiya
We’ve always wanted to go Dolphin watching, and in a sudden spree of wanderlust we set off to Kalpitiya on a weekday morning. On our way there we called a restaurant in Kalpitiya and asked them to arrange a boat for us, as we wanted to head off straight to the sea.
When we arrived in Kalpitiya, the boats were all set to leave to see. We wore the lifejackets and set out on the boat. There were six of us, and the boat had enough space to carry our swimming gear and snorkels. The boatman and the guide were extremely nice and well informed. After a 6km ride into the sea, where it is deep blue and is about five hundred meters in depth, the sea was quite calm and quiet.
All of a sudden we heard a high pitch squeak, then out of the calm blue deep, something blue rose up, twirling alongside the waves. Several hundred twirls followed the first twirl. I am not even exaggerating, we were so taken by surprise that we exclaimed. It was hands down the most eclectic experience of marine life I have ever had. Though I’ve seen Dolphins in enclosures, they weren’t as happy and twirly as the wild dolphins in Kalpitiya.
After Dolphin watching we were guided to the Kalpitiya reef, where we snorkeled alongside hundreds of beautiful fish exploring the unknown. I learnt to swim, but the boat owner guided me to the reef with the help of a tube and made sure that I wouldn’t miss the perfect opportunity. Hands down it was one of the best days of my life.
- Trincomalee
Though not as much as Kalpitiya, the sea off the coast Trincomalee is also known as habitual ground for wild Dolphins in Sri Lanka. As the Dolphins live about 10 km away from the shore, the boats leave as early as 5 a.m. in order to sight schools of Dolphins. However, Trincomalee is mostly famous for Blue Whale sightings.
- Dondra Point
Dondra Point along the Southern coast is the best-known place for Whale sighting. However, some lucky seafarers have claimed to have seen schools of Dolphins alongside whales. Usually the months from December to April is the peak season for dolphin and whale sightings. Out of these January and December guarantee sightings often. While you are in Galle, do not forget to travel Mirissa and hire a fully insured trawler which are often affiliated with local restaurants and set out to the sea. However, it is recommended that you set out to the sea around the early hours of 5-6 a.m. in order to be there around 10, the ideal time for sightings.
The Wild-Dolphin sightings in Sri Lanka are surely to die for. Even if you don’t have much time to travel the island, plans to go Dolphin watching will surely make your day!