Whale Watching Mirissa

This tour was on our plans since the beggining, we read that Mirissa was so rich in marine life and that delight us. Just for context, we're from Portugal and have already seen whales in our country. We were expecting a similar experience and maybe that is the problem ... This review is just to manage expectations and for you to know what to expect from this tour or any other whale whatching tour in Mirissa (private or in group). They don't know were the whales are, there is no tracking system. They talk to the fishermen and the boat will leave for the tour case the fishermen spotted whales or not.\nIn our case, they didn't spot any whales so they took us to the place in the sea where they were normally spotted. They found one fin whale and the next 1h30/2h was spent following that whale around that came up to breath every 10 minutes.... and that's it. The whale stays up for like 3 seconds so if you are lucky and looking at the right spot at the right time then you could see a whale for 3 seconds. \nEvery time the whale came up they said that the next time would be the Last and after we would move to another spot to look for more. They said that sentence at least five times...\nThe group tours and the private boats are all in the same place and they just follow each other. \nSo, yes we did spot one whale and two sea turtles. If that is good enough for you then you should definately come. The tour staff is very nice, they will give you a sandwich, slice of cake and some fruit (for included breakfast and snacks). We left the harbour around 6h50 and arrived around 9h45.

No whales, far too many boats chasing anything with a fin. I felt uncomfortable with it all and it was clear the dolphins were not enjoying the experience. With that many boats out there no whale will stick around, most certainly with a calf. Crew were good and professional. Sri Lankan's as always are hospitable as a people and lovely. An unsustainable industry.

Chances of seeing a whale are less but you definitely get to see dolphins. \nBut sea sickness is a major issue. If you have motion sickness, then avoid this trip.\nThe boats go around the same area. The only difference between the different boats is what and how they serve the snacks. So choose a non exorbitant one.