Blue Whales and Dolphins
13 days
Highlights
- Watching spinner dolphins from Kalpitiya on the northwest coast
- Jeep safaris to see the wildlife of Uda Walawe and Yala National Parks
- Boat trips to watch blue whales from Mirissa on the south coast
- Explore the South Coast from a comfortable hotel and visit historic Galle
Description
The warm waters around Sri Lanka have a wealth of cetacean life. The common blue whale, killer whale (orca), sperm whales, melon-headed whale, beaked whale, Cuvier's dwarf whale and, if exceptionally lucky, the Indian blue whale can all be spotted Large numbers of spinner dolphins can also be seen and using bases on two different coasts will maximise the viewing possibilities.
However Sri Lanka has a lot more to offer than just marine life, and this two week trip will also give you a flavour of the southern part of the country. Two days are set aside for wildlife viewing in Uda Walawe and Yala National Parks, where you'll hopefully see, among other things, leopards and some of the healthy populations of wild elephant. And while staying at the coastal base near Mirissa, your afternoons will be free to explore the surrounding area.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive Colombo airport and transfer to Negombo.
- Days 2 & 3
- Drive to Kalpitiya. Dolphin and whale watching boat trips off the northwest coast.
- Day 4
- Long drive aross the island to the south-east via Ratnapura (gem centre).
- Day 5
- Jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park - see elephant, deer, jackal and buffalo.
- Day 6
- Jeep safari in Yala National Park - see leopard, elephant, deer, buffalo, crocodile and many species of waterfowl.
- Day 7
- Morning jeep safari in Yala NP, then transfer to Mirissa on the south coast.
- Days 8 - 11
- Daily whale watching trips from Mirissa. Free time for optional shore-based activities.
- Day 12
- Drive up the west coast to Colombo.
- Day 13
- Transfer to Colombo airport. End of tour.
- Tour Code: BSRI
- WDCS donation included: Trip cost includes a donation to the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
- Single Supplement: From £350
- What's included: 12 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with en suite facilities; all breakfasts; whale and dolphin watching boat trips; jeep safaris in national parks; all transfers; all hotel service charges.
- Flight inclusive package includes: International flights and airport transfers.
- Guides: Local tour leader and wildlife guides
- Group size: 12 maximum