Two solid whale watching choices await in Kalutara, each offering good value and reliable service. The full-service option through Daytoursrilanka covers all the essentials – hotel pickup, water, breakfast, plus an informed guide who knows these waters well.
For travelers watching their budget, consider the Balapitiya boat tour to Mirissa – it’s a shared experience but includes pickup and an English-speaking guide at a lower price point. Both tours have strong track records for whale sightings.
Our tested favorites appear in the recommended tours below:
Good To Know
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Daytoursrilanka offers a comprehensive whale watching tour from Balapitiya, which includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a shared boat for the experience.
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The whale watching boat tour operated by Lakpura LLC starts at 5:00 AM with pickup from Balapitiya hotels, ensuring early access to prime whale watching locations.
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The whale watching tours are suitable for most travelers, including infants, but are not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
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Both the Daytoursrilanka and Lakpura LLC whale watching tours provide confirmation at the time of booking and have a lowest price guarantee.
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While the Daytoursrilanka tour is priced at $299 per person, the Lakpura LLC tour starts from $105.00 per person, with the latter not including food, drinks, and gratuities.
Whale Watching Tour
One of the best ways to experience the marine wildlife of Kalutara is through a whale watching tour. Offered by Daytoursrilanka, this tour takes you out into the ocean to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as bottled water, breakfast, and a driver/guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, and you can even purchase alcoholic drinks during the tour.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly and suitable for most travelers, including infants who can sit on laps. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and a valid passport is required. The tour is a private experience, so you’ll only be with your own group.
Priced at $299 per person, the whale watching tour is a non-refundable activity. But with the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, it’s an unforgettable experience not to be missed.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Tour Review
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Whale Watching Boat Tour From Balapitiya
Another option for whale watching in Kalutara is the Whale Watching Boat Tour from Balapitiya. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking chauffeur, and an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour also covers entrance tickets and a shared boat for the whale watching experience in Mirissa.
The tour starts at 5:00 AM, with pickup from your hotel in Balapitiya. You’ll be provided with 1 liter of bottled mineral water per person during the tour. However, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
The tour is operated by Lakpura LLC and can accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers. The price starts from $105.00 per person, with the lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Boat Tour From Balapitiya Review
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The Sum Up
Kalutara offers exceptional whale watching experiences. Visitors can embark on boat tours from Balapitiya, allowing them to observe these majestic creatures up close. The tours provide a chance to witness the whales in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable vessels, these whale watching excursions are a must-do activity for anyone visiting the region.