Looking for whales near Bentota? You’ll actually need to head to Mirissa, where the real action happens. The best full-day excursions offer comfortable boats with essential amenities, and your chances of spotting blue whales, killer whales, and playful dolphins are excellent.
I especially love the small-group tours with naturalist guides – they’re more personal and informative than the larger boats. The 5-star rated day trips from Bentota include hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, which makes the early morning start much easier.
For travelers wanting more flexibility, private tours combine whale watching with cultural stops at Galle Fort and a fascinating moonstone mine. These tours offer free 24-hour cancellation – always a plus when weather can be unpredictable.
Let’s explore the top whale watching tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
The Mirissa whale watching tour offers a full-day combo package including whale watching and a visit to Galle Fort, with common sightings of bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, and blue whales.
The private tours from Bentota provide a chauffeured whale watching, stilt fishing, and Galle tour in a private air-conditioned luxury car or van, with a stop at a moonstone mine.
The day tours from Bentota offer a highly-rated whale and dolphin watching experience, including hotel/port pickup, round-trip private transfer, and breakfast and bottled water.
The shared boat tours from Bentota feature a small group size of up to 8 travelers, with a guided on-board naturalist for species identification and an early morning start with air-conditioned transport.
The Ahungalla whale watching tour includes hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transport, and entrance tickets, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour for an intimate experience.
Whales and Dolphins Watching Mirissa
Mirissa, a picturesque coastal town in southern Sri Lanka, offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the majestic presence of whales and dolphins.
The full-day combo tour in Mirissa combines whale watching and a visit to the historic Galle Fort, providing a comprehensive experience. During the whale watching excursion, visitors can expect to encounter bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, and the awe-inspiring blue whales.
The tour includes complimentary snacks and refreshments, as well as free time allotted for lunch. Accessibility is ensured, with wheelchair-accessible transportation and infant seats available.
The boat entry ticket, priced at $65 per person, isn’t included in the tour, but all other fees and taxes are covered.
With a 4.8 rating from 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, this tour offers a reliable and enjoyable way to explore Mirissa’s marine life and the nearby Galle Fort, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions.
Read our full review: Whales and Dolphins Watching Mirissa Review
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Private Whale Watching, Stilt Fishing, Galle Tour From Bentota
Situated just a short drive from Mirissa, the private whale watching, stilt fishing, and Galle tour from Bentota offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the diverse attractions along Sri Lanka’s southwest coast.
Guests are chauffeured in a private air-conditioned luxury car or van, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The experience begins with a whale watching cruise, where travelers can spot whales and dolphins while enjoying an on-board breakfast.
Next, the tour showcases the unique tradition of stilt fishing, followed by a visit to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The itinerary also includes a stop at a moonstone mine, allowing guests to witness the intricate process of mining and polishing this gemstone.
With all taxes, fees, and gratuities included, this tour provides a seamless and hassle-free way to discover Sri Lanka’s coastal wonders.
Suitable for most travelers, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and personalized day trip from Bentota.
Read our full review: Private Whale Watching, Stilt Fishing, Galle Tour From Bentota Review
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Whales & Dolphins Watching Day Tour in Mirissa From Bentota & Its Surrounding
Conveniently located near Bentota, the Whales & Dolphins Watching Day Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the majestic creatures of the Indian Ocean.
With a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, a round-trip private transfer, and transport by air-conditioned minivan.
Travelers can enjoy a delightful breakfast and bottled water throughout the journey, along with the expertise of a professional guide. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and a vegetarian option is available upon request.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and a valid passport is required on the travel day.
Whether you’re seeking an exciting adventure or a chance to connect with nature, this whale and dolphin watching tour in Mirissa is a must-consider for your Bentota experience.
Read our full review: Whales & Dolphins Watching Day Tour in Mirissa From Bentota & Its Surrounding Review
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For those seeking a unique whale watching experience in Bentota, the Whale Watching Shared Boat Tour offers an exciting opportunity to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Designed to enhance the chances of sightings, the tour is guided by an on-board naturalist who can help identify various whale species, including blue, sperm, and fin whales.
The tour features a small group size of up to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and better opportunities for whale sightings.
Pickup is available from your hotel in Bentota, with a start time of 4:30 AM. The experience includes air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking chauffeur, and a 1-liter bottle of mineral water per person.
While meals aren’t included, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and a lowest price guarantee.
With confirmation upon booking, this whale watching adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Bentota.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Shared Boat Tour From Bentota Review
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Whale Watching Boat Tour From Ahungalla
Although located just a short drive from Bentota, the Whale Watching Boat Tour from Ahungalla offers a unique perspective on witnessing these magnificent marine creatures. Operated by Lakpura LLC, this tour provides a chance to experience the thrill of spotting whales in their natural habitat.
Priced from $105.00 per person, the tour includes hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance tickets to the shared boat tour in Mirissa. Guests will also receive a liter of bottled water per person, ensuring they remain hydrated during the adventure.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per tour, the experience promises an intimate and personalized encounter. Booking is flexible, with a reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable day, the Whale Watching Boat Tour from Ahungalla is a must-consider activity during your time in Bentota.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Boat Tour From Ahungalla Review
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Whale & Dolphin Watching Day Tour Including Handunugoda Teafactory
Embarking on a captivating whale and dolphin watching adventure, this comprehensive day tour from Bentota offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Priced from $117.01 per person, the tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, Wi-Fi, and all taxes and fees. Travelers will enjoy a delightful breakfast and lunch while aboard the boat, with life jackets and boat entrance fees also covered.
The tour is accessible to stroller users, though not recommended for those with certain medical conditions. Guides are available in multiple languages for an additional cost.
In the event of poor weather, the tour can be rescheduled or fully refunded. This private experience ensures your group will be the sole participants, making for an intimate and personalized outing.
With a minimum of 2 people required per booking, this whale and dolphin watching excursion, combined with a visit to the Handunugoda Tea Factory, promises an unforgettable day in Bentota, Sri Lanka.
Read our full review: Whale & Dolphin Watching Day Tour Including Handunugoda Teafactory Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Whale Watching Tours?
Most whale watching tours don’t have age restrictions, though young children may need to be accompanied by an adult. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific policies before booking.
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Whales in Bentota?
The best time to see whales in Bentota is during the peak season from November to April when the waters are calm and the whales are most active. Sightings are most common from December to March.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the whale watching boats in Bentota. Most operators allow passengers to carry their own refreshments to enjoy during the tour.
Are There Any Additional Costs for the Whale Watching Tours?
Yes, there may be additional costs for whale watching tours. Passengers should expect to pay for things like national park entrance fees, optional activities, and any special equipment or services they choose to use during the tour.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Whale Watching Tour?
You can typically extend the duration of the whale watching tour for an additional fee. The tour operator can provide options and pricing for extending the tour, allowing you to spend more time observing the whales.
The Sum Up
Bentota offers various whale watching experiences, ranging from private tours to shared boat trips. Visitors can witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, with the added opportunity to explore nearby attractions like Galle and the Handunugoda Tea Factory. These diverse options cater to different budgets and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Bentota.