“Man has always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much… the wheel, New York, wars and so on… while all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man… for precisely the same reason…”
-Douglas Adams (British Comic Water)
Most of us can only fantasize of seeing a Blue Whale out in the deep blue water. Seeing more than one in a single trip is a rare occurrence reserved for the fortunate few, and there is maybe no better site on the planet to try your luck than Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is unquestionably one of the world's most naturally diverse and gorgeous places. We aren't the only ones who believe this. Blue whales that have built their home off the coast of Sri Lanka, the Indian Ocean's Pearl, appear to agree with us.
Mankind has long had a fascination with these giant mammals, perhaps in part, because they often exhibit qualities that can be linked with human behavior. Whales are known to teach, learn corporate, scheme, and even grieve just as we do.
Sri Lanka is within the projected zone of the International Whaling Commission and is home to 26 species of the 80 species of cetaceans found in the world, including the common blue whale, sperm whales, melon-headed whales, dwarf, false killer, and Cuvier’s beaked whales.
During the season, the most reliable spot in the world for witnessing the rare blue whale, among others, is just off the coast of Mirissa (only 30 minutes from Galle). According to marine biologists, whale sightings are most likely during December and April, this is due to the migration between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, passing close to the Sri Lankan coast.
Whales regularly visit the deeper seas off the coast of Kalpitiya. Whales aren't the only draw to these waters, as during peak seasons, if you're lucky, you can see thousands of dolphins in enormous pods off Kalpitiya's northwestern shore. Sightings are nearly guaranteed if you take a boat out at sunrise. Due to their enthralling acrobatic leaps out of the water, spinner dolphins are the most common and amazing. Pink dolphins, often known as Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, are frequently seen at Kalpitiya.
Many boats and excursions are available in Sri Lanka to see whales and dolphins. Travelers may take motorized boats and trawlers out to sea to witness dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. You may obtain the best up close and personal experience with a little luck and perseverance. You may obtain the best up close and personal experience with a little luck and perseverance. But, most importantly, we must respect the habitat and space of these wonderful animals so that they can continue to delight, awe, and teach us for many years to come.
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