Dolphin and Whale watching – Kalpitiya
Description
Kalpitiya is one of the suitable locations in Sri Lanka for dolphin and whale watching. Kalpitiya allows you to watch the number of dolphins moving beside and sinking under your boat, riding waves, jumping, spinning, twirling and out of the water in a magical performance; it is a magnificent adventure you will never forget in your lifetime. Kalpitiya is a well-known destination for offshore dolphin and whale watching in Sri Lanka. The peninsula's coastal waters are home to various marine life, including large pods of dolphins and several types of whales.
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Dolphin Watching
The dolphin watching season runs from November to March/April, which is the monsoon season, making the sea less rough and easier to sight dolphins. During this season, dolphins migrate to warmer waters, and superpods of up to 1,000 animals can be seen. Dolphin-watching tours usually occur during dawn and last 2-3 hours. Pods containing hundreds of dolphins can generally be sighted at the famous Bar Reef, a one-hour boat ride away. The most common species roaming the Kalpitiya waters are the long-snouted Spinner dolphin, but Bottlenose, Risso, and Indo-Pacific Humpbacks dolphins can also be spotted in the area.
Whale Watching
The whale watching season is between December and April, with March and April being the best months to spot whales. The deep waters surrounding Kalpitiya are home to five types of whales. The majestic Sperm whale, the largest-toothed predator on Earth and the largest of the whales can be found nearby during this period. Pods of whales of up to 7, 15, 20, or even 50 whales can be witnessed. Blue whales, the largest species known to have ever existed on Earth, are also sporadically sighted in the area, along with Minke, Melon-headed, and Dwarf Sperm whales.
Guides and Tours
Boat excursions for dolphin and whale watching are conducted by trained and certified guides who can provide visitors with valuable information about these creatures and the threats they face from human activities. The guides are fluent in English and can impart invaluable knowledge to visitors regarding the behaviour of these elusive creatures and the dangers they face due to poachers, overfishing, chemical and noise pollution, habitat destruction, and other negligent human disturbances. Dolphin and whale watching tours generally begin at Alankuda Beach and occur early in the morning, lasting 2-3 hours.
Conservation and Protection
Be mindful when visiting Kalpitiya for dolphin and whale watching to avoid disturbing or stressing the animals. Dolphins and whales are vulnerable to human activities such as noise and chemical pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and poaching. Tourists can contribute to conserving and protecting these enchanting creatures by supporting sustainable tourism and following responsible whale and dolphin-watching practices.
Kalpitiya is a must-visit destination for dolphin and whale watching in Sri Lanka. Visitors can witness these creatures' enchanting behaviour while supporting sustainable tourism and contributing to their conservation and protection. With trained and certified guides and a variety of marine life to see, Kalpitiya is the perfect place to have an unforgettable experience.
