Snorkeling with Whales Responsibly in Sri Lanka

We specialize in curating unforgettable personal snorkeling adventures with whales and exclusive photographic experiences of marine mammals in Sri Lankan waters. Our focus is on ensuring a memorable and respectful interaction with these magnificent creatures, prioritizing their well-being and providing a truly enjoyable encounter for everyone involved.

Our Widely Published Photographs

In February 2016, we embarked on a pioneering photo expedition to snorkel with whales, capturing the majestic Blue Whales in stunning imagery. Our extraordinary photographs were featured in renowned publications including Red Bull, Daily Mail UK, and Dive Photo Guide. This inaugural venture into snorkeling with whales was led by French animal rights activist and talented underwater choreographer Marianne Aventurier, alongside skilled photographers Alex Barnab Voyer and Roubaud Alexandre. Their passion and expertise guided us to Mirissa, where we explored new horizons in whale photography, all while adhering strictly to legal guidelines.

This experience not only deepened our understanding of the responsibility involved in snorkeling with whales but was also enriched by Marianne Aventurier's profound knowledge and the inherent risks of the activity.

Our Experince in Securing Permits for BBC Blue Planet in Sri Lanka

In 2017, we reached a significant milestone by securing permits for the esteemed BBC Blue Planet crew to film the breathtaking marine wonders of Sri Lanka. Despite encountering considerable resistance from the Wildlife Department, our determination and perseverance led to this groundbreaking collaboration.

This achievement showcased Sri Lanka’s rich marine biodiversity to a global audience. The captivating footage produced by the Blue Planet team highlighted the extraordinary beauty of Sri Lanka's whale snorkeling experiences, inspiring viewers around the world.

Your Filming Permit to Snorkel with Whales

A filming permit is an official authorization required to observe and capture photographs or videos within Wildlife Protected Areas (WPAs). In Sri Lanka, this permit is mandatory for accessing protected areas and regions where the welfare of marine and terrestrial animals is under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Department.

This permit is issued in your name, and your name will be clearly displayed on the document as proof of authorization.

This is how a personal permit look like, here.

Blue whale

Sperm whale

Pygmy Blue whale

Fin whale

Minke whale

Sei whale

Bryde's whale

Omura's whale

Dolphins and rest of mammals 

Best season: Third & Forth weeks of December & from mid February to mid April
Available: Daily

Starting point: Kalpitiya, Mirissa and Trinco
Best time to start: Typically around 8 AM in Kalpitiya and Trinco and 11 AM in Mirissa, depending on the number of commercial whale-watching boats in the area each day and the amount of sunlight needed for photographs.
Whole touring hrs: 3-6 hrs (depends)
Number of snorkelers: If you really care about the animal, stick to 3-5 snorkelers the most.
Arranging time needed: Three weeks (to acquire filming permit)

Be mindful: A wildlife officer will be onboard the boat. Copy of your videos/photos needed to submit to Wildlife Department - watermarks can be used on them.

Restrictions: One of our staff members will impose strict monitoring of boat maneuvers and underwater photographers. Sudden boat maneuvers and accelerations are discouraged. No animal touching encouraged. Please keep your plastics within the boat. Copy of your production must be submitted to us before you depart.

Probability of taking good photographs: 20% per day / 100% - if tried 5 days.

A good snorkeler: Uses fins and snorkels in submissive colors / do not make noises jumping into water and snorkeling.

Sri Lankan sea water temperature: Above 20°C/68°F all year around. Usually around 27-28°C. Check today's temperature.

Option 1 - Fixed Dates & Sharing

• Dinghy boat: $250 USD per person (in Trinco, Kalpitiya & Mirissa)
• Speed boat: $300 USD per person (in Mirissa)

Note: A minimum of 3 to 5 snorkelers is required to run the operation. At least 4 consecutive days of sailing are needed.

Price includes: Filming permit from the Wildlife Department (with your name on the permit) / Our administrative fee / Boat / Professional skipper / Seeker / Fresh fruits & water on board / All government taxes

Price does not include: $40 USD per day for our person on board (this is a mandatory expense) / $8 USD or $20 USD for the park entrance fee ($8 USD per person, per day in Kalpitiya & Trinco and $20 USD per person, per day in Mirissa) / $8 USD for fins and mask per pair (we recommend bringing your personal gear)

Option 2 - Charting Your Own Boat

• Dinghy boat: $400 USD per boat (in Trinco, Kalpitiya & Mirissa)
• Speed boat: $700 USD per boat (in Mirissa)

Price includes: Boat / Professional skipper / Seeker / Fresh fruits & water on board / All government taxes

Price does not include: Filming permit fee / Our administrative fee to acquire permits - (150 USD per first person and 50 USD for each additional person) / $40 USD per day for our person on board (this is a mandatory expense) / $8 USD or $20 USD for the park entrance fee ($8 USD per person, per day in Kalpitiya & Trinco and $20 USD per person, per day in Mirissa) / $8 USD for fins and mask per pair (we recommend bringing your personal gear)

Option 3 – Decide Where to Go After Arriving in Sri Lanka

Predicting sea conditions, underwater visibility, and the presence of marine mammals is inherently challenging. However, if you're open to securing two or three filming permits—one for each Wildlife Protected Area (WPA)—before your visit, we can finalize your destinations once you arrive in Sri Lanka. This flexibility allows us to optimize your experience based on real-time conditions.

Feel free to email CCT Sri Lanka to start arranging your trip!

Option 4 – Charter an Ultra-Modern Yacht & Speedboats

For a luxurious and hassle-free experience, we offer access to several catamarans with cabins and modern speedboats. These catamarans come fully equipped with an onboard kitchen, and our dedicated chef and staff ensure you’re well cared for throughout your journey.

A standby safety craft adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind, while anchoring near the shore provides the option of enjoying land-based accommodations.

Let us help you craft the perfect adventure! Email us to arrange your trip.

Optional : Snorkeling guide 80 USD per trip / Pro underwater photographer 200 USD per day / Rent a pro underwater camera, here.

Feedback us : Our drivers and service providers are advised not to promote any other activities outside of our acknowledgment, established personal contacts or nudge you for shopping. Please leave your feedback about our services on our Google feedback page.

You may bring : Motion sickness pills / Hat and sun glass / Sun cream / Camera

We love holiday planning!

Snorkeling with Whales In Mirissa

The optimal conditions for underwater photographers—featuring the clearest visibility and calmest seas—are typically in the last 2 weeks of December and from mid-February to mid-April. During this period, you can capture stunning images of blues, sperms, pilot whales, dolphins, and whale sharks.

The calmer beach season in Mirissa generally begins in October. Interestingly, these magnificent creatures are often more visible during the off-season, from April to October. This time of year is ideal for taking a local flight to observe marine mammals from above.

However, it's worth noting that the growing number of whale-watching boats in Mirissa—around 40 to 70—tends to be less accommodating towards underwater photographers and snorkelers. Many boat operators express dissatisfaction with both snorkelers and those who legally or illegally cater to them. Additionally, there's a local superstitious belief that underwater observers bring bad luck to the whale-watching industry. In reality, it's the irresponsible practices of some illegal operators that often drive whales farther from shore. For a deeper understanding of these issues, you may find our video insightful.

Given these dynamics, it’s common for Wildlife Officers to accompany our boats that venture out for underwater photography in Mirissa.

Best Underwater Visibility in Mirissa

• Last two weeks of December
• Mid-February to mid-April

Snorkeling with Whales In Kalpitiya

Underwater photographers will find the optimal visibility and sea conditions in the last 2 weeks of December and from mid-February to mid-April. This unique destination in Sri Lanka is renowned for its exceptional Sperm Whale sightings, which are among the best recorded in the country. Kalpitiya also occasionally hosts Humpback and Killer Whales.

Kalpitiya's proximity to the Indian Peninsula makes it a prime location for marine life. The Gulf of Mannar, enriched by phytoplankton and zooplankton from the Southwest monsoon rains and winds from Kerala, attracts a diverse array of marine mammals, including Dugongs. Additionally, the largest vibrant coral reef in Sri Lanka lies just off Kalpitiya's coast.

For those interested in extended stays, we can arrange a speed boat or catamaran. Explore your options here. Alternatively, for shorter trips, we offer 18-21 ft dinghies equipped with 20-40 hp kerosene engines.

If you're an adventurous spirit looking to explore uncharted waters with minimal bureaucratic hurdles, we have a few exclusive suggestions that promise a unique and uncrowded experience.

Best Underwater Visibility in Kalpitiya

• Last two weeks of December
• Mid-February to mid-April

Snorkeling with Whales In Trincomalee

Underwater photographers will find the best visibility and sea conditions from mid-February to September. During this period, the waters are particularly clear and conducive for capturing stunning underwater images. Mammal sightings peak from February to mid-April and again from August to September. While Trincomalee generally records slightly fewer whale encounters compared to Mirissa, it still offers remarkable opportunities for marine photography.

From mid-February to mid-April, Trincomalee is a hotspot for a diverse array of whale and dolphin species. This is the prime time to observe Beaked Whales and the largest gatherings of Bryde's Whales. Blues and Sperm Whales are most commonly sighted between October and April, while Orcas are frequently spotted in September. Pilot Whales and False Killer Whales appear between March and June, and Spinner Dolphins are commonly seen around Koddiyar Bay in the mornings.

For your boating needs, Trincomalee offers a range of options. The most common boats are 18-21 ft dinghies powered by 20-40 hp kerosene engines, some of which come with sunshades. We also provide access to a fleet of modern catamarans with cabins for overnight stays, along with a beautifully refurbished lobster hull boat and a speedboat. Explore your options here.

It's worth noting that the Wildlife Department and Coast Guards in Trincomalee are still developing their monitoring and permit systems.

Best Underwater Visibility in Trinco

• Mid Feb to October

Conclusion

Some videos