Yala National Park Sri Lanka

Snorkeling with Whales & Yala Leopard Safari

Experience two of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable wildlife encounters on one unforgettable holiday. This 7-Day Wildlife Tour combines the rare opportunity of snorkeling with Blue Whales off the southern coast with an exciting Yala Leopard Safari, allowing you to discover both the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka’s most famous national park in a single adventure.

Spend three mornings searching for the world’s largest animal alongside experienced marine guides and a Wildlife Officer before continuing to Yala National Park, renowned for having one of the world’s highest densities of Sri Lankan Leopards. Along the way, you’ll also visit the historic Galle Fort, a traditional tea plantation, and enjoy comfortable accommodation, private transportation, and carefully planned experiences that support responsible wildlife tourism.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, diver, or nature enthusiast, this tour offers an exceptional combination of marine adventure, safari, and cultural discovery. Explore the itinerary below and prepare for one of the most unforgettable wildlife holidays in Sri Lanka.

Tour Information

Best Season
March & the last two weeks of December

Advance Booking Required
Minimum 1 month

Starting Point
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights

Approximate Distance
1,028 km

Prerequisites
Valid SCUBA Diving or Freediving Certification

Accommodation
Hotels & Luxury Safari Camp

Transportation
Private Air-conditioned Vehicle


Price Includes

  • Airport meet & greet
  • All accommodation listed
  • Meal plans as mentioned
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tuk Tuk transfers to the boat for three days
  • Private speedboat (150 HP engine)
  • Professional skipper
  • Approximately 5 hours at sea each day
  • Boat snacks
  • Drinking water onboard
  • Individual permits for whale snorkeling and underwater photography
  • Entrance tickets to Yala National Park
  • Safari Jeep
  • Professional safari tracker
  • Government taxes

Not Included

  • Fins
  • Snorkeling goggles
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • International flights

(Additional charges apply.)

Experience Highlights

  • Snorkel with Blue Whales in Sri Lanka
  • Three whale-search expeditions from Mirissa
  • Wildlife Officer accompanying marine excursions
  • Professional snorkeling support
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort
  • Explore a traditional Sri Lankan tea plantation
  • Full-day safari in Yala National Park
  • Outstanding opportunities to photograph Sri Lankan Leopards
  • Spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer and colourful birdlife
  • Luxury accommodation throughout the tour
  • Responsible and sustainable wildlife experiences
  • Private transport with experienced chauffeur-guide

Additional Charges

Extra Time at Sea

USD 75 per additional boat hour.

Restrictions

  • SCUBA Diving or Freediving qualification required
  • Do not touch coral reefs
  • Practice responsible snorkeling and diving
  • No flash photography of ancient paintings
  • Cover shoulders and knees before entering temples
  • Do not feed wildlife
  • Do not leave plastic or litter behind

Recommended to Bring

  • Fins
  • Snorkeling mask & goggles
  • Underwater camera
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Reef-safe sunscreen

Optional Extras

  • Professional naturalist
  • Local wildlife expert
  • Historian guide

Our drivers and service providers are instructed not to promote unrelated activities or encourage unnecessary shopping stops. We appreciate your feedback and reviews on Google after your experience.

We Love Holiday Planning!

Need help organizing your Sri Lanka journey? We’re happy to assist with transport, accommodation, and tailor-made experiences.

Your 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to Sri Lanka • Transfer to Weligama

Samadhi

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you before introducing your private chauffeur for the journey south.

Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately three and a half hours to Weligama, one of Sri Lanka’s premier whale watching destinations. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free to relax and prepare for the exciting marine adventures beginning the following morning.

Accommodation: Weligama Bay Resort
Room category: Superior Double Room
Meal plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 2 — Snorkeling with Blue Whales

Whale Watching From Air In Mirissa

Rise early for your first whale expedition. You’ll spend approximately five hours at sea aboard a private speedboat operated by an experienced skipper and accompanied by a Wildlife Officer and snorkeling specialist.

The objective is to locate the magnificent Blue Whale in its natural environment. When sea conditions, permits and wildlife behaviour allow, certified divers and freedivers may experience the extraordinary opportunity of snorkeling with these gentle giants under strict ethical guidelines.

After returning ashore, enjoy visits to the historic Galle Fort and a nearby tea plantation, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich colonial and agricultural heritage.

Optional Experiences

  • Visit to Histocial Galle Fort in Galle
  • Visit to a cinnamon plantation

Accommodation: Weligama Bay Resort
Room category: Superior Double Room
Meal plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 — Second Whale Expedition • Transfer to Yala

Snorkeling with Blue Whales

Enjoy another morning on the Indian Ocean searching for Blue Whales and other marine life.

After returning to shore and freshening up, depart for Yala National Park, travelling through Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern countryside before arriving at your luxury safari camp.

The evening is yours to relax and experience the peaceful surroundings of the wilderness.

Accommodation: Big Game Camp
Room category: Luxury Tented Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast Pack & Dinner

Day 4 — Full-Day Leopard Safari

Today is dedicated to exploring Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife reserve.

Travel deep into the park with an experienced safari tracker in search of the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard. During your full-day safari you’ll also have excellent opportunities to observe elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild buffalo, spotted deer, monkeys and hundreds of bird species.

A freshly prepared lunch will be served inside the national park, allowing you to maximise your wildlife viewing time.

Accommodation: Big Game Camp
Room category: Luxury Tented Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast Pack, Fresh Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 — Relaxed Morning in Yala • Journey to Negombo

Negombo Sri Lanka

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed departure from Yala before travelling north towards Colombo.

Along the journey you’ll enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital, before continuing to Negombo for your final evening.

Accommodation: Jetwing Lagoon
Room category: Bawa Room
Meal plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 — Leisure in Negombo

Toddy tasting tour

Spend a leisurely day relaxing by the lagoon or enjoying the facilities of your hotel before your international departure.

This final day provides the perfect opportunity to unwind after several days of unforgettable wildlife adventures.

Accommodation: Jetwing Lagoon
Room category: Bawa Room
Meal plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 — Departure

Katunayake - Sri Lanka

Following breakfast, your chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your onward flight.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this unforgettable combination of whale snorkeling, leopard safaris, and Sri Lanka’s spectacular natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure with CCT Sri Lanka.

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Snorkeling with Whales & Yala Leopard Safari in Sri Lanka | 7-Day Wildlife Tour

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