Experience Snorkeling With Whales in Sri Lanka, one of the world’s most rare, specialized, and carefully regulated marine wildlife encounters.
We specialize in curating personal whale snorkeling expeditions and exclusive marine mammal photography experiences in Sri Lankan waters. Our approach focuses on ethical interaction, conservation, safety, and respectful wildlife observation, ensuring a meaningful experience for both guests and marine life.
Unlike conventional whale watching, these expeditions are conducted with strict operational care and years of field experience in Sri Lanka’s most important whale habitats.
Our Widely Published Whale Photography
In 2016, we participated in one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering whale snorkeling photo expeditions, documenting Blue Whales through responsible in-water photography near Mirissa.
The resulting photographs were internationally featured in publications including:
• Red Bull
• Daily Mail UK
• Dive Photo Guide
This early expedition was conducted alongside marine photographers and conservation-focused professionals, helping shape responsible whale snorkeling practices in Sri Lanka.
Through these experiences, we gained valuable operational knowledge regarding marine safety, wildlife ethics, photography logistics, and responsible interaction standards.
BBC Blue Planet Permit Coordination Experience
In 2017, we successfully assisted in securing marine filming permits connected with the internationally renowned BBC Blue Planet production team in Sri Lanka.
Despite significant operational and regulatory challenges, this collaboration helped showcase Sri Lanka’s extraordinary marine biodiversity to a global audience and highlighted the importance of responsible marine operations within the region.
Book Train Tickets Online in Sri Lanka
by Bastian Kliem
Sailing Course in Sri Lanka
by Eddy
Colombo Port City Charter Sailing - 3 or 5 hrs - For Sri Lankans
by Ravichandran thanus
Reserve Your Seat Kandy Esala Perahera - 2026
by Julien Privey
Whale Watching in Sri Lanka - Shared Luxury Yacht
by Julie
Snorkeling With Whales
by Arne
Speedy 10-Minute Boat Ride - Wilpattu to Kalpitiya
by Ada
Paramotoring in Sri Lanka - Bentota
by Kash
Reserve Your Vehicle With a Driver
by Steve
Colombo Port City - Golf Drive Range
by Chandula Wanasinghe
Reserve a Tuk Tuks - Unlimited Kms
by Thomas Ask
Nil Diya Pokuna Caving - For Foreign Visitors
by Anuj gunasena
Skydiving - Sri Lanka
by Veno
Tara –
I booked with cctsl in hopes of filming blue whales; they were honest with me while we were corresponding stating whale sightings were very scarce in the area that I was hoping to travel to. Knowing about the uncertainty of nature and “no guarantees” I decided to take the gamble…I’m glad I did! Out of the 3 days to sea, I got a very calm blue whale (the same one!) on 2 of those days. We also saw a brydes whale, dwarf sperm whale and spinner dolphins. I will definitely book with CCT the next time I visit Sri Lanka!
Merrill McCauley –
We booked trips with Cross Country Travels to swim with whales in Trino and Kalpitiya and we had such a wonderful time! The boats they took us in were well-maintained, comfortable and the boat captains were very friendly, knowledgeable and experienced about the local waters. Our whale guides were also very friendly, knowledgeable and tried hard to find us whales to swim with, which we did! We swam with sperm whales, fin whales and also spinner dolphins and sea turtles. I had corresponded a lot with the owner of CCT Sri Lanka (Anu) prior to our trip and he was super helpful in setting us up with the trip of our dreams to Sri Lanka, handling all of the logistics and our lovely accommodations in Trino and Kalpitiya. It was very helpful to have him as a local tour owner/operator, because he was able to have connections to local whale guides/fishermen in the area who would call him or our captain to tell them where anyone else was seeing the whales, which really increased our chances of seeing and being able to swim with them. Also, most importantly, Anu and his guides were very respectful of the whales and wildlife when we did see them and did not do anything to harass them, which was great to see. Would definitely recommend booking your Sri Lanka whale swim adventure with CCT!
Elvina –
We had a glorious trip to Sri Lanka with CCT Sri Lanka. Anu and team were so incredibly thoughtful and lined up a trip like no other. We went there for the whales, but I fell in love with the scenery, the food and the genuine hospitality of the people. I particularly loved the impromptu stops for roadside delicacies! Thanks for a great trip!!
Elvina
Arne –
The team at CCT went above and beyond, doing everything they could to showcase the beauty of Sri Lanka , above and underwater. Lots of networking , research, experience and preparation were necessary for this.
Even though we didn’t have luck with the really big fish this time, it was an amazing experience, and we would do it again anytime.
A clear recommendation for the entire team!