KalpitiyaSunrise dolphin watching experience and Bar Reef snorkelling – Kalpitiya

Witness leaping pods of everything from Spinner dolphins to Bottlenose dolphins. Watch them frolic and swim alongside your private boat for longer, or head into Bar Reef for a snorkelling experience in Kalpitiya.

 

SLDT/1702/WDW02

Why you need to book this trip?

  • Kalpitiya is perfect for dolphin and whale watching, as you do not have to head out too deep into the Ocean: the continental shelf is much closer than reported in admiralty charts, so much so, the shelf actually runs near and alongside the shoreline. This translates into being able to see many species of marine life - in just a short boat ride away from the shore.

  • You will be led by trained English-speaking guides, who will brief you on everything you wish to know about the dolphins/whales you encounter.

  • Watching dolphins leap, swimming alongside you and under your boat - is truly an unforgettable experience.

  • The sea will not be as rough during this period as it is during the monsoon season and it will be easier to spot dolphins given good visibility.

  • Among ‘other things to do’ in Kalpitiya, is the Bar Reef, the largest coral reef (307 square km) in Sri Lanka. Bar Reef can be reached by an hour’s boat trip from Kalpitiya and serves as the ideal location for keen scuba divers and snorkelers. The beautiful reef, exceedingly rich in biodiversity, is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering sightings of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional sea turtle.

  • The excursions will ideally commence at sunrise, and last about 2-3 hours.

  • dolphin watching tour kalpitiya

 

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+94 70 222 8222

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fit@ecoteam.lk

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Included in the Price

  • Services of a local boatman/ skipper

  • Boat Fees

  • Entrance fees

  • Life jackets

  • Bottled water

Exclusions

  • Transportation to/from location, which could be arranged on request (for an additional fee)

  • Optional activity costs

  • Any personal effects not mentioned in this description

  • Tips for the staff

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TOUR IN BRIEF

  • We will meet at 7.30 a.m. at our centre and after a briefing on the tour and safety precautions, you will be ushered to the boat.

  • Kalpitiya is a relatively new destination in Sri Lanka gaining prominence especially for its large pods of Spinner Dolphins off the coast. They were mainly seen in a belt that ran parallel to the Kalpitiya peninsula which was commonly known as the Dolphin Line. But while Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya is now one of the main attractions in Sri Lanka, there are other water-based adventures, for those looking to do so much more during their stay here.

  • If you are in Kalpitiya between November and March/April, the conditions are perfect to catch a glimpse of diverse sea mammals as the waters remain relatively calm and enhances visibility.

  • Among some of the other commonly spotted dolphin species are: Bottlenose, Risso’s, Indo-Pacific and Humpback Dolphins.

 

IMPORTANT

Suitable casual clothing for windy, rainy, and warm weather conditions should be considered.

Carry suitable footwear and headwear for outdoor activities.Insect repellents and sun-protection creams are recommended items to carry.

All electronic devices should be securely carried.

Standard Safety Precautions for Dolphin Watching:

We run our whale watching trips as per the guidelines given by

international whaling commissions https://iwc.int/wwguidelines

 

Details of Boat

Category : Fibreglass boat with a canopy

Engine capacity : 40 hp outboard engine

Length : 19.5 feet

Width : 6 feet

  • Number of Passengers onboard will be strictly limited to the seating capacity.

  • Lifejackets will be provided to each and every client and must be worn throughout the tour.

  • It is mandatory that clients adhere to all safety rules given by the crew.

  • Please take precautionary measures recommended by your doctor if you are prone to seasickness.

 

Please Note:

  • There is a high probability of sighting dolphins in Kalpitiya, along with whales.

  • We endeavour our best to find them on every single dolphin watching excursion - for you. However, on some days, even with our best efforts, it is impossible for us to sight them.

  • Do not feed any wild animals (Yes, they are wild). Swimming near your boat doesn’t mean they want your food.

  • Do not compel your guide/boatman to steer the boat too close to the dolphins and other sea animals, as it may cause injury to them or be fatal for your safety.

 

Dolphins in Sri Lanka

Kalpitiya is a peninsula - located in the district of Puttalam - looking like a tentacle that reaches out into the Indian Ocean. With the Puttalam Bay on its eastern shore and about 170 kilometres and north west of Colombo, there are 14 islands in Kalpitiya and stretches of beach that seem to go on forever.

In recent times, the area has been recognised as an excellent site for seeing large pods of Spinner Dolphins and Sperm Whales, while catching sight of a Blue Whale is a precious bonus. The long snouted and playful dolphins and get their name from the spins that they have become famous for performing while leaping out of the water. Their repertoire of tricks also includes tail or head slaps, flips, and salmon jumps.

Apart from the Spinner Dolphin, the Humpback and Bottlenose,  also haunt the coast of Kalpitiya.

The Humpback species has a noticeable hump on its back and is often seen close to the shore while the Bottlenose dolphin is known for its unmistakable snout. The Bottlenose tends to use high-pitched squeaks to communicate.

Risso’s dolphins can also be spotted in these waters and are prominent for their characteristically square heads and their long dorsal fins. While being able to grow up to 4 metres, these dolphins often have scars on their bodies from their playful fighting.

November to March/April is considered the ideal time to catch sight of these amazing creatures, as they leave colder waters during the winter season.

 

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