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Sri Lanka Blue Whale Safari

A beautiful underwater adventure in Sri Lanka diving with whales. A truly unique opportunity to swim with, be photographed alongside, and assist in the research of the largest animal ever known to exist on earth, the blue whale.

Itinerary Summary

Duration
9 Days
Price
£6770
When
Mar 2020 & 2021
Destination
Sri Lanka
Type
Small Group Safari
Duration Price When Destination Type
9 Days £6770 Mar 2020 & 2021 Sri Lanka Small Group Safari
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About this trip

This exclusive pioneering itinerary offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist a research team and be photographed with the mighty blue whale, led by one of three renowned photographers: Patrick Dykstra, Joshua Barton and Rita Messing Patrick was part of the first team of photographers to locate and interact with Sri Lanka's blue whales following the nation’s civil war, while Joshua's NWS clients were the first non-professionals to photograph transient orcas underwater off the country's coast, during their safari in 2016. Rita's work has been published by National Geographic and she brings a wealth of experience in guiding marine safaris.

Our guides have developed an expertise that is unmatched when it comes to close encounters with Sri Lanka's marine wildlife. You will also be joined on your safari by a team of local researchers, allowing you to assist with their conservation efforts throughout your trip.

Spend your time heading out into the ocean in search of these gentle giants, before joining them in the water for a truly magical experience. When back on land, relax and enjoy the comforts of your secluded beachside resort and reflect upon your unforgettable underwater encounters.

What makes this trip extraordinary?

  • Snorkelling with the largest creature on the planet, the blue whale.
  • Learning more about this remarkable species from our expert team.
  • Contributing to blue whale conservation by working alongside local researchers.
  • Spotting a host of other marine wildlife, including green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and pilot whales.
  • Being photographed alongside these graceful sea-dwelling creatures.
  • Drinking in the ambience at your beachside resort after a day on the water.
  • Coming home with once-in-a-lifetime memories that few others will have!

Embedded Video Overview

A 9-day safari to swim with blue whales in Sri Lanka with a research team

from $8,632 per person, excluding international flights

Mosaic Gallery

Day by day

Day by day

Day 1

Colombo - East Coast

Arrive at the airport where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to Sri Lanka’s east coast (approx. 6 hours drive). The deep coastal waters of the Indian Ocean are probably the best place in the world to see blue whales, but where most travel companies are restricted to whale watching from the deck of a boat, our plan is to actually take to the water with these gentle giants, swimming and snorkelling alongside them. After arriving at your resort, spend the rest of the day settling into to your charming new lodgings. There will be a pre-safari briefing at 7pm. You will be staying at a small resort set by a beach in a secluded spot on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales. To protect the whales from the onslaught of mass tourism, the exact location is a closely guarded secret, known only to whale experts like Patrick, Joshua and Rita. With just a few rooms and suites, this is a great place to relax and enjoy your surroundings in sumptuous privacy. The resort also has a small pool, ideal for cooling off or practising your breaststroke!

Days 2-8

Whale Watching

Not only is the blue whale the largest animal alive today, it is in fact the largest creature to have ever existed. As far as we know, even the largest dinosaurs cannot rival this leviathan in size. A blue whale’s heart is the size of a car and its tongue weighs as much as an elephant. The subspecies present in Sri Lanka can grow up to 75 ft in length. The next 7 days of your safari are dedicated to seeing and being photographed with blue whales underwater. Our expert photographers and blue whale specialists have developed an expertise that is unmatched when it comes to getting close encounters with Sri Lanka’s blue whales. You will wake early each morning before boarding boats to head out into the ocean. There is a maximum of four guests on this expedition.

Day 9

East Coast - Colombo

Today you will be transferred back to Colombo for your onward journey (approx. 6 hours drive). The journey should be filled with memories of the incredible wildlife encounters you have had over the course of your marine safari.

TRIP DETAILS

DATES AND PRICES

This is a small group safari that allows you to get up close with the pygmy blue whales in Sri Lanka. Groups are limited to four people per trip. It is easy to extend this trip to include more of Sri Lanka’s highlights. Find out when to go for the best wildlife experiences.

Please note there is a single supplement fee of £775.

Our 2020 departures are now sold out. Be the first to know about any cancellations or newly added departures by joining our waitlist here.

Trip date Prices from
Mar 01 - Mar 09 2020 SOLD OUT
Mar 10 - Mar 18 2020 SOLD OUT
Mar 19 - Mar 27 2020 SOLD OUT
Mar 28 - Apr 05 2020 SOLD OUT
Trip date Prices from
Mar 01 - Mar 09 2021 £6770
Mar 10 - Mar 18 2021 £6770
Mar 19 - Mar 27 2021 £6770
Mar 28 - Apr 05 2021 £6770

Talk to one of our specialists for further details on our Sri Lanka wildlife safaris.

Find out more about this itinerary

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We are wildlife specialists, not led by commissions but instead by putting people in the right place at the right time. When you get in touch you’ll discover what makes our trips so different. Our award winning safaris can’t be replicated by other companies. A destination specialist will be in touch; we don’t do hard sales but you will get plenty of inspiration and advice, as well as help creating your next trip.