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Ethical blue whale watching distances and bad boats in Mirissa

Seen by 121 travellers
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N
Noah D.•6750 rep•2

I am booking a whale tour in Mirissa. How close are boats legally allowed to get, and how do I avoid the unethical operators.

12
beacheswildlife

7 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The Department of Wildlife Conservation mandates a strict 100-meter minimum distance. Ethical boats must approach slowly, parallel to the whale, and never surround it. Rogue operators (usually selling cheap tickets on the beach) will speed right up to the whale and approach head-on. Book with WDC certified operators like Raja and the Whales to ensure ethical viewing.

25
D
Dr. Nimal.•10180 rep•1

I went on a cheap boat and they chased a whale until it dove deep to escape. It was horrible.

36
E
Emma L.•7850 rep•2

The Navy actually suspends the licenses of boats caught harassing whales now.

25
E
Emma L.•7850 rep•2

Excellent. I will book with an ethical company only.

17
N
Noah D.•6750 rep•2

Is a 200mm camera lens enough if the boat stays 100m away.

13
N
Noah D.•6750 rep•2

If your boat breaks the rules, report the registration number to the Coast Guard.

4
B
Bhante S.•6690 rep•1

Yes, blue whales are massive. 200mm to 300mm is perfect for a good crop.

3
D
Dr. Nimal.•10180 rep•1

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