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Ethical blue whale watching distances and rogue boats in Mirissa

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N
Noah D.•6690 rep•2

I want to see the blue whales in Mirissa, but I do not want to support boats that harass them. How close are boats legally allowed to get.

38
beacheswildlife

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The legal limit set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation is 100 meters. Ethical boats must approach slowly, parallel to the whale, and put the engine in neutral. Rogue operators (usually the cheapest tickets sold on the beach) will speed right up to the whale, approach head-on, or surround it. Book with certified operators like Raja and the Whales to ensure ethical viewing.

1
D
Dr. Nimal.•6540 rep•1

If your boat breaks the rules, take a photo of the registration number and report them to the Coast Guard.

47
B
Bhante S.•15460 rep•2

Do not forget motion sickness pills. The ocean off Mirissa is very rough.

42
E
Emma L.•6235 rep•2

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

40
E
Emma L.•6235 rep•2

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

31
B
Bhante S.•15460 rep•2

Excellent. I will book with an ethical company and report anyone I see breaking the rules.

28
N
Noah D.•6690 rep•2

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

27
D
Dr. Nimal.•6540 rep•1

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

14
N
Noah D.•6690 rep•2

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