Legal distance for whale watching boats in Mirissa for safety
8 Answers from travellers
Under the Department of Wildlife Conservation laws, boats must stay at least 100 meters away from a whale. They must reduce speed to a no-wake crawl, and they must approach parallel to the whale, never head-on or from directly behind. Avoid the cheap street touts; book with ethical operators like Raja and the Whales who strictly follow these laws.
The Coast Guard actually patrols the waters now and will fine captains who break the 100m limit.
Is a 200mm camera lens good enough from 100 meters away.
The small speedboats are the worst offenders. Always book a larger, stable vessel.
Do not use a drone. Drones are strictly banned near marine wildlife.
I was on a boat that chased a whale and it was terrifying for both us and the animal. Report them if they do.
Yes, blue whales are massive. 200mm is perfect. 400mm is better if you want close-up tail shots.
Thanks, I will book with Raja and bring the long lens.
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