Location: Trincomali, Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Blue Whale Expedition
Swim with the biggest animal that has ever lived!
A rare opportunity to swim with the largest animal in the world
In March and April each year, blue whales migrate through the warm, clear coastal waters of Sri Lanka. When this incredible event occurs, we are there to meet them.
To get close to the whales without them getting stressed, we use small fast chase boats that hold a maximum of 4 free divers. With the help of expert guides, we will put you right in the path of the largest animal that has ever lived, observing the whales as they briefly slip by under the surface.
Imagine this encounter
You plunge into the water in front of a behemoth and float above it or free-dive down to its eye-level as it glides past. You feel like an insect next to its unimaginable bulk. Perhaps you see a glimmer of recognition; a slight flick of its eye in your direction. After a few tantalizing seconds, the whale mysteriously dissolves back into the deep blue void, surfacing 10-12 minutes later for another few breaths before diving again.
A chance to swim with an amazing selection of cetaceans
Although this is officially a blue whale trip, they are not Sri Lanka’s only cetaceans. During your Whale and Dolphin snorkeling safari, you may have the opportunity to snorkel with up to thirteen species of whales and eight species of dolphin. Other than blue whales, the most commonly seen cetaceans are Sperm Whales, Brydes Whales, Shortfin Pilot Whales, False Orcas, Spinner Dolphins, Humpback Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins.
Each species has its own behavior. Blue whales feed for long periods during the day. Consequently, the style of encounters that we enjoy with them are fly-bys; the whales swim past underwater, you watch them wide-eyed for a few seconds and then return to the boat in order to repeat the process.
Brydes whales act similarly to blue whales. Sperm whales are quite different. They can sometimes be seen in extremely large aggregations. And on occasion, they rest in groups close to the surface.
Smaller whales and dolphins sometimes approach the boat and play in the bow wave. They are often curious, allowing close encounters underwater.
THE ENCOUNTER
Snorkeling with blue whales and other cetacean species
2023
DATE
March 13-20 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
March 19-26 1 SPOT AVAILABLE
March 25-April 1 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
March 31-April 7 1 SPOT AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$4,995 per person double occupancy ($700 single room upgrade)
LEADERS
Jennifer Idol
Simon Spear
2024
DATE
March 17-24 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE
March 23-30 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$5,495 per person double occupancy ($800 single room upgrade)
LEADERS
Jennifer Idol
Simon Spear
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
Trinco Blu Luxury Hotel
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Snorkeling experience only
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Colombo Airport pick up
- 1 night hotel in Colombo with dinner and breakfast
- Group transfer to Trincomali
- 6 nights hotel in Trincomali with all meals
- 5 days at sea with whales
- Experienced captain and guide
- Fins and mask if required
- Group return transfer to airport
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Alcohol
- Weight belt
- Crew tips
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Leave your dive gear at home
Blue whales and other Sri Lankan cetaceans may be enormous but they are also very shy animals. Noisy scuba equipment would frighten the whales into a deep dive so it is far better if we take a minimalist approach.
This encounter requires nothing more than a mask, snorkel and fins. The most effective way to get as close as possible to the whales is to judge their direction of travel, slip into the water and float at the surface in their path.
Stay in paradise
During your Sri Lankan Whale Adventure, your home away from home will be the luxury Trinco Blu Resort Hotel in Trincomali.
Ready to sign up or have a question about this trip?
Contact Big Fish about this Expedition
Big Fish Expeditions
Big Fish Expeditions Founder Andy Murch has spent the last two decades chasing big animals all over the world. Few people have Andy’s knowledge and organizational skills necessary to put together a professional expedition. Have a look through some of the comments from our guests: testimonials.
Guest Feedback
AMAZING TRIPS
Amazing trips, just finish my 7th with Big Fish Expeditions, many more to come! 
Sene M.
Canada
ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Just returned from my second trip with BFE and it went off perfectly. The true adventure of these trips always present challenging logistics but they pulled it off flawlessly. I would highly recommend BFE to anyone looking to get “off the grid” and experience a wildlife trip of a lifetime. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. Thanks again!!
Scott O.
Detroit, Michigan
BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
I have been on a couple of Big Fish Photography Expeditions trips now. They are always well organized, and exceed my expectations! Andy puts together unique and action-packed trips. I’m looking forward to my next dive experience with him.
Trisha S.
Vancouver, BC
ABOUT BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
5 stars!
I’ve been on three trips with Big Fish Expeditions. Each one was well organized and jam packed with unique wildlife encounters. I am booked for another trip next year and for many more to come. Highly recommended!!
GO. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!
I have been on 3 Big Fish Expeditions trips by now and have more trips to look forward to in the near future. First of all I share a big passion for sharks, whale and other big marine life and Big Fish Expedition is all about that. As an amateur photographer is great to be among equals and even better to get new tips and ideas from professionals.
Andy is very helpful showing new tricks and talk about UW photography in between dives. Sure the destinations offers world class diving but it’s also about the people and the relation to people and Andy surely gives everyone the feeling of being very welcome and try to give everyone a lifetime experience.
Another good thing is that Andy is maybe the only pro shooters who offers trips to very reasonable prices. I won’t go into details about all the good dives I’ve done with Big Fish but instead say GO, you will never regret it!
Br, Rasmus Raahauge
Denmark
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TIME WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Andy is one of the best in the business. I would highly, highly recommend anyone interested in an animal focused trip to go with big fish expeditions.
The quality of experience and knowledge of the trip leader really sets them apart. Expect to get your fill of animals no matter what the trip is. Andy is also great at finding other animals to incorporate within the trips.
If you’re looking for a shark trip or big animal experience, this is your place. Period.
Enjoy!
Jesse B.
Ontario, Canada
