SWIM WITH WHALES IN SRI LANKA

Wildlife

Sightseeing

Active

City Life

Culture

Relax

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

A week-long professional marine expedition based in Kalpitiya, a quiet coastal village on Sri Lanka’s northwestern shore. Spend five days heading out to sea with specialized permits specifically granted for in-water filming and photography. Guided by a licensed local team of skippers and marine specialists, this is not a recreational tour, but a focused mission to document the largest toothed predator on Earth. With small groups, strict ethical protocols, and expert coordination, we ensure a high-level environment for capturing world-class imagery—away from the crowds and chaos of commercial tourism.

HIGHLIGHTS

5 days swimming with sperm whales
Enjoy exclusive small-group encounters — max 5 guests per boat
Explore Sri Lanka’s quiet north-west coast, far from mass tourism
Stay in charming Kalpitiya accommodation, just steps from the ocean and lagoon
Spot wild elephants in Wilpattu National Park
Discover the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura (optional)

DEPARTURE DATES

Custom dates available upon request. Get in touch!

£2,120.00

KEY INFORMATION

DAY 1 – Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to Kalpitiya

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), where you’ll meet your Esploro Travel leader. Private transfer (~3.5–4h) to Kalpitiya. Check in at our hotel. Depending on arrival time, you can spend the afternoon relaxing at the local beach, renting a kayak or SUP to explore the calm waters of Kalpitiya Lagoon, or enjoying a drink at a local restaurant while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean (optional activities, not included in trip price). Dinner at leisure in one of Kalpitiya’s beachfront restaurants (not included).

DAY 2 – First Whale Encounter

Early breakfast, then private transfer to the harbour. Meet the crew and receive a safety briefing and whale encounter guidelines. Head out into the open ocean for a day of whale searching — sightings from the boat and, when conditions allow, in-water encounters. Lunch on board. Return to harbour (~6h trip total) and transfer back to the hotel. Afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beach or local town. Dinner at leisure.

DAY 3-6 – Whale Swim Days

Four more days dedicated to whale encounters. Each morning, transfer to the harbour, head out for sightings and swimming opportunities, enjoy lunch onboard, and return to Kalpitiya by early afternoon. Late afternoons free for beach time, lagoon activities, or optional excursions. Evenings at leisure.

DAY 7 – Wilpattu National Park Safari

Early morning transfer (~1.5h) to Wilpattu National Park. Morning jeep safari in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife. Depending on flight schedules, either overnight near Wilpattu or start the drive back toward Colombo.

DAY 8 – Departure

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for departure flights.

The main international gateway to Sri Lanka is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located just outside Colombo and served by frequent flights from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. From Colombo, a private vehicle will take us on a 3.5–4 hour journey north to Kalpitiya, a quiet coastal village on the island’s northwestern shore and our base for the trip.

Accommodation & Meals

6 nights in Kalpitiya in a double room at a lagoon front lodge. Rooms are shared with another traveller of the same sex. Prefer your own space? Single occupancy is available for an additional fee, just let us know
1 night near Wilpattu National Park or Bandaranaike International Airport
All breakfasts
Lunch on boat

On the water

Daily boat outings with licensed skipper, whale seeker, and helper
All required government permits to enter in the water with whales
Park entry fees
Fins and mask (recommended to bring your own for best fit)

Transfers

Private transfer from/to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Daily transfers between lodge and harbor
Transfer to Wilpattu National Park

Activities & Extras

Morning safari in Wilpattu National Park
Esploro Travel trip leader

International flights to/from Sri Lanka
Wetsuit or rashguard
Lunches where not specified and dinners
Beverages and alcohol
Personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for crew and guides
Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
Anything not expressly listed in What’s included

Moderate

You must be a confident swimmer in open ocean conditions. No scuba / freediving experience needed, but you’ll be entering and exiting the boat multiple times and may need to react quickly to whale sightings.

Tropical climate with temperatures between 27–32°C (81–90°F). December to April are generally dry, but sudden showers are possible: bring light waterproof layers.

In-Water Gear

3 mm full wetsuit recommended (long hours in the water; a shorty wetsuit or rashguard + boardshorts may suffice, but 3 mm full suit is the safe default)
Mask, snorkel, fins (included if needed, confirm ahead)
Boat jacket or windbreaker (for wind chill between swims)
Waterproof drybag for valuables (phone, documents, electronics)

Sun & Weather Protection

Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat & sunglasses
Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the boat

Travel Essentials

Travel insurance covering: Swimming in open water, Snorkeling, Boat excursions. Optional but recommended: medical evacuation/repatriation
Power plug/adapter for Sri Lanka (Type D, M, G)
Reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste)

Optional but Useful

Underwater camera or GoPro (+ spare batteries/memory cards)
Seasickness tablets or wristbands (just in case of rough seas)
Lightweight towel or poncho towel
Personal snacks for boat days (energy bars, nuts)

Whale Encounters

Q: Will I definitely swim with sperm whales?
A: Encounters are never guaranteed, these are wild animals. But our licensed team knows the area intimately and works under strict guidelines to give you the best possible chances.

Q: Will we only see sperm whales?
A: Our main focus will be swimming with sperm whales. However, the rich waters off Kalpitiya occasionally bring other surprises: blue whales, pilot whales, orcas, several species of dolphins, and even whale sharks can sometimes be spotted along the way.

Q: How close will I get to the whales?
A: Always at a respectful distance. Our approach follows strict ethical in-water guidelines, using calm, behavior-based entry techniques to avoid disturbing the animals. Absolutely no touching is allowed: interactions happen entirely on the whales’ terms.

Q: Are the encounters safe?
A: Yes. Our crew includes a licensed skipper, a whale spotter (“seeker”), and an in-water safety guide. Safety briefings are held daily before departures.

Q: Are special permits required to swim with whales in Sri Lanka?
A: Yes. All in-water activities operate under official permits issued for photo and video documentation, not for recreational swimming. Our local partner is fully licensed and works within these authorizations, following strict ethical and regulatory guidelines to minimize disturbance to the animals.

Logistics

Q: How do I get to Kalpitiya?
A: Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo. A private transfer (about 3.5–4 hours) will bring you directly to our lodge.

Q: Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, most travelers need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which can be applied for online before arrival. Requirements vary by nationality, so please check the latest entry rules for your passport before booking.

Q: How big are the groups?
A: Maximum 5 guests per boat to keep the experience calm and personal.

Gear & Preparation

Q: Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
A: We provide mask, snorkel, and fins, but we recommend bringing your own for best fit and comfort.

Q: Do I need a wetsuit?
A: We strongly recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit for warmth during long hours in the water.

Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
A: You should be comfortable swimming in open water without support and able to snorkel confidently.

Practicalities

Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Yes, covering activities like swimming in open water, snorkeling, and boat trips. Medical evacuation coverage is highly recommended.

Q: Are meals included?
A: All breakfasts are included, as lunches on the boat. Other lunches and all dinners are at your own expense; our team can recommend local spots.

Other Experiences

Q: What else can I do on this trip?
A: We offer a morning safari in Wilpattu National Park to see wild elephants, and an optional add-on cultural day trip to the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura.

Q: Can I extend my stay?
A: Absolutely! We can arrange an additional week in Sri Lanka to explore national parks, cultural sites, and other major landmarks. We also offer a Maldives extension for scuba diving with tiger sharks. Contact us for details and custom itineraries.

Travel With

OLAF PIGNATARO

Olaf Pignataro

An award-winning photographer and seasoned explorer, Olaf has spent years venturing into some of the planet’s most remote and fascinating environments — from swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon to sharing the water with orcas and whales in the Arctic. His curiosity for the natural world drives every journey he leads with Esploro Travel, where adventure meets respect for wildlife and local culture. With an instinct for finding beauty in the raw and the real, Olaf guides travelers into experiences that stay long after the trip is over.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION

A deposit is required to confirm your spot. Remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. If life happens and you need to change plans, cancellations made up to 60 days prior are eligible for a refund, depending on timing and conditions. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities is required.
Full details in Terms & Conditions