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.