Jetwing Eco Holidays : Whale Sightings in Sri Lanka Log Book

Sri Lanka may be the best place in the world for seeing Blue Whales and almost certainly the best for seeing Blue Whales and Sperm Whales together. Given below is a log of whale sightings and other reports.

2008/2009 Whale Sightings

A listing of whale and dolphin sightings South of Dondra

Web Log Compiled & Maintained by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne
MWS Data Contributed by Anoma Algiyawadu
WT Data Contributed by Chitral Jayatilake

Key

MWS – Sailings with Mirissa Water Sports

WT/CFHC – Sailings with Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation booked through Walkers Tours under an MOU between CFHC and WT.

Data
The primary sources of information are Anoma Alagiyawadu (Naturalist, Jetwing Lighthouse) and Chitral Jayatilake (Nature Odysssey) who are collating and sending in the observations from the MWS and WT/CHFC.

Gaps in the data does not mean that no sailings took place. It could be that the boat operators have not sent in sightings. On a day when two or more sailings occur, nil returns may go un-reported. Therefore this data history is only indicative and the true strike rate may be less than what is suggested by the data.

APRIL 2009

13 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.08 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 18+6 pax).
At 08.50 am to 09.08 am – 03 Blue Whales and 01 Bryde’s Whale, between 10 to 12 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 11.50 am – 03 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06 nautical miles from Mirissa.
06 Great Crested Terns, 20 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 30 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 01.02 pm.

11 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.22 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 10+4 pax).
At 08.30 am – 01 Blue Whale, 06.69 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.45 am – 100 plus Spinner Dolphins, 07.18 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.48 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 07.34 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.20 am to 10.23 am – 05 Blue Whales, 07.73 nautical miles from Mirissa.
02 Great Crested Terns, 30 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 45 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 11.45 am.

10 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.18 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 18+3 pax).
At 08.22 am – 10 plus Pilot Whales, 05 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.26 am to 10.17 am – 03 Blue Whales, between 09.5 to 11 nautical miles from Mirissa.
05+Sheawaters, 02 Great Crested Terns, 20 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 35 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 12.02 pm.

MWS
Dr Charles Anderson and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.15 am from Mirissa harbor (9 pax on Spirit of Dondra).

08.45am 5'50, 80'31, 8.26nm. 2 Blue Whale blows in distance.
09.00am 3 Shearwaters.
09.20am 5'50, 80'32, 8.98nm Mother and calf Blue Whale. Short-finned Pilot Whales and Indopacific Bottlenose Dolphins.

11.00 am 5'49, 80'33, 9.99nm Left 30 plus pilot whales which were travelling East. A different school of pilot whales to what was encountered yesterday.
1 Blue Whale fluked.
1 Shearwater.

09 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.13 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 16+5 pax).
At 08.05 am – 50 plus Spotted Dolphins, 03.33 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.15 am – 02 Blue Whales, 03.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.30 am – 500 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05.59 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.04 am – 01 Blue Whale, 07.4 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.30 am – 01 Bryde’s Whale, 08.8 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.03 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 08.8 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.24 am – 01 Blue Whale, 08.81 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 11.33 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 05.01 nautical miles from Mirissa.
05 Great Crested Terns, 25 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 30 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 12.25 pm.

There were several sightings of Blue Whale, including a mother and calf. Charles believed that there had been 8 individuals observed.

Between 10-15 sightings of Shearwaters. The Skuas and Shearwaters were in a band between 9-11 nautical miles directly due South of the Mirissa Harbour. Most were Flesh-footed Shearwaters, some which flew close past the boat. But they were very difficult to photograph. I managed a record shot of a Wedge-tailed Shearwater which cruised past the boat. We also came across a Flesh-footed Shearwater which was scavenging on what was possibly a dead bird floating on the water.

Pantropical Spotted Dolphins briefly approached the boat but were shy today. Indopacific Bottlenose Dolphins when first encountered were shy. Then we had a school of 500 plus Spinner Dolphins which stretched themselves across in a single line at one moment.

After the Spinners left, the Bottlenose Dolphins perhaps numbering 50 bow rode.

The Bottleonose Dolphins were watched after Charles spotted a school of Short-finned pilot Whales half a mile away. Possibly 30 plus. The second record from Mirissa since recreational whale watching began.

08 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.10 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 15+5 pax).
At 07.54 am – 02 Blue Whales, 04.35 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.15 am – another 03 Blue Whales, 07.47 nautical miles from Mirissa.
02 Noddy, 02 Great Crested Terns, 20 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 25 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 11.35 am.

07 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.09 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 16+2 pax).
At 07.54 to 08.15 am – 04 Blue Whales, 04.32 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.30 am – another 02 Blue Whales, 04.63 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.00 am – 01 Blue Whale, 05.05 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.50 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 04.83 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.45 am – same 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 05.14 nautical miles from Mirissa.
03 Great Crested Terns, 30 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 40 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 11.35 am.

06 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.10 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 20 pax).
At 08.02 am – 01 Blue Whale, 04.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.10 am – 300 plus Spinner Dolphins, 04.6 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.54 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 04.82 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.01 am – 01 Blue Whale, 05.65 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.16 am – 01 Bryde’s Whale, 05.74 nautical miles from Mirissa.
01 Great Crested Terns, 10 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 20 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 11.30 am.

05 April 2009
MWS
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne sent in the following report on a visit with the Sri Lanka Natural History Society. Those on board included Lester Perera.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.15 am from Mirissa harbor, returned at 2.15pm. (Jayasaura 20 pax).
At 7.55 am we had our first distant sighting of a Blue. This was followed by a mother and calf. We then came across a Blue Whale with heavy scarring on the tail. We followed Scartail for nearly two hours.
We cannot be sure but possibly we may have had 5 (1, 2 mother and calf, 1 Scartail, 1 in distance) individuals.
1 Pomarine Skua
1 Globe Skimmer (Pantala flavescens)

04 April 2009

MWS
Dr. Charles Anderson and Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.03 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 07 pax).
At 08.00 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 03.94 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.24 am – 01 Blue Whale, 05.33 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.10 am – 01 Blue Whale, 05.31 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.12 am – 02 Blue Whales, 05.30 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.45 am – 30 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05.7 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 12.15 am – 02 Blue Whales, 05.34 nautical miles from Mirissa.
03 Great Crested Terns, 80 plus Brown-winged Terns/Bridled Terns, 10 plus Little Terns, 05 plus Saunder’s Terns, 100 plus White-winged Black Terns.
Tour finished at 01.30 pm.

03 April 2009
MWS
Dr. Charles Anderson and Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.04 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 12 pax).
At 07.19 am – 01 Common Mormon Butterfly, 01.07 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.28 am – 01 Red-billed Tropicbird, 12.18 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.30 am – 02 Blue Whales, 06.66 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 12.40 pm – 01 Blue Whale, 06.72 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Tour finished at 02.04 pm.

02 April 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.15 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 15 pax).
At 09.00 am – 100 plus Striped Dolphins, 13.07 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.15 am – 01 Blue Whale, 11.9 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Tour finished at 01.11 pm.

MWS
Dr. Charles Anderson and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 11 pax).
30-50 Pantropical Spotted Dolphins
1 Bryde's Whale
1 Blue Whale
6 Sperm Whales
Striped Dolphins in distance
A flock of 25plus Brown-winged Terns

01 April 2009
MWS
Dr. Charles Anderson, Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.30 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 11 pax).
At 11.00 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 07.63 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 12.43 pm – 15 plus Bottlenose Dolphins, 01.18 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Tour finished at 01.07 pm.

March 2009

31 March 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 06.58 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 09 pax).
At 08.25 am – 02 Blue Whales, 08.96 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.40 am – another Blue Whale, 07.98 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Tour finished at 01.33 pm.

30 March 2009

MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 06.57 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 11 pax).
At 08.50 am – 02 Blue Whales, 10.08 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.43 am – 02 Blue Whales, 08.66 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Tour finished at 12.50 pm.

28 March 2009

WT/CFHC
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 12 pax).
At 07.55 am – 500 plus Spinner Dolphins, 04.67 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.45 am – 700 plus Spinner Dolphins and Spotted Dolphins, 15 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 11.52 am – 01 Bryde’s Whale, 20 nautical miles from Mirissa.

26 March 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 06.55 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 09 pax).
At 07.47 am – 02 Blue Whales, 04.88 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.10 am – 15 plus Spinner Dolphins, 04.71 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.20 am – 03 Blue Whales, same area.
At 09.20 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 06.08 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.10 am – 15 plus Spinner Dolphins.
Tour finished at 10.40 am.

24 March 2009
MWS

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.13 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 07 pax).

At 08.27 am – 03 Blue Whales, 05.10 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.15 am – 30 plusSpinner Dolphins, 04 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Tour finished at 10.17 am.

19 March 2009Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

MWS

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.01 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 12 pax).

At 07.25 am – 05 Manta Rays straining plankton, 02.16 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 08.57 am – 02 Blue Whales, 09.19 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 11.50 am – 20 plusSpinner Dolphins, 11.44 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Tour finished at 01.32 pm.

17 March 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.26 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 10 pax).

At 08.36 am – 20 plus Spinner Dolphins, 08.36 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.13 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 12.47 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.40 am – 01 Blue Whale, 16.51 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 11.15 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 15.03 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 11.49 am – 01 Blue Whale, 12.85 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Tour finished at 01.35 pm.

16 March 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.56 am – 03 Blue Whales, 11.91 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 10.42 am - 200 plus Dolphins, 08.53 nautical miles from Mirissa.

15 March 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.02 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 06+05 pax).

At 07.57 am – Spinner Dolphins spotted.

At 07.58 am – 200 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.75 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 08.38 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 08.45 am – 01 Blue Whale, 09.35 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.53 am – 02 Blue Whales (mother and calf), 15.98 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 10.40 am – 200 plus Fraser’s Dolphins, 15.08 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Tour finished at 12.47 pm.

13 March 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.05 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 10 pax).

At 07.41 am – Spinner Dolphins spotted.

At 07.58 am – 500 plus Spinner Dolphins, 04.57 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.20 am – 02 Blue Whales, 09.95 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.34 am – 100 plus Risso’s Dolphins, 09.86 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Tour finished at 11.28 am.

10 March 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 05 pax).
At 08.00 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 1000 feet depth, 06.61 nautical miles from land.
At 08.03 am – same Blue Whale fluked.
At 08.42 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 08.30 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.25 am – 03 Blue Whales, between 07.5 to 08.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.45 am – 01 Blue Whale or Humpback Whale breaching, 08.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.15 am – 20 plus Spinner Dolphins (two small pods), 01.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Brown-winged Terns, Common Terns, Great Crested Terns, Gull-billed Terns.
Tour finished at 11 am.

09 March 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 09.00 am - 03 Blue Whales, 09.34 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.53 am - 20 plus Dolphins, 09.53 nautical miles from Mirissa.

07 March 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 09.09 am - 20 plus Dolphins, 03.38 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.05 am - 05 Blue Whales, 8.68 nautical miles from Mirissa.

04 March 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 01.00 pm from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 04 pax).
At 01.52 pm – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 04.19 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 03.30 pm – 300 plus Fraser’s Dolphins, first time recorded, 11.62 nautical miles from land, very good for photography.
At 04.20 pm – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 09.16 nautical miles from land.
At 04.24 pm – same Blue Whale fluked, 09.16 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 04.24 pm to 05.16 pm – 03 Blue Whales, between 06 to 10 nautical miles from Mirissa, very good for photography.
10 plus Brown-winged Terns, 30 plus Common terns, 2 plus Great Crested Terns, 10 plus Gull-billed Terns.
Tour finished at 06.30 pm.

FEBRUARY 2009

28 February 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.07 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 04 pax).
At 07.34 am – 20 plus Spinner Dolphins, 02.85 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.34 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 06 nautical miles from land.
At 08.44 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked, 06.82 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.45 am to 09.50 am – 03 Blue Whales, between 06 to 09 nautical miles from Mirissa, very good for photography.
50 plus Brown-wing Terns, 200 plus Common turns, 7 plus Great Crested Terns, 100 plus Gull-billed Terns.
Tour finished at 12.06 pm.

25 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 12.03 pm - 75 plus Dolphins, 05.22 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 12.22 pm - 01 Blue Whale, 06.86 nautical miles from Mirissa.

22 February 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.09 am from Mirissa harbor (Jayasaura 15+05 pax).
At 08.22 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 07.5 nautical miles from land.
At 09.01 am – 02 Blue Whales, mother and calf, 08.15 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.30 am – another Blue Whale, 09 nautical miles from Mirissa.

21 February 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.24 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 09 pax).
Spent 6 hours at sea and had no whales or dolphins.

19 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 07.34 am - 05 plus Dolphins, 01.96 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.09 am - 02 Blue Whales, 11 nautical miles from Mirissa.

18 February 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.07 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 07+02 pax).
At 08.45 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 10 nautical miles from land.
At 08.46 am – another Blue Whale blow, 10 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.54 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked, 09.88 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.56 am – another Blue Whale blow.
At 09.41 am – 02 Blue Whales, possible a pair, close to the boat, 11.14 nautical miles from Mirissa, very good for photography.
08.54 am to 10.15 am – 05 plus Blue Whales, between 09 to 12 nautical miles from Mirissa.
Tour finished at 12.10 pm.

17 February 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 02 pax).
At 07.49 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 04.92 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.25 am – another Blue Whale fluked, 1252 feet depth, 08.56 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.00 am to 09.45 am – 04 plus Blue Whales, between 08.5 to 10 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
Tour finished at 12.02 pm.

16 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 09.46 am - 20 plus Dolphins, 04.32 nautical miles from Mirissa.

15 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.38 am - 03 Blue Whales.

14 February 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.18 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 07 pax).
At 07.52 am – 01 Green Turtle.
At 07.55 am – 15 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05.5 nautical miles from land.
At 08.38 am - 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 06.87 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.40 am to 10.20 am – 04 plus Blue Whales, between 06.78 to 08.5 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
Tour finished at 11.39 am.

13 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.04 am - 30 plus Dolphins, 04.10 nautical miles from Mirissa.

12 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.09 am - 08 Sperm Whales, 05.86 nautical miles from Mirissa.

09 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.01 am - 05 Blue Whales, 05.92 nautical miles from Mirissa.

08 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 09.08 am - 05 Blue Whales, 07.23 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Session 2
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 02.14 pm - 03 Blue Whales, 06.25 nautical miles from Mirissa.

07 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.06 am - 01 Blue Whale, 04.45 nautical miles from Mirissa.

06 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 02.18 pm - 04 Blue Whales, 07.65 nautical miles from Mirissa.

05 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 09.42 am - 07 Sperm Whales, 06.62 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.38 am - 02 Blue Whales, 06.43 nautical miles from Mirissa.

03 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.05 am - 50 plus Dolphins, 07.78 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.51 am - 05 Sperm Whales, 07.09 nautical miles from Mirissa.

02 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.00 am - 20 plus Dolphins, 04.88 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.30 am - 04 Blue Whales, 07.58 nautical miles from Mirissa.

01 February 2009
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 08.58 am - 30 plus Dolphins, 06.41 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Session 2
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 02.30 pm - 06 Blue Whales, 07.73 nautical miles from Mirissa.

JANUARY 2009

31 January 2009
MWS
Session 1
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.08 am from Mirissa harbor (05 pax).
At 08.25 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.
At 08.45 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 11.05 nautical miles from land.
At 08.53 am – another Blue Whale fluked, 10.25 nautical miles from land.
At 09.10 am – same Blue Whale, close to the boat, very good for photography, 10.02 nautical miles from land.
At 09.12 am – another 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.
At 09.10 am – 3rd Blue Whale, close to the boat, very good for photography, 10.00 nautical miles from land.
Altogether 05 Blue Whales for the day, 03 Blue Whales close to the boat and another 02 Blue Whales about 2 nautical miles away from the boat.
At 09.47 am – 10 plus Bottlenose Dolphins, 10.34 nautical miles from land.
At 10.05 am – 03 Indian Swiftlets.

MWS
Session 2
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 01.09 pm from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 08 pax).
At 02.18 pm – 01 Sperm Whale blow spotted, 06.65 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 02.20 pm to 03.03 pm – 15 plus Sperm Whales, heading fast West to East, between 06.65 to 09.91 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
Tour finished at 04.45 pm.

30 January 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.20 am from Mirissa harbor (15 pax).
At 07.45 am – 01 Turtle, 02.05 nautical miles from land.
At 07.53 am – Possibly 30 plus Cattle Egrets, heading NW, 03.00 nautical miles from land.
At 08.20 am – 400 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.22 nautical miles from land.
At 08.25 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.
At 08.28 am – same Blue Whale fluked, good for fluking photography, 08.02 nautical miles from land.
At 09.05 am – 04 plus False Killer Whales, 06.45 nautical miles from land.
At 09.40 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, slow moving & spyhopping, they were mating, very good for photography, 05.38 nautical miles from land.

29 January 2009
MWS
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.20 am from Mirissa harbor (24 pax).
At 08.25 am – 500 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.36 nautical miles from land.
At 09.25 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.
At 09.31 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 08.02 nautical miles from land.
At 09.43 am – same Blue Whale fluked, good for fluking photography.01.5 nautical miles from the boat.
At 09.57 am – same Blue Whale fluked, close to the land.
At 10.03 am – same Blue Whale fluked.
At 10.15 am – 02 Indian Swiftlets.
At 10.31 am – 01 Turtle, 03.48 nautical miles from land.
At 11.05 am – 01 White-bellied Fish Eagle, above Mirissa harbor.

Session 2
MWS
Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.
At 12.30 pm – 01 Blue Whale.

28 January 2009
MWS
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.17 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 06 pax).
At 08.12 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 06 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.14 am – another Blue Whale blow spotted, 06.3 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.37 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, close to the boat, 06.93 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.03 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked, close to the boat, very good for photography, 07 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 09.55 am - 01 Juvenile Blue Whale fluked, close to the boat, good for photography, 07.25 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.15 am – 02 Humpback Whales, Breaching and flipper-slapping, 05.58 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 10.53 am – 01 Blue Whale, 04.84 nautical miles from Mirissa.

26 January 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 08.09 am from Mirissa harbor (small fishing boat 03 pax).
At 08.47 am to – 03 Blue Whales.
At 08.50 am to 11.50 am – 100 plus Spinner Dolphins, close to the boat, very good for underwater photography, all were in oceanic/blue water.

23 January 2009
MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.13 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 14 pax).
At 08.00 am – 01 Blue Whale blow and Dolphins spotted, 04.89 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.03 am – at once 03 Blue Whales fluked.
At 08.13 am – 01 Blue Whale and 150 plus Spinner Dolphins, close to the boat, very good for photography.
At 08.03 am – 02 Blue Whales fluked, close to the boat, very good for underwater photography, 05.45 nautical miles from Mirissa.
All the Blue Whales were slowly moving, possibly feeding around the area; all were in blue/oceanic water.
At 10.00 am – 01 Humpback Whale, Breaching and flipper-slapping, 05 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 11.10 am – 02 Whale Sharks, 92.6 feet, 0.087 nautical miles from Mirissa (just out side the harbor).
Took underwater photographs, feeding around the area, in green/coastal water.

22 January 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.37 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 03 pax).
At 08.23 am – 01 Turtle (possibly Green).
At 08.23 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.
At 08.55 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked.
At 08.56 am – another Blue Whale blow spotted.
At 11.37 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked, close to the boat, very good for photography.
All the Blue Whales were slowly moving, possibly feeding around the area; all were in green/costal water.

21 January 2009
MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.30 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 05 pax).
At 07.30 am – 02 White-bellied Fish Eagles, 01- Brahminy Kite, above Mirissa harbor.
At 08.23 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 07 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.24 am – 01 Blue Whale, 06 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.30 am to 10.17 am – 03 plus Blue Whales, between 06.50 to 07.50 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
All the Blue Whales were slowly moving, possibly feeding around the area; all were in green/costal water.

20 January 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 07 pax).
At 07.50 am –02 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.15 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked, 06.11 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.15 am to 11.09 am – 10 plus Blue Whales, between 06 to 10 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
At 10.35 am – 50 plus Risso’s Dolphins, 08 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 11.09 – 01 Blue Whale fluked at 5071 feet depth.
All the Blue Whales were slowly moving, possibly feeding around the area; all were in green/costal water.

19 January 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.10 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 03 pax).
At 07.50 am –02 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.10 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 06.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.
At 08.18 am to 10.30 am – 05 plus Blue Whales, between 07 to 08 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
All the Blue Whales were slowly moving, hanging around the area, possibly feeding, because lots of planktons in the water.

18 January 2009
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 01.10 pm from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 06 pax).
At 02.30 pm – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 08.13 nautical miles from Mirissa..
At 02.42 pm to 03.34 pm – 07 plus Blue Whales, between 07.50 to 08.50 nautical miles from Mirissa, close to the boat, very good for photography.
All the Blue Whales were slowly moving, hanging around the area, possibly feeding, because lots of planktons in the water.

15 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 08.11 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 04 pax).

At 09.15 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 09.35 am – same Blue Whale came up, 09.14 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 10.05 am – same Blue Whale.

At 11.10 am – another 04 Blue Whales, heading West to East, close to the boat, very good for photography, 09.48 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 11.30 am turned back because of the bad weather.

14 January 2009

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.

At 08.52 am - 05 Blue Whales, 06.45 nautical miles from Mirissa.

13 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 06 pax).

At 07.44 am –Spinner Dolphins spotted.

At 07.50 am - 500 plus Spinner Dolphins, close to the boat, very good for photography, 05 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 08.40 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted, 06.51 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.15 Turned back because of the bad weather.

12 January 2009

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.

At 09.30 am - 50 plus Risso’s Dolphins.

11 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.15 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra – 08 + 02 pax, Jayasaura – 10 pax).

Went out 06.5 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.20 am we turned back because of bad weather.

At 09.32 am – 03 White-bellied Fish Eagles, above Mirissa bay.

09 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.16 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 08+02 pax).

At 08.02 am – 01 Turtle.

At 09.00 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 07.69 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.20 am we turned back because of the bad weather.

08 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.05 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 12 pax).

At 07.38 am to 08.21 am – 01 Blue Whale, close to the boat, very good for photography, depth 202 feet, slowly heading West to East, 01.5 to 3.81 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.10 am – 200 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.5 nautical miles from land.

07 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.35 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 08 pax).

At 10.01 am – Possibly 03 Bottlenose Dolphins, 16.29 nautical miles from Mirissa.

04 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.25 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 04+02 pax).

At 09.01 am – Bottlenose Dolphins spotted.

At 09.05 am – 10 plus Bottlenose Dolphins, 10.69 nautical miles from land.

At 09.35 am – 15 plus Rough-toothed Dolphins, 11 nautical miles from land.

Between 10.00 am to 10.45 am – 05 Blue Whales, 14 nautical miles from land.

03 Blue Whales close to the boat, very good for photography.

03 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.08 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 12 pax).

At 07.51 am – 01 Turtle.

At 08.30 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 08.43 am – same Blue Whale came up, 10.5 nautical miles from land.

At 09.19 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 11.05 nautical miles from land.

At 09.49 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 12.7 nautical miles from land.

02 January 2009

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.15 am from Mirissa harbor (Spirit of Dondra 16 pax).

At 08.44 am – 01 Blue Whale fluked, 10.71 nautical miles from land.

At 08.57 am – same Blue Whale came up 5 times in every 10 to 13 minutes, very good for photography.

01 January 2009

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.

At 09.30 am - 50 plus Spinner Dolphins.

At 10.08 am – 02 Blue Whales.

DECEMBER 2008

31 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.08 am from Mirissa harbor (05 pax).

At 08.25 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 08.45 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 11.05 nautical miles from land.

At 08.53 am – another Blue Whale fluked, 10.25 nautical miles from land.

At 09.10 am – same Blue Whale, close to the boat, very good for photography, 10.02 nautical miles from land.

At 09.12 am – another 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 09.10 am – 3rd Blue Whale, close to the boat, very good for photography, 10.00 nautical miles from land.

Altogether 05 Blue Whales for the day, 03 Blue Whales close to the boat and another 02 Blue Whales about 2 nautical miles away from the boat.

At 09.47 am – 10 plus Bottlenose Dolphins, 10.34 nautical miles from land.

At 10.05 am – 03 Indian Swiftlets.

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0745 Hrs with the Small vessel going to sea.

“S” Vessel reports ( 12 pax)

Sighting of - 100+ Bottle nose dolphins 7-8 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of - 01 Blue whale 10 nautical miles from land – good photo opportunity

30 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.20 am from Mirissa harbor (15 pax).

At 07.45 am – 01 Turtle, 02.05 nautical miles from land.

At 07.53 am – Possibly 30 plus Cattle Egrets, heading NW, 03.00 nautical miles from land.

At 08.20 am – 400 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.22 nautical miles from land.

At 08.25 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 08.28 am – same Blue Whale fluked, good for fluking photography, 08.02 nautical miles from land.

At 09.05 am – 04 plus False Killer Whales, 06.45 nautical miles from land.

At 09.40 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, slow moving & spy hopping, they were mating, very good for photography, 05.38 nautical miles from land.

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0745 Hrs with the Small vessel going to sea.

“S” Vessel reports ( 12 pax)

Sighting of – 50+ Bottlenose dolphins 06 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of - 02 Blue whales 12 nautical miles from land – excellent photo opportunity.

29 December 2008

MWS

(Boats: Spirit of Dondra & Jayasayura)

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.20 am from Mirissa harbor (24 pax).

At 08.25 am – 500 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.36 nautical miles from land.

At 09.25 am – 01 Blue Whale blow spotted.

At 09.31 am – same Blue Whale fluked, 08.02 nautical miles from land.

At 09.43 am – same Blue Whale fluked, good for fluking photography.01.5 nautical miles from the boat.

At 09.57 am – same Blue Whale fluked, close to the land.

At 10.03 am – same Blue Whale fluked.

At 10.15 am – 02 Indian Swiftlets.

At 10.31 am – 01 Turtle, 03.48 nautical miles from land.

At 11.05 am – 01 White-bellied Fish Eagle, above Mirissa harbor.

Session 2

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.

At 12.30 pm – 01 Blue Whale.

WT/CFHC

Chitral Jayatilake & Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0745 Hrs with both the Large & Small vessels going to sea.

“S” Vessel reports (12 pax)

Sighting of – 500+ Bottle nose dolphins 05 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of - 02 Blue whales 12 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of - 02 Humpback whales 14 nautical miles off land.

Sighting of - 02 sea turtles 8 N.Miles off land.

Chitral & Nilantha from the “L” Vessel reports (20 pax)

Sighting of - 500+ Bottlenose dolphins performing for the cameras 7 nautical miles off land

Sighting of - 04 Blue Whales 18 nautical miles off land.

Sighting of - 01 dead sea turtle 15 nautical miles off land.

Rare Sighting of - 02 Killer Whales 12 nautical miles off land – good photo opportunity.

Sighting of - 03 Sharks ( unknown) 04 nautical miles off land.

28 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.30 am from Mirissa harbor (16 pax).

At 08.32 am – 12 plus False Killer Whales, 02.78 nautical miles from land.

At 09.04 am – 01 Blue Whale.

At 09.43 am – Same Blue Whale, 01.91 nautical miles from land, close to the harbor.

Session 2

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Again headed out to sea at 11.20 am with Mirissa Water Sports from Mirissa harbor (02 pax).

No noteworthy sightings.

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0745 Hrs with both the Large & Small vessels going to sea.

Nilantha from the “S” Vessel reports ( 12 pax)

Sighting of - 200+ Bottle nose dolphins close to land.

Sighting of - 02 Blue whales 12-14 nautical miles from land.

“L” Vessel reports ( 20 pax)

Sighting of - 200+ Bottle Nose dolphins 8 nautical miles off land.

Sighting of - 04 Blue whales 20 nautical miles off land.

27 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.21 am from Mirissa harbor (14 pax).

At 07.40 am – 01 Turtle.

At 08.10 am – 10 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05.03 nautical miles from land.

At 08.50 am – 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 06.31 nautical miles from land.

At 09.20 am – 250 plus Spinner Dolphins, 07.81 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of - 06 Blue whales 17 nautical miles off land.

27th December 2008

WT/CFHC

Chitral Jayatilake & Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0745 Hrs with both the Large & Small vessels going to sea.

Nilantha from the “S” Vessel reports (12 pax).

Sighting of - 100 Risso’s Dolphins 05 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of - 03 Blue whales 12 nautical miles from land

Chitral from the “L” Vessel reports ( 20 pax).

Sighting of 200+ Pigmy Killer whales 8 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of -100+ Bottle Nose dolphins 8.5 nautical miles off land.

26 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.09 am from Mirissa harbor (12 pax).

At 09.56 am – 06 plus Risso’s Dolphins or Pygmy Killer Whales.
Sighting of 04 Blue whales 17-19 nautical miles off land.

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0800 Hrs with both the Large & Small vessels going to sea.

S Vessel reports (12 pax)

Sighting of 200 Pigmy Killer whales 07 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of 02 Blue whales 15 nautical miles from land.

L Vessel reports (18 pax)

Sighting of 200+ Pigmy Killer whales close to land.

25 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.30 am from Mirissa harbor (13 pax).

At 08.10 am – 10 plus Spinner Dolphins, 05.10 nautical miles from land.

At 10.15 am – 01 Spinner Dolphin, 04.04 nautical miles from land.

At 10.50 am - 03 Bottlenose Dolphins, 0.02 nautical miles from land, just outside the harbor.

24 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.08 am from Mirissa harbor (15 pax).

At 08.30 am - 06 Bottlenose Dolphins, 05.94 nautical miles from land.

At 09.45 am – 50 plus pod of Spinner Dolphins, 09.74 nautical miles from land.

23 December 2008

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports .

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0800 Hrs with both the Large & Small vessels going to sea.

S Vessel reports (12 pax)

Sighting of 50 Bottlenose Dolphins 04 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of 04 Sperm Whales 12 nautical miles from land.

L Vessel reports (20 pax)

Sighting of 50+ Bottlenose dolphins 04 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of 03 Blue whales 17 nautical miles off land.

22 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.05 am from Mirissa harbor (12 pax).

At 08.02 am we encountered a small pod of 20 plus Spinner Dolphins.

At 08.30 am - another pod of 50 plus Spinner Dolphins, 6.37 nautical miles from Mirissa.

At 09.35 am – 250 plus Spinner Dolphins.

21 December 2008

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0800 Hrs with the Small vessel going to sea.

S Vessel reports ( 12 pax)

Sighting of 500+ Spinner Dolphins 05 nautical miles from land.

Nil Sighting of whales.

Sighting of 02 Sea Turtles mating 15 nautical miles from land.

18 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.08 am from Mirissa harbor.

At 07.13 am – 10 plus Bottlenose Dolphins, just out side the harbor.

At 08.53 am - 02 Turtles, 1.63 nautical miles from land.

At 09.20 am we turned back because of bad weather.

16 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.25 am from Mirissa harbor.

At 08.45 am - 01 Crimson Rose Butterfly, 09.50 nautical miles from land.

At 09.15 am - 01 Turtle, 11.42 nautical miles from land.

We went out 15 nautical miles towards South from Mirissa.

14 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 07.00am from Mirissa harbor.

Around 09.20 am 02 – Female Asian Paradise-flycatchers heading towards land.

At 10.00 am 01 – Sting Ray, good for underwater photography.

Around 10.30 am – 05 plus Bottlenose Dolphins, 04.87 nautical miles from Mirissa.

Session 2

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Again headed out to sea at 11.15pm with Mirissa Water Sports from Mirissa harbor.

At 12.45pm we encountered a small pod of 20 Spinner Dolphins, 11.68 nautical miles from Mirissa.

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodithuwakku of Walkers Tours reports

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0745 Hrs in the Large vessel.

L Vessel reports ( 20 pax)

Sighting of 200 Bottlenose dolphins 08 nautical miles from land.

Nil Sighting of Whales.

13 December 2008
MWS
Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.
Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.15am from Mirissa harbor.
At 08.15am we encountered two pods of 50 plus Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Good for photography.

At 8.45am first Blue Whale spout, 06.36 nautical miles from land.
Around 09.30 am 02 - Blue Whale spouts, 08.27 nautical miles from land.
Around 10.00 am 01 - Blue Whale spout.
Possibly 2 Blue Whales, heading fast West to East.

WT/CFHC

Chitral Jayatilake of Walkers Tours and Nilantha Kodithuwakku reports.

Whale Watching tour sailed off Mirissa at 0800 Hrs with boat the Large and Small vessels going to sea.

L Vessel reports ( 20 pax)

Sighting of 100 Spinner Dolphins 05 nautical miles from land.

Sighting of 04 Blue whales in pairs 17 nautical miles from land.

S Vessel reports (12 pax)

Sighting of 02 Blue whales 12 nautical miles from land.

12 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 9.33am from Mirissa harbor. At 09.55am we encountered a pod of 10 plus Common Bottlenose Dolphins, 01.72 nautical miles from land. Good for photography.

10 December 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Headed out to sea at 7.30am with a TV crew from Vanguard, Edward Eaves (Rough Guides), Emma Boyle (Travel Writer) and many others. Around 8.30am we encountered a pod of 10 plus False Killer Whales, 6.03nautical miles from land.

Session 2

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Again headed out to sea at 12.10pm with Mirissa Water Sports from Mirissa harbor. At 02.15pm we encountered a pod of 100 plus Common Bottlenose Dolphins, They were playful, came up close to the boat, very good for photography.

9 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.05am from Mirissa harbor. Went out 2.43 nautical miles off Mirissa. We turned back because of the bad weather.

8 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.10am from Mirissa harbor. At 08.00am first Whale spout.At 08.15am 01 Bryde’s Whale, 150m away from the boat, 5⁰49’.746’N, 80⁰28.591’E, 7.39nm from land. Every 8-10 minutes it came up and dived without showing the fluke.

04 Crimson Rose Butterflies.

At 09.45am the same Bryde’s Whale came up close to the boat good for photography. Around the same time 01 dead Turtle, 5⁰49’.974’N, 80⁰28.680’E.At 10.35am 01 Turtle, 5⁰54’.897’N, 80⁰27.200’E, 2.3nm from land.

7 December 2008

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports sent in the following report.

At 9.02 am 02 Sperm Whales.

6 December 2008

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports spent 3 hours at sea and had no whales or dolphins.

5 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.15am from Mirissa harbor.

At 7.40am first Blue Whale spout, 5⁰54’.5’N, 80⁰27.2’E. It fluked at 07.50am.

At 80.10 am 01 - Blue Whale spout close to the land, 5⁰53.5’N 80⁰29.0’E. It was unusual, every 5-8 minutes it came up and fluked.

At 08.34 am the same Blue Whale came up close to the boat, 5⁰53.5’N 80⁰29.1’E. Very good for photography.

At 09.30 am 30 plus Spinner Dolphins. There were lots of juveniles engaging in lots of acrobatics, 5⁰50.6’N 80⁰31.0’E.

4 December 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 4 sightings of Blue Whales (comprising of at least 2 individuals), 100 plus Spinner Dolphins in two or possibly the same pod encountered twice.

3 December 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

According to the Mirissa Water Sports log & small video clips they recorded from a mobile phone, I ascertained that they have seen 50 plus Pilot Whales, 5⁰48.5’N 80⁰25.4’E. They have seen one albino surrounded by other Pilot Whales.

NOVEMBER 2008

Commenting on the data, listed below from September to November 2008, Dr Charles Anderson had the following to say.

"This is exciting. This spate of sightings seems to bear out the hypothesis. November seems a bit early, but I am not complaining. Having said that, I originally thought that November was the month when they should be moving through Maldives (and on to Sri Lanka). But after 36 days at sea in the Maldives in November over 3 years, looking specifically for Blues and not seeing a single one, I guessed that most were moving through in December. Maybe this year they are early. One thing is for sure, however well one thinks one understands a phenomenon like this there are always going to be a few wrinkles to confuse the issue".

30 November 2008

MWS

Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu sent in the following report.

Whale Watching tour started with Mirissa Water Sports at 7.00am from Mirissa harbor. At 8.10am first Blue Whale spout was 3 NM away from the boat.

At 08.30 am 03 - Blue Whale spouts.

At 09.00 am 02 - Blue Whale spouts.

At 09.20 am 03 - Blue Whale spouts.

At 10.05 am 01 – Sun Fish (Mola mola).

23 November 2008

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports reported 4 Blue whales and 50 dolphins.

At 6.30 pm Anoma Alagiyawadu photographed a dead cetacean which had washed up near the beach at the Lighthouse Hotel. It is probably a False Killer Whale, but the identification was pending confirmation at the time of writing.

22 November 2008

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodituwakku reported 4 Blue Whales.

21 November 2008

MWS

Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 4 Blue Whales and approximately 300 Spinner Dolphins.

20 November 2008

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports reported 2 Blue Whales and 2 Dolphins.

14 November 2008

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodituwakku reported 2 Blue Whales, 6 Sperm Whales and 250 plus Spinner Dolphins.

12 November 2008

WT/CFHC

Chitral Jayatilake reported 1 Blue Whale and 12 plus Spinner Dolphins.

07 November 2008

MWS

Mirissa Water Sports reported 1 Blue Whale and 30 dolphins.

OCTOBER 2008

12 October 2008

WT/CFHC

Nilantha Kodituwakku spent 5 hours at sea and had no whales or dolphins.

08 October 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu spent 5 hours at sea with a Rupavahini crew (Discover Sri Lanka with Sharmini Serasinghe) and had no marine mammals.

SEPTEMBER 2008

20th September 2008

WT/CFHC

Chitral Jayatilake reported 5 whales 20 nautical miles off Galle. Based on a photograph, at least one of the whales appear to be that of a Sperm Whale.

APRIL 2008

26 April 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 800 plus Spinner Dolphins and 1 Blue Whale.

25 April 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 200 plus Spinner Dolphins and 3 Blue Whales.

9-22 April 2008

MWS

During 14 days at sea, Dr Charles Anderson had Blue Whale sightings every single day, with a total of 88 individuals being recorded. In addition he recorded Sperm Whale (48 individuals), Dwarf Sperm Whale (8), Bryde's Whale (1), Spinner Dophin (over 900), Striped Dolphin (10) and Indo-pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (4), plus several other unidentified whales and dolphins.

8 April 2008

MWS

Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 2 Blue Whales.

7 April 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 5 Blue Whales.

4 April 2008

MWS

Anoma Alagiyawadu and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne reported 4 Blue Whales 80 plus Spinner Dolphins.

3 April 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 10 plus Blue Whales and 25 plus Spinner Dolphins.

2 April 2008

MWS

Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 3 Blue Whales, 1 Bryde’s Whale and 3 Rissos Dolphins.

1 April 2008

MWS

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Anoma Alagiyawadu reported 6 Sperm Whales and 1 Blue Whale.

A Detailed Whale Watching Log Book (April 2008)

- Anoma Alagiyawadu - Naturalist, Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel

Tuesday 01st April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 6.15 am with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne (CEO of Jetwing Eco Holidays), Wicki, Hetti and Jayaweera from Jetwing Eco Holidays. We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor around 7.00 am and within 45 minuets we had our first Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) spout. Soon we saw six Sperm Whales. Lately we saw a one Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus). We returned to Mirissa harbour at 11.15 am.

Wednesday 02nd April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 10.00 am with two Singaporean guests. We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor around 11.00 am. Between 12.15 pm to 12.45 pm we saw three Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus). And we saw one Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni or B. omurai) at 1.05 pm. On the way back to the harbor we saw three Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus) at 1.20 pm. We returned to Mirissa harbour at 2.30 pm.

Thursday 03rd April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 6.15 am with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne (CEO of Jetwing Eco Holidays), Wicki, Hetti and Jayaweera from Jetwing Eco Holidays. We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor around 7.00 am. On this tour we saw more than ten Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus). On the way back to the harbor we saw more than 25 Dolphins (species will confirm Dr. Charles Anderson) close to the harbor.

Friday 04th April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 09.00 am with four guests. We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor around 9.00 am. At 10.50 am we saw two Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Again around 11.30 am we saw another two Blue Whales. At the same time we saw more than 80 Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris).

Monday 07th April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 5.30 am with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne (CEO of Jetwing Eco Holidays) and two groups of Lighthouse Hotel clients. Nalin and Elizabeth Seneviratne and their son Michael Seneviratne (a UCL medical student), John, Roz and their two sons (Chris and Mathew). We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor around 7.00 am. We saw five Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus).

Tuesday 08th April 2008
I went with two guests from Mirssa Watersports Crew. We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor around 7.00 am. We saw two Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus).

Wednesday 09th April 2008 to Tuesday 22nd April 2008
I accompanied Dr Charles Anderson on 13 out of the 14 trips. Blue Whales were observed by Dr Charles Anderson on all 14 of his trips.

Friday 25th April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 5.30 am with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne (CEO, Jetwing Eco Holidays), HI Magazine editor and her friend, Shehal , Romayne from Art TV and Art TV Film Crew. We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor at 6.23 am. We saw:

At 07.20 am - More than 200 Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris), 5052.00’N 80027.23’E.
At 07.23 am - 2 Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) 1 nm away from the boat in South.
At 08.15 am - 1Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), 5049.891’N 80028.482’E.
At 11.19 am - 1Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) near Mirisa harbor.

We returned to Mirissa harbor at 11.22 am.

Saturday 26th April 2008
I left Lighthouse at 7.15 am with Mr. Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne (www.jetwingeco.com), Shehal (www.kanabona.com), Romayne from Art TV and Art TV Film Crew.
On the way to the harbor we wanted to stop Koggala Stilt Fishing area, we saw 01- Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) on a fishing post. The beak and legs read color have been started to appear.
We took the boat from the Mirissa fishery harbor at 08.17 am.

At 09.15 am - More than 500 Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris), 5052.390’N 80028.591’E.
At 10.20 am - White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) heading West, 5051.886’N 80030.620’E.
At 11.07 am - Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), 5051.161’N 80034.214’E.
At 11.36 am - 2 Noddy heading West and 03 - Bridled Terns (Sterna anaethetus) heading West.
At 11.50 am - More than 300 Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris), 5051.200’N 80035.443’E.

We returned to Mirissa harbor at 02.00 pm.

Whale and Seabird watching off the south coast of Sri Lanka
- Charles Anderson

...Blue Whales were by far the most commonly encountered species, with sightings on 14 out of 14 days (and an average of 4.5 sightings per day). This makes the south coast of Sri Lanka one of the very best places to see Blue Whales in the entire world. I believe that most of these Blue Whales are on migration, en-route from their NE monsoon feeding grounds off Trincomalee to their SW monsoon feeding grounds in the Arabian Sea...

...Shearwaters were seen in reasonable numbers. All were medium-large, all-brown birds. Most Shearwaters (38) were seen on or after 19 April. Some of these birds were definitely, and most were probably, Flesh-footed Shearwaters. They were nearly all heading west, presumably on their annual migration across the Indian Ocean from SW Australia to the upwelling areas of the Arabian Sea. Wedge-tailed Shearwater and Sooty Shearwater were also recorded...

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