Sri Lanka - Whales & Leopards

Tour Code: LKA06

A 10-day holiday in search of whales off Sri Lanka's south coast, as well as the Leopards and other wildlife of Lunugamvehera and Yala National Parks.

10 days from
£3,495
Land only price from
£2,995
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

The Great Whales are a source of wonder and fascination to land-based humans as we struggle to comprehend their alien, unfettered existence roaming the mysterious depths of the world’s oceans. There is a seemingly insatiable desire to savour the experience of being close to these magnificent creatures and wherever feeding or breeding imperatives bring numbers of whales to congregate in a particular area there will invariably be local boatmen taking visitors to enjoy a few precious moments sharing the ocean with these leviathans. After observing the whales, and other cetaceans such as Spinner Dolphins, we conclude the tour at Yala National Park, one of the finest reserves in Asia where the resident Leopards frequently oblige visitors by offering viewing opportunities and a wealth of wildlife includes Asian Elephants, wild Water Buffalo, Spotted Deer, Sambar, crocodiles and many species of birds.

  • Cetaceans include Spinner Dolphins & Bryde's Whale
  • Leopards in Yala National Park
  • Plus Spotted Deer, Asian Elephant, Water Buffalo & crocodiles
  • Fabulous butterflies & reptiles including giant Water Monitors
  • Superb birdwatching
  • Very comfortable tourist hotels with swimming pools
  • Enjoy a wonderful selection of tropical fruits
  • Extend holiday to include additional cultural & wildlife sites, eg. Sinharaja Forest
  • Expertly guided by a top Sri Lankan naturalist

Grading

Easy day walks only.

The waters around Sri Lanka are a haven for an extraordinary variety of cetaceans, offering a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. Sperm Whales, Fin Whales, Bryde’s Whales, and the occasional Orca captivate with their power and presence, while Spinner Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins provide endless delight with their playful leaps and acrobatics alongside boats. Occasionally, the unmistakable silhouette of a Blue Whale emerges, adding an unforgettable highlight to the experience, and sightings of the elusive Orca or Pilot Whale lend an air of mystery to the encounters. Between November and April, the southern coastline becomes a prime location for observing these creatures, drawn to its nutrient-rich waters. This seasonal gathering offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives and makes Sri Lanka a truly special destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

After this ultimate in whale-watching experiences we return to dry land to seek another highly impressive mammal in Lunugamvehera and Yala National Parks. In recent years diurnal Leopards have been a regular attraction in these superb Reserves and we will travel full day by jeeps for game drives with the possibility of suddenly coming upon a Leopard adding an exciting frisson to every visit. Wildlife abounds in Lunugamvehera and Yala and each drive is likely to produce sightings of Indian Elephant, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar, mongooses, crocodiles and lizards as well as a stunning profusion of colourful bird life. No visit to these parks have ever disappoints but it is the sight of a somnolent Leopard draped across the branches of a tree or padding beside the track before disappearing into the undergrowth that creates a memory to last a lifetime. During the final three days of the tour we will be staying at a very comfortable hotel just outside the Park and with no fences to constrain the inhabitants it is by no means unusual to see a Wild Boar wander through the grounds or even an elephant browsing in the garden! Yala is a magical place and a perfect venue to complete a tour that combines the best of Sri Lankan wildlife, both marine and terrestrial.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London.
Day 2
Arrive Colombo; transfer Mirissa
Day 3/5
Whale-watching excursions from Mirissa.
Day 6/8
Lunugamvehera and Yala National Parks.
Day 9
Colombo.
Day 10
Fly London.
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Comfortable tourist hotels; all rooms have private facilities.
  • Food: All included in the price.
Reviews
Extensions

Extensions

Sinharaja Forest Reserve extension

3 days from £795
View Details
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 8th Nov – Mon 17th Nov 5 £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 7th Feb – Mon 16th Feb SPACES £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 7th Mar – Mon 16th Mar SPACES £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 7th Nov – Mon 16th Nov SPACES £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795

2027

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 6th Feb – Mon 15th Feb SPACES £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 6th Mar – Mon 15th Mar SPACES £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 6th Nov – Mon 15th Nov SPACES £3,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!