What are your plans for your next visit to Sri Lanka? Yes, Sri Lanka is a country with a good number of cultural attractions, religious places and historical monuments, so go exploring all of them. But, do not also forget to try out an experience that you have never tried out before!

This time, go whale watching in Mirissa! It's an exciting water activity that your whole family can enjoy together. Here is how you do that in style- like a pro!

Whale Watching in Sri Lanka - Image via Flickr

While, in Sri Lanka, Mirissa is the most popular destination for whale watching, some other destinations in other parts of the world are ideal for this purpose. Pico Island in the Azores, Monterey Bay in California and Reykjavik in Iceland are just some of them.

Mirissa is a coastal city located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Mirissa Beach is known among local and international travellers as one of the most eventful beaches in Sri Lanka as parties happen all day and night, with good music, food and drinks.

Coming to Mirissa from Colombo is not at all challenging. From Colombo Fort to Misrissa, you have both buses and trains. Both rides will take 4-5 hours to reach Mirissa and the journey will not be exhausting for sure.

If you spend your holiday at Ayurvie Weligama, coming to Mirissa will take only a few minutes. You can come by tuk-tuk, or if you have time, you can even take the public bus to Mirissa.

If you would wish to try out whale watching in Sri Lanka, choose to schedule your tour somewhere between November and April. Sri Lanka experiences the dry season during this time, and since there are no rains, you can expect the ocean to be serene and calm.

Mirissa Beach whale watching is not recommended to be done during May and October. This is the off-season, and you will not spot any whales during this period.

In Mirissa, many private tour operators organize whale-watching tours. Whale Watching Club, Whale Watching Mirissa with Geeth and Raja & the Whales are some of the most popular tour operators and from one tour operator to another, the offered services vary.

Since these tour operators have websites and social media presence, you can easily know information online, and then make the booking even before you come to Mirissa.

During your whale-watching experience, you can spot Fin Whales, Pygmy Whales, Sperm Whales, Bride Whales and Killer Whales. Not to forget- you can also spot the ever-cheerful dolphins during this tour.

If you are wondering about what to pack, it's recommended to include a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen in your bag. Also, don't wear heels when going whale watching because whatever you wear should be slip-resistant.

Generally, no matter what package you choose from your tour operator, breakfast is included. They don't offer heavy meals for breakfast and it will most probably have a sandwich, a piece of cake and some pieces of fruit, together with a water bottle.

If you are someone having seasickness, make sure you have some pills for that with you (for the safe side)

A whale-watching tour normally takes around 3-5 hours. Tours start at around 7.00 in the morning from the Mirissa Harbour. In addition to the breakfast, a small snack will also be given when coming back, and don't worry- even if you need a bio break during your tour, toilets are available on the boat itself.