Common questions

Tour at a glance

Why Trincomalee for whales

Trincomalee sits beside one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and a deep submarine canyon runs close to the coast. Deep water near shore means shorter trips to where whales may be feeding. Unlike the south coast, the east coast's calmer months are usually March to October.

Shared or private

On a shared safari you join other travellers on a boat for up to 7 guests, the most affordable way to go. A private safari gives your group the whole boat and a start time agreed with us.

What you may see

Whales: blue whales and sperm whales are the species most visitors hope for; other whales are recorded less often. Dolphins: spinner dolphins are the most frequently seen, often in large pods (dolphin watching). Other wildlife: flying fish, seabirds and, occasionally, turtles.

Your morning step by step

Meet at [MEETING POINT] at [TIME]. Life jackets and a short briefing from the captain. Depart at sunrise. Our spotter watches for blows, fins and splashes. When we find animals, we slow down, keep our distance and let them set the pace. Back on the beach about two hours after leaving.

What's included

Boat and fuel, captain, spotter, life jackets, drinking water, safety briefing. Not included: hotel transfers [unless arranged], food, tips, personal expenses.

Season, safety and responsible watching

See the season guide, our safety guide and our responsible watching code.

Whales and dolphins are wild animals. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. They depend on wildlife behaviour, weather and sea conditions. [What happens if you see nothing: YOUR POLICY.]

Questions

At a glance

What's included

Boat, captain, spotter, life jackets, drinking water, safety briefing. Not included: hotel transfer, food, tips.

Meeting point

[ADDRESS + map link]. Boats leave on time to catch the calm morning sea. [LATE ARRIVAL POLICY]

Whales and dolphins are wild animals. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Private boat prices

Price for the whole boat. 2 hours, departing Nilaveli at a time agreed with you.

Why go private

Space at the rail for everyone. Time to wait quietly with an animal. Children can sit with their parents without other passengers. You choose when to call it a day.

What's included

Boat and fuel, captain, spotter, life jackets, drinking water, safety briefing.

Whales and dolphins are wild animals. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Included in every trip

Boat, captain, spotter, life jackets, drinking water and safety briefing. Not included: hotel transfers, food, tips and personal expenses.

Month by month

[Add your own crew's notes on which months you see which species most often.] We don't name a single "best month": sightings vary from year to year.

Best time of day

We leave at sunrise because the sea is usually smoothest early, the light is softer for photos and the heat is lower. This improves conditions for spotting; it does not guarantee more whales.

Our code on the water

• Keep a respectful distance. We stop well back and let whales approach if they choose. [STATE DISTANCE, e.g. 100 m]
• Slow down. Idle speed near animals, no sudden turns.
• Never chase. We don't follow a whale that is moving away, cut across its path or box it in.
• Never touch. Not by hand, pole or camera stick.
• Never feed. Feeding changes natural behaviour and can make animals sick.
• No swimming with whales or dolphins. Guests stay on board, always.
• Keep noise down. Engines low, voices low, no music.
• No rubbish overboard. Everything that comes on board goes back to shore.
• Share, don't crowd. When several boats are near one animal, we take turns and leave space.
• Follow the captain. His call on when to approach and when to leave is final.

What you can do

Choose operators who follow these rules. Ask your captain to back off if a boat gets too close. Report harassment of wildlife to [AUTHORITY — VERIFY].

Before you board

Arrive on time for the briefing. Tell us about medical conditions, pregnancy or mobility needs when you book.

On the boat

Wear your life jacket for the whole trip. Stay seated while the boat is moving. Keep hands and feet inside. Hold on when the captain warns of a wave.

Seasickness

Morning seas are usually calmer, but swell is possible. If you are prone to seasickness, take tablets before departure as the packet directs, eat a light breakfast and look at the horizon.

Sun and heat

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and water. [Shade on board: CONFIRM]

Children

Children aged [AGE+] can join. Child-size life jackets are provided. An adult must hold small children at all times.

Medical conditions and pregnancy

Boat trips involve bumps and swell. Guests who are pregnant or have back or heart conditions should ask their doctor first. [YOUR POLICY]

Weather and cancellations

The captain checks the sea before every trip. If it is unsafe, we [reschedule / refund — CONFIRM]. We never go out in conditions we judge unsafe.

What to bring

Passport or ID copy, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, light clothing, camera, waterproof phone pouch, motion-sickness tablets if needed.

Our story

[2–3 sentences in your own words: who founded the company, why, how it grew.]

Our crew

[Names, roles and years on the water of your captains and spotters, with photos.]

How we work

Small boats with a maximum of 7 guests, early starts, clear prices and a firm rule never to chase or crowd wildlife. You book directly with the people who run the boats.

Pigeon Island Tours

Our main company also runs Pigeon Island snorkelling and other tours around Trincomalee: pigeonislandtours.com.

Company details

Pigeon Island Tours Pvt Ltd · Company reg. no. [VERIFIED ONLY] · SLTDA registration [VERIFIED ONLY] · [COMPANY ADDRESS]