Snorkeling and photography adventure within one paradox after another
Paradoxically, political turmoil has protected marine wildlife in the northeast waters of Sri Lanka for the past twenty-eight years. Since the government has forbidden civilians form fishing or traveling through the waters up to ten miles offshore, cetacean life has flourished, including the pygmy blue whale, sperm whale, and common + spinner dolphins.
Two years ago, the conflict ended. Now that peace has come to the area, worldwide interest in local tourism and whale-watching has boomed.
Big Animals Expeditions and local tour operator Nature Trails – John Keels Hotels was critical in advising the Sri Lankan Navy to establish new, higher eco-tourism standards, protecting the whales’ privacy and developing safe adventure access for research, whale-watching, and diving.
Allowing only two people per boar and two vessels at a time, Big Animals Expeditions provides stunning, intimate encounters and guided personal photography of these gentle sixty-foot giants passing only a few feet away.
While staying at four-star accommodations along the coast of Tricomalee, our vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art four-strokes engines, top-level communication and navigation systems.
General Itinerary
Day 1: DEPART your hometown for Colombo Sri Lanka.
Please note that Sri Lanka now requires VISAs before arrival – please check with your country’s consulate or embassy for details.
Day 2: ARRIVE Colombo. Please provide Big Animals Expeditions with your arrival information: we will have a transfer waiting for you to bring you to the hotel in town for an overnight stay.
Day 3: DEPART in the morning to the airport for your flight to Trincomalee. Stay overnight in the Chaaya Blu hotel by the beach.
Day 4-13: Nine full days of searching the Blue and Sperm whales. There will be two vessels with two guests per boat for each embarkment, plus a visit from Amos visit every other day.
We will have plenty of water lunch will be served on board. You will need to bring maximum sun protection with you. We recommend long sleeved shirts, hats, sunglasses and SPF50+ sunscreen. We will spend at least 8 hours per day on board and long distance cruising.
Sea conditions are mostly calm to moderate, with rising wind in the afternoon.
Day 14: Midday flight back to Colombo, with the possibility of catching your own international flight home.
Most flights out of Sri Lanka are late at night, so Big Animals Expeditions has arranged for day room at a city hotel to clean up and relax before the international departure.
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Diving Equipment:
Sri Lanka water temperatures are between 82 – 86F or 23C – 25C. You will need:
- T-shirt (skin suit is also OK)
- Mask
- Snorkeling fins
- Snorkel
- Light windbreaker
There is no need for a regulator and BC. We may rent these locally if necessary.
Camera equipment
We will be only in deep water photographing large wildlife. It is recommended that you bring:
- Wide angle lenses
- Zoom lenses 16mm – 35mm (Canon), 14 – 24mm (Nikon) or fixed lenses such as 14mm (Canon) 15mm (Nikon) 16mm (Fisheye, Nikon) or 15mm (Fisheye, Canon)
- Topside camera, lenses with polorizer filter
- small pelican case to secure your land camera onboard, space is limited
Travel Documents:
US citizens are required to have a valid passport, Sri Lanka VISA, and round-trip air ticket
Electricity in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka’s electrical outlets are unique, and the local operator will provide you a wall convertor for you to plug in in your European or USA electronics. If you have multiple items to charge please bring a power strip.
Medication:
If you are currently taking any medication, please bring enough for the duration of the expedition.
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Tour price includes:
- Two night stay at Cinnamon Lakeside hotel in Colombo
- Transportation between all hotels and airports
- Nine night stay at the Chaaya Blu hotel in Trincomalle
- Breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Lunches will be provided on board (at Trinco only)
- Nine days of search and snorkeling with blue and sperm whales
- Round-trip domestic airfare
- Photo coaching and tour escorting with Amos
Not included in Tour Price:
- International airfare
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Private transfers
- VISA fee
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided)
- Additional costs incurred due to independent travel arrangements
Payment Policy & Deposit:
When we receive your deposit, with your confirmation we will send you a comprehensive and detailed Trip Preparation Bulletin about the experience and the destination. All flights and trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. All rates are quoted per person in US$, based on twin occupancy.
- A non-refundable deposit of one-third of the total trip price is required to secure a space on the Expedition.
- Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure.
- We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
- Refund is made if replacement was found less unrecoverable costs of sales, administration special promotion.
- Cancellation must be made in writing, 90 days before departure.
- No refund is made for unused part of the itinerary.
For payment, please mail your check to:
Big Animals Expeditions
2000 Broadway, Suite #1204
San Francisco, CA 94115
Information current as of January, 2012. Dates and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.
For Booking and/or further questions, please contact Amos:
Phone: (415) 923-9865
Toll free: 877-229-4253
Email: phototrips@biganimals.com
We look forward to your joining us on this adventure of a lifetime!
To join us, please complete the Registration Form.
