Among many tourist attractions in our country, Whale watching industry has gathered pace during a short time of span. Now ranked as the best destination to see Blue Whales in the World, Mirissa Whale watching industry has grown into a reputed tourist attraction. Over 30 registered Whale watching boats operating in Mirissa area at present. One can see the enthusiasm of foreign tourists to venture into sea to have a closer look at these giant marine mammals, the largest living creatures in the World. On a daily basis, boat operators continue to take foreigners out to sea to offer them with the unique experience of sighting a Blue Whale. Some interesting facts about the Blue Whale are,

Blue Whales are more than 30 meters long and weight around 200 tons.

Their tongues alone can weigh as much as elephant.

There are less than 25,000 Blue Whales left in the entire World Oceans.

Looking at the statistics maintained by the SLCG, in the month of January 2014, it is evident that the tourist arrivals are increasing. The Ministry of Defence and Wild Life Department has authorized the SLCG to regulate the Whale watching cruises from Mirissa. As per the records maintained by the SLCG, a total of 18,051 (local 1267, foreigners 16,784) tourists have enjoyed Whale watching in Mirissa sea area from September to December 2013. In the month of January 2014, a total of 13,630 have engaged in Whale watching. Out of this 12,698 are foreign tourists and 932 are locals. As per the records maintained by the Coast Guard, tourists from 93 countries have visited Mirissa for Whale watching during the month of January 2014 alone. The largest numbers to go on whale Watching was during the month of January 2014.Visitors country wise as follows,

British - 1263

Chinese - 950

French - 778

German - 1271

Indian - 216

Russian - 1520

Swedish - 837

With the involvement of SLCG in monitoring Whale watching activities since September 2013, primary consideration has been given to safety aspects of people taking passage onboard Whale watching boats. In addition to the Coast Guard Inshore Patrol Craft two dedicated vessels are deployed to monitor activities out at sea as well as to assist boat operators during a emergency situations. The Coast Guard has conducted a number of programmes to educate boat operators on safety aspects and assisted in formulating a self-regulated code of conduct in order to make the Whale watching industry a sustainable one. Further, SLCG deployed two Inshore patrol Craft to monitor activities, specially to ensure “Best practices of whale watching” guidelines and also deployed two Safety Evacuation boats to ensure maximum protection of the tourists. Twenty seven local boat operators and their crew were trained on lifesaving and first aid techniques by SLCG Lifesaving instructors at their Training Center in Mirissa.

The role played by the Coast Guard personnel have being praised by many local and foreign tourists who visit Mirissa fishery harbour for Whale watching. A couple of years ago, some people raised concerns over the conduct of local boat operators who are engaged in Whale watching and went onto label it as ‘Whale chasing’.

Today, the situation has changed with the presence of Coast Guard who ensure that both the operators as well as the tourists are adhering to the regulations that are in place. The best testimony for the conduct of operators and the monitoring role, played by the Coast Guard comes from a foreigner who recent had an unforgettable experience while watching the giant Blue Whales off Mirissa.