Sri Lanka sits on one of the world’s most active blue whale migration corridors, and the deep-water canyon off Mirissa – where the continental shelf drops sharply within twenty kilometres of the harbour – delivers sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphin pods with a consistency that few whale watching destinations anywhere in the world can match. A blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived on earth, and the first time one surfaces thirty metres from the boat, its blow rising ten metres into the morning air, is an experience that does not require embellishment. The pre-dawn departure gives the best light conditions for photography and the calmest sea state. Wagon Travels works exclusively with responsible, licensed operators who maintain the required distance from animals and follow Sri Lanka Marine Environment Protection Authority guidelines – because the experience is better when the animals are undisturbed, and because it is simply the right way to operate. Outside the November to April season, snorkelling at Polhena Reef – with resident sea turtles and accessible coral within easy distance of shore – is the recommended alternative.