Whale-watching aboard Captain Jade, an unforgettable experience

Text and pix by

Daminda Harsha Perera

Whale watching off the southern coast of Sri Lanka has become popular over the past few years and it’s often an unforgettable experience for visitors, giving them the chance of seeing the beauty of nature at close quarters. 

While there are numerous whale watching expeditions available along the southern coast, the newest entrant to the fray has something unique to offer which makes it an experience of a lifetime by way of residential facilities combined with exploration of the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

The new whale watching experience comes with the newest addition to the fleet of Sail Lanka Charters, the first chartering company in the country with more than 10 boats in operation around the island.

The 52-feet catamaran named Jade is the first boat that offers residential cruises with four cabins, each with their private bathroom and a fully-equipped kitchen with a professional chef. The double-deck boat offers a wide variety of cruises to make almost every wish come true.

The Cruise Southern Experience consists of two nights and three day from December to April; one cabin for one night costs $ 350 which would go up to $ 750 depending on the requirements. 

The Jaffna Cruise costs $ 7,850 and it would cost $ 3,300 for three nights/four days. These are all inclusive prices which include accommodation, meals and all other services. 

This two night cruise allows guests to discover the various points of interest of the southern cost of Sri Lanka. They will experience a true yachting experience in the most beautiful bays of the tropical south of the island. A young, well-trained and dedicated crew comprising Sri Lankan youth will lead guests with pleasure through this amazing experience.

On day one we embarked on board the Captain Jade catamaran at 4 p.m. in Mirissa just in time to catch the breathtaking sunset. The boat was then anchored in the quiet bay of Weligama while a dinner of fresh fish and seafood was served under the stars.

On day two, before dawn the crew set sail into the open sea to reach the whales. At 7 a.m., we were treated to the sight of the magnificent cetaceans after which we enjoyed a full breakfast with a lot of seafood, tropical fruits and exquisitely blended Ceylon Tea. 

After the whale watching session, at noon the catamaran arrived in the splendid Bay of Galle where lunch was served. After lunch we swam and snorkelled at Jungle Beach. Dinner was served on board in the calm Bay of Galle.

On day three, after an invigorating breakfast, the Captain Jade headed towards Weligama and we were back on shore by mid-afternoon after a hearty lunch.

Jade was launched in December 2015 and it’s designed for one to seven day cruises. Jade is also available for day cruises from their regular bases.

The Jade 52 is designed to accommodate up to eight guests plus one captain, one chef and one crew member for cruises of up to 10 days. There are four comfortable cabins with private bathrooms.

In terms of common spaces, the living room is outside and the fully-equipped kitchen has all the facilities for the chef to prepare five-star meals at sea. Sun beds are available almost everywhere on the boat. The trampoline is the perfect place to have a rest while sailing. A shaded area is available around the table.

On the second deck the view is stunning and it’s the best place to observe whales and dolphins and to admire the sunset .The swimming platform in the back is at the perfect height to go slowly into the sea and to go out easily with the swimming ladder.

Safety is a top priority for Sail Lanka Charter. The safety standards applied are the same as in Europe, including insurance policy, certification of crew, and all safety equipment. Life jackets are also provided for all passengers. At least one certified lifeguard is always on board. 

The boat is equipped with a rigid inflatable boat with outboard engine and a certified inflatable life raft in case an emergency. A first aid kit is on board in case of injuries or small accidents. Jade has a set of fire extinguishers on the deck and in the hulls. The engine room has specific CO2 extinguishers. A safety briefing is given by the captain at the beginning of all cruises.

Guests could contact Sail Lanka Charter through the website http://sail-lanka-charter.com/.