Illegal ‘swim-with-whales’ tours in Sri Lanka pose growing threat to marine life: Study

Pic by Marla Tomorug of Edges of Earth

A preliminary study by Oceanswell led by Dr. Asha de Vos and funded by the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), has uncovered the widespread and illegal practice of swim-with-whales tourism in Sri Lanka, raising serious concerns about its impact on the country’s marine life, particularly whale populations. 

These activities are prohibited under Sri Lankan law, specifically, the Sea Mammals Observation, Regulation, and Control Regulation No. 1 of 2012 — unless special permission is granted by the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

Despite the ban, the study found that at least 32 operators continue to offer swim-with-whales experiences, with a rise in operations over the past three years. Similar bans exist in countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada, highlighting international recognition of risks this form of tourism poses to marine life.

Focusing on Trincomalee and Mirissa, two of Sri Lanka’s whale hotspots, researchers used online searches, social media tracking, and video analysis to document the extent of illegal tours. 

The study found that nearly half (46.87%) of the identified swim-with-whale operations were owned by foreign nationals, diverting revenue away from legal local businesses such as whale-watching tours. Moreover, 84.3% of these operators made no mention of required permits on their websites, misleading visitors into believing the activity is legal.

An analysis of 36 videos, featuring human-whale interaction between four whale species, blue whales, sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and short-finned pilot whales, indicated potential avoidance behaviours. However, it is important to note that this is a preliminary study and the findings cannot be verified as directly related to swimming-with-whales experiences without further research.

Beyond environmental concerns, the study sheds light on the economic consequences of these unauthorised operations. Unlike registered whale-watching operators, illegal swim-with-whales tours bypass crucial costs such as Government permits, licenses, tickets and environmental compliance measures. As a result, they not only undermine conservation efforts but also reduce revenue for Sri Lanka’s Government Authorities.

To curb the rise of illegal swim-with-whales tourism, Oceanswell has put forward key recommendations, including – urging authorities to enforce the ban, removing misleading advertisements, and educating tourists about the dangers of these tours. They also advocate for stronger collaboration between conservationists, tourism authorities, and local operators to promote responsible whale tourism.

Marine biologist and Oceanswell founder Dr. Asha de Vos said: “Advertising for swimming with whales operations is so open that many people participate or want to participate in it. However, when they see the videos many of them reach out to us to ask for advice on how best to do it - which of course, we advise against. As a country, it is important for us to protect our resources in every way possible. There are simple things that the Authorities can do to curb these activities – and we hope some of our recommendations help support that.”

Oceanswell’s research was supported by the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), a non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental conservation in Sri Lanka. Since its establishment in 2019, LEF has provided over $ 1.2 million in funding for 21 conservation initiatives, including this study, helping to address critical environmental challenges across the country. By supporting efforts like Oceanswell’s research, LEF plays a crucial role in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s natural resources and ensuring responsible tourism practices that prioritise long-term sustainability.

Commenting on Oceanswell’s research, LEF Marine Programs Manager Mehak Sangani said: “Despite existing regulations, a lack of enforcement has allowed these harmful practices to flourish, putting both marine life and responsible tourism at risk. At LEF, we are committed to supporting research that informs conservation action and pushing for stronger measures to protect Sri Lanka’s whales before irreversible damage is done.”

Sri Lanka has long been recognised as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. However, as illegal swim-with-whale operations continue to expand, the country risks jeopardising both its marine biodiversity and its reputation as a responsible ecotourism destination. With growing evidence of the harm these interactions cause, swift Government action to protect Sri Lanka’s whales before it is too late.

In terms of sources, the primary references were the research conducted by Oceanswell and the relevant legal frameworks in each country, including: Sri Lanka: Sea Mammals Observation, Regulation, and Control Regulation No. 1 of 2012; Canada: Species at Risk Act; New Zealand: Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and South Africa: Marine Living Resources Act 1998.

Pic by Adam Moore of Edges of Earth

Marine biologist and Oceanswell Founder Dr. Asha de Vos