We left Mirissa harbour at 6.45am, a double-decker whale-watching boat with about 50 visitors from all over the world. After a 90 mins journey, south then east, we stopped alongside a small boat. Just the two boats. 
Then a plume of water, three times, & the two boats were chasing hard. The second series of sea fountains told the skipper our whale was taking 11 mins. between surfacings – he informs us the gap is anything between 10 & 15 – & off we charge in what is believed to be the right direction. Except this blue whale seems to be playing with its audience & continues to defy the experts.
And there are increasing numbers of experts gathered; at its peak, nine whale watching craft plus four others form a veritable flotilla. 
And don’t forget the small aeroplane flying round & round. It has turned into a game more akin to whale hunting, except the prize is being closest, with the best photos.
Eventually, the boats peel off for the home journey. Ours, Raja & The Whales, stays to the end even though we last witnessed, other than its plumes, the single blue whale at least 30 mins ago.
On the way home, we suddenly veer westwards – another plume spotted. But this time we are the only boat, so the whale is, apparently, more relaxed. It takes 13 mins. between surfacings & is travelling in a single direction. The whale we are now uniquely watching is, the expert says, about 22 metres long and considerably older than the first one. And
, as per photo, treats us to a full tail-up dive. Spectacular.
As we disembark, the skipper hands out free coconuts to drink. Some clever marketing person behind this company. Of all its rivals in the town, this one has the highest environmental approval. And resilience: we have been asea for seven hours.
After another great dinner of fish – red mullet this time – in a beach shack & a good night’s sleep, well for me because Kaff has come down with reactive bowels, we bus’d to Hikkaduwa. 90 mins watching a never-ending belly dancing mit modern Sri Lanka pop music (probably should be t’other way round) & we were there! Kaff has booked a flat for three nights.
Chris & Kath's Travel Time 