Youth take to dolphin watching
Kalpitiya is one of the best spots for dolphin watching in Sri Lanka with large pods, at times running into thousands can be seen in their natural habitat. The spot became famous during 2005 when pods of Spinner and Bottle- nosed dolphins were spotted in the area.
The season which commences in November continues until May and has led to many persons engaging in commercial dolphin watching.
According to the Kalpitiya Wildlife Department officers, many villagers have jumped into the business of taking visitors on dolphin watching tours, charging local adult visitors Rs. 20/- per head, while adult foreigners are charged $8/-.
The officers said to engage in the trade it was compulsory that boatmen have a certificate from the Ocean University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) which gives them training in skills like life saving, first aid, customer care and are cognisant of the distance to be kept between boats and the pods of dolphins.
Boat owner Warnakulasuirya Maduraj Fernando told the Sunday Times, boats used for dolphin watching are modified to provide comfortable seats, a GPS tracking mechanism, passenger insurance, while it is compulsory for passengers to wear life jackets all the time. He added only six passengers per boat are permitted
and wearing life jackets during the tour is mandatory. He added the Sri Lanka navy frequently patrolled the area to ensure safety of dolphin watchers.