Live the Tale of the Whales with F-Air
View(s):Soaring over the coast of Koggala towards the seemingly unending waters of the Ocean, one cannot help but feel an agony of anticipation as to what wonders the deep sea may hold.
Whilst places such as Egypt and Greece are famed for the relics and ruins hidden beneath their waters, the ocean around Sri Lanka is known to be home to a species of mammals whose ancestors roamed the seas over 40 million years ago. Recognised as the largest animal in the history of our planet, the Blue Whale, the king of marine mammals, is one of the most commonly seen of its kin aside from the friendly dolphins that pop out of the water every now and then.
Despite being commonly known to migrate over vast distances during certain seasons, the whales of Sri Lanka seem to be quite content to remain in their chosen habitat. Despite the bafflement of many a marine biologist, this fact means that Sri Lanka is the only known place in the world where these usually elusive giants of the blue can be found at any time of the year.
Though known to be of tremendous proportions, there are but two ways in which one can truly see and appreciate the size of these magnificent creatures – being in the water with them or by air, the latter proving to be the safer option to many.
The newest experience is the ‘air safari’ over Mirissa and Kalpitiya. F-Air is the latest addition to the ‘whale watching in the air’. Taking off from the coast of Koggala, the Cessna T206H soared smoothly over the rolling waves. A few miles away from land, moving through the waters like a quiet blue torpedo was a huge Blue Whale, moving with unimaginable grace and calm for its gigantic size, the whale hardly left a splash in its wake. A little while later a second smaller Blue Whale came into view, gently cruising through the waves until it dived into the vast depths of its ocean home. Watching from above one is enthralled by the immensity and majesty of these gentle giants. It was almost as if the waters part for them as they swim through.
A recognised domestic airline and fully owned subsidiary of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, F-Air celebrated the launch of a special package on the 11th of November, which allows guests a rare opportunity of whale-watching by air. Taking off from the Domestic Airport at Koggala, each flight lasts 45 minutes and is piloted by professional pilots who are well trained at spotting whales and other marine creatures such as dolphins.
F-Air has organised a total of seven flights during the weekends, each of which will include a pre-briefing session conducted by experts in the field of Marine Biology.
For more details of this newest experience call 076420444/011432476 or log onto www.fairwayholdings.com
