Trincomalee Harbour is widely considered one of the finest natural harbours in the world — deep enough for the largest ships, sheltered by hills on three sides, and strategically positioned on the Bay of Bengal. Every major naval power from the Portuguese onwards has fought to control it, and its strategic importance is why this otherwise small city appears in so much European and Asian history.
Today the harbour is busy with fishing boats, naval vessels, and a growing number of whale-watching and diving boats. Boat trips out into the bay give you a different perspective on the Swami Rock headland and the fort above, and in season (March–April) the harbour approaches are good hunting grounds for blue whale sightings. The fish market along the waterfront is active from early morning.