Joanna James
Located along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Mirissa is a popular beach paradise. With its chill vibes and watersports, visitors can find many great activities to enjoy. Here are the top 7 things you can do in this tropical destination to create unforgettable memories:
The nearby town of Weligama is a surfer’s paradise, ideal for beginners and pros. The sandy bottom beach and mellow waves are perfect for beginners. Surf schools and board rentals are plenty and affordable. For more experienced surfers, Mirissa Beach itself has a few point breaks and reef breaks that work best during mid to high tide.
Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, the biggest mammals on the planet. Between November and April, the seas are calm and whale watching is a must-do. These early morning boat trips (usually 6:30–7:00 AM) also give you a chance to see sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, spinner dolphins and even flying fish.
Many tours depart from Mirissa Harbour, which is not too far from top Mirissa resorts in the area such as Mandara Resort Mirissa. The sight of a whale breaching or a pod of dolphins playing in the waves is pure magic. Always choose eco-friendly tour operators that respect marine life.
One of Sri Lanka’s most famous viewpoints, Coconut Tree Hill is a small red earth promontory covered in palm trees. It’s just a 10–15 minute walk from Mirissa Beach and has stunning views of the Indian Ocean, especially at sunrise and sunset. Many travellers visit to get the perfect Instagram shot but it’s also a peaceful spot to relax.
Jutting out from the middle of Mirissa Beach is Parrot Rock. This is a small rocky island that you can explore during low tide. A short climb to the top gives you 360-degree views of the beach and town. It’s not very large but it's a great spot to watch surfers or just chill as the sun sets. Be careful if you cross during high tide – the water can get rough and the rocks are slippery.
Just a short tuk-tuk ride or 20-minute walk from the town centre is Secret Beach. Hidden behind winding roads and jungle paths, it’s a quiet cove with clear turquoise water and is more secluded than the main beach. Go snorkelling here to see parrotfish, sea turtles and coral in the shallows.
Nearby, Turtle Bay is another great spot where you can snorkel with sea turtles. Or, visit conservation centres where, if you’re lucky, you can help release baby turtles into the sea – a truly heartwarming experience.
Mirissa has beachfront cafés and seafood restaurants serving everything from traditional Sri Lankan (rice and curry, dhal, hoppers) to smoothie bowls, grilled fish and Western food. Many cafes have beachfront seating where you can dine by candlelight while listening to the sound of the waves.
Mirissa is a great base for two amazing day trips. One is the Yala National Park Safari, the best wildlife park in the country, which is a two-hour drive away. You can see elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and even leopards on a guided jeep safari.
Take the train from nearby Weligama or Matara to Ella or Kandy, which passes mountains, jungles and tea plantations. Though slow, the journey is worthwhile.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
