Mirissa: Best Things To Do

Intro

Tropical beach paradise Mirissa is located about 150km from the capital Colombo and 4km to the south of another surfing paradise Weligama.
Mirissa is perfect if you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, this coastal town may have something that everyone is looking for. Let’s explore the top 10 things to do in Mirissa.

Some of the well-known attributes of Mirissa are its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure on a sun-kissed shore Mirissa might be your ideal place.

Some visitors are seen snorkelling and surfing even though the waves are not as consistent as other surf spots in the country.
Also, Mirissa is known for its marine life and is one of the well-known destinations on the island that facilitates whale and Dolphin watching. Beachside huts and restaurants are ready to serve their visitors with mouthwatering culinary experiences. 

Also See,

Bit Of History

About 15 years ago, least developed Mirissa today seem to be gradually developing to become the most touristy coastal town in the southern coast alongside with other major tourist coastal towns Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna.

My top 10 things to do in Mirissa

1. Mirissa Main Beach

Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach is the biggest attraction in the Mirissa area. Located by the Galle-Matara main road, this beach attracts many visitors every year due to its natural scenery and plenty of activities it offers.
Just be aware that the beach gets crowded especially during its high season from December to March so if you are looking for a tranquil escape without all the tourist hassles, Marissa beach may not be the ideal place for you.

2. Whale and Dolphine Watching

Whale & Dolphin watching in Mirissa
Whale watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the places in Sri Lanka (Other cities are Kalpitiya and Trincomalee) to see whale watching specially during the months November-April where you can see the largest animal on the planet, blue whale.

A typical boat ride costs around 15-30 Dollars and can take up to 3-5 hours. Usually whale watching tours start around Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to go whale watching, especially between November and April.

Other cities like Kalpitiya and Trincomalee also offer whale watching tours. During this time, you can see the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale. A typical boat ride costs between 15 to 30 dollars and can last from 3 to 5 hours.

Whale-watching tours usually start early in the morning, around 6am to 8am when the water is calm and the sun is just starting to rise.

6am-8am where the water is calmer and the ocean starts to receive light sunrises. If you’d like a long ride, it is possible to do so.

As the boat navigates into the different areas of the ocean visitors may get to see the different types of whales (eg: Blue, Sperm, Humpback and Bryde’s) and cute dolphins etc.

3. Parrot Rock (Snorkeling and Scuba Diving)

Parrot Rock, Mirissa
Parrot Rock, Mirissa

Parrot rock is a mountain pillar which is located about 50m on the side corner of the Mirissa beach surrounded by the ocean waves of Mirissa sea. 

Adventure travellers often hike this where they get to see some breathtaking panoramic views of the whole Mirissa area from the top.
Tip: ⚠️ Be aware that the water level can leap as time goes on during the day. 

4. Coconut Tree Hill

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa
Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa

I’d say this is one of the popular avenues for Instagram snapshot lovers. This place has been tagged on numerous occasions by solo travellers, couples or families hence becoming a popular social media hotspot.

This picturesque place full of coconut trees is a perfect place to see a different viewpoint of Mirissa Beach during the day if you’d like to get away from the busy tourist hassle for a while.

5. Explore Secret Beaches

Secret Beach, Mirissa
Secret Beach, Mirissa

As the name suggests, this beach is an ideal place if you are looking for good vibes away from busy tourist hassles.

This beach is located only about 2 km from the main beach area to the inland.Only a bar located by the beach facilitates all the culinary treatments that tourists need.

I’ve seen some tourists hiding under the shade of bushes or sunbathing by the sea waves while someone is riding a swing under the shade.

Not widely known secret beach is located in Ahangama which is reachable within half an hour from Mirissa, also a perfect spot for relaxation away from the crowd.

Tip: There’s nothing secret here but it’s just a perfect beach to spend the day in the beach that is surrounded by the perfect nature.

6. Snorkling and Surfing Spots

Surfing in Mirissa
Surfing in Mirissa

Turtle Bay is a great place to snorkel with turtles in Mirissa. Also, the visitors are seen snorkelling around the parrot rock.

Not well known as nearby Weligama or Midigama, Mirissa also is one place on the south coast where visitors can catch some waves for surfing.

Surf breaks in Mirissa are ideal for intermediate-level surfers, whereas beginners should head to Weligama to catch their ideal waves.

7. Traditional "Stilt" Fishing

Stilt fishermen in Ahangama
"Stilt Fishing" in Ahangama and Midigama

“Ritipanna” or “Stilt fishing” is a traditional fishing technique practised by the small community of fishermen in the southern coastal areas of Sri Lanka mainly in small towns and villages such as Midigama, Ahangama, Koggala and some other places in the southern coastline.

This simple and minimalistic fishing technique involves fishermen perching on tall wooden stills that stand in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. The fishermen usually balance themselves and sit cross-legged or standing on the stilts while using the fishing rod to catch the fish.

This practice is believed to have started during the Second World War by the food shortage times.

This rare-to-see fishing approach has been an iconic symbol for Sri Lanka and is mentioned among popular travel-related journals and content.

Tip: As a tourist, don’t be surprised if a stilt fisherman comes after you and asks a small fee if they find out they’ve been photographed. Also, Giving a few extra bucks you can feature yourself on top of the stilt for a photo. 

8. Day trip to "Galle Fort"

Day excursion to Galle Fort
Day trips to Galle Fort

Historical Galle Fort is located about an hour’s drive from the Mirissa beach area. Capital of the southern provinces, Galle is the 4th largest city of Sri Lanka and also is a city with a rich colonial history, Portuguese said to have first arrived in the town in the 16th century.

Also read: Galle City Guide

9. Day trip to "Yala National Park"

Safari at 'Yala National Park'
Safari at 'Yala National Park'

Yala National Park is located about 2 hours drive to the northeast of Mirissa, close to Tissamaharama. This is a must-do excursion for any visitor who wants the safari experience in Sri Lanka.
This is the main safari avenue of Sri Lanka where you can see the Sri Lankan Leopard, which is one of the endangered species on the planet. 

Tip : Typically the price of a half-a-day Yala Safari Tour starts around $45.

10. Day trip to "Polhena Beach"

Polhena Beach
Polhena Beach, Matara

Polhena Beach is located 10 km towards the south down to the southern coastline.

Polhena Beach was a deserted one a couple of decades ago, well developed today with more tourist accommodation by the beach to cater to tourist needs effectively.

Polhena Turtle Beach is a great place to snorkel where visitors can get to swim with Turtles.

Reaching There

Transportation

If you are looking for sightseeing and wildlife, adventure, honeymoon, cultural tour or pilgrimages, I can help you customize your tour according to individual wishes and requirements. Feel free to Contact Me mentioning your specific requirements.

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