Top 5 things to do in Mirissa

Top 5 things to do in Mirissa

If turquoise beaches and powdery white sandy beaches what you crave for, head south to this tranquil beach town of Mirissa for a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea. You won’t miss that holiday you spent on beaches in Thailand.

01. Whale and Dolphin watching

Whale And Dolphin Watching

There is a competition among tour boats to get the best view of the whales

There are 03 known areas of the sea that Whales and Dolphins can be observed in Sri Lanka; MirissaTrincomalee and Kalpitiya. Mirissa is quite famous since most sightings have occurred in the Weligama-Mirissa-Dondra area.

Whale and Dolphin watching tour operators

There are as much tour operators as Dolphins in the sea, so choosing a legitimate operator is a tough task. Choose a reputable company with great reviews. Your journey starts in Mirissa fisheries harbour in the early morning.

Operators usually use double decked ships and have own stuff to attend to the passengers. There is always a guide on-board to explain things.

Tour operator you choose must be a licensed one by Department of Wildlife Conservation . Which ensures that proper regulations have been followed. This also ensures the proper conditions of the ship used by the operator. The license agreement also emphasizes procedures that every operator should follow not to disturb the wildlife. ( Source )

Some of the tour operators (based on reviews)
  • Mirissa Water Sports
  • Whale Watching Club
  • Raja & the Whales
  • Eagle Eye Whale Watching
  • Whale Watching Mirissa with Geeth

What types of Whales can be seen? (I meant glimpsed, they are really shy)

  • Blue Whale
  • Short-Finned Pilot Whales
  • False Killer Whale

What types of Dolphins can be seen?

  • Spinner Dolphins
  • Bottle Nose Dolphins
  • Spotted Dolphins

(Source)

What is the season for whale watching?

Whale watching season for Mirissa is November to April. Even though tours are operated in other months, this season has a higher chance of sightings. If anyone insists you go during the off-season, here none of that. It’d be a waste of your time and money.

However, May-October is the whale watching season in Trincomalee, you might want to try there if you really want to have this experience.

What is the cost?

Cost varies on the operator and boat types, but it generally falls around LKR 3,000 – 6000 per person.

How long will it take?

The allowed time slot for this excursion by the authorities is 5:30 AM to 07:00 PM. Boats spend sometime around 04 to 06 hours on the sea.

Tips for the journey

  • Motion sickness is rampant among passengers hence carry medicines for the same. Ask the boat staff if they provide medicine beforehand. Mind you some medication can cause drowsiness.            ( Read more on this )
  • Scuba diving along with whales or dolphins is strictly prohibited and dangerous. This requires a special approval from the authorities.
  • The closest the ship can get to where whales are is 100m and 50m for dolphins.
  • Whatever said and done, sightings are not guaranteed.
  • Although provided by operators, bring some snacks and enough water.
  • Do not go chasing the cheapest operator; select a one with a decent reputation.

02. Surfing in Mirissa

Surfing In Mirissa

Mirissa is trending surfing spot

Mirissa is a trending surf point in Sri Lanka. The crescent-shaped Mirissa beach is ideal for intermediate to experienced surfers. The break is located to the west of the beach along the left curve of the bay. Absolute beginners can try the Weligama surf point where it has beach breaks.

The point break waves are pretty consistent with decent swell direction. The swells hold up to 3-5 feet.

Some useful facts and numbers
  • Wave Type: Point reef break
  • Direction: Right
  • Bottom: Coral, Reef, Rock
  • Threats: Sea-Urchins
  • Power: Medium to High
  • Best time to surf: January to April

There are many surfing schools that provide surfing lessons to beginners in Mirissa area. Most provide these services in addition to accommodation. Check out Surf N Yoga in Mirissa.

03. Chill at beaches in Mirissa

Mirissa beach

Mirissa Beach Sri Lanka

Mirissa beach, The section over the rocks is the surfing point | ©Hasintha Weragala

The crescent-shaped Mirissa beach is located very close to the town can be accessed directly by the Galle-Matara main road at some points. It stretches along the largest bay of Mirissa close to a kilometer from the rocky headlands of the west to the Parrot rock to the east.

Once you’re on the beach looking at the horizon, it is shuddering to think there are no lands between here and Antarctica.

Even though it used to be a hidden little beach the word has been out for too long now it is hoarded with beach beds, parasols and um.. tourists.

There are, however, not many locals hanging around and none of the annoying beach boys to sell you god knows what.

If you’re coming from town, hit Sunanda road just opposite the town’s main bus stop and turn left to the beachside road and go about 120m. There is a shortcut to the right which ends up in the surfing area of the beach. Beach is also accessible via many beachside restaurants and bars.

Many guesthouses and bars are located from 500m to 01km from the town towards Matara. The beach can be accessed by the main road thence.

Did you know? The sand here used to be white but the 2004 Tsunami obliterated it. After continuous efforts by the government , it has been replenished but nowhere close to the pristine beach that it once was.

What is the Mirissa beach season?

The best time to visit is from November to April when the temperature is somewhat subdued and less chance of raining.

What to do?
  • Snorkelling along with turtles.
  • Surfing
  • Sun Bathing (You can use the sun loungers owned by the restaurants by buying a drink)
  • Swimming (Possible in the season, beware of sea urchins and avoid red-flagged areas)
The “Secret Beach”
Secret Beach Mirissa

The quaint little “Secret Beach” is a perfect spot for chillaxing | ©Hasintha Weragala

This not so secret “Secret beach” is located just west to the Mirissa beach although it cannot be accessed directly from there. The pioneering people who found this beach must’ve named it thus for lack of a better word but the word has certainly gone around.

This little, secluded beach, however, is less crowded and more tranquil than the famous Mirissa beach. There are no sunbeds, noisy beach bars, and hordes of tourists. No sir.

How to get there?

Secret beach is located in a laid-back area surrounded by headlands and palm trees. You can easily hire a tuk-tuk for this but if you’re an exploring soul like me, you’d like to find the way on your own. Just follow the route guide below.

Secret Beach Mirissa Road Map Up

The road to the Secret Beach | Click to enlarge

  1. As shown in the map, Get to the Harbour road by following Sunanda road from town or Beachside road from the Mirissa beach.
  2. Harbour road ends in a three-way junction overlooking the harbour. Just before this junction, there is a small side street to the left. Turn here.
Harbour Road Turn Mirissa

Turn left here just before the main junction connecting the harbour road. (Seen ahead). There is a signboard.

 

3.Take a left immediately off the upcoming junction.

4.Take the right off the next junction. There is a small signboard.

Road To Secret Beach

Just a small sign because it is supposed to be a secret. ( I guess)

5. Proceed along the concrete road until you reach a junction having a Buddhist shrine in the middle. The road is somewhat steep.

Buddha Shrine Mirissa

Turn left off here.

6. Turn left off this junction and look to your right immediately to notice a footpath down.

Secret Footpath

Climb down the footpath.

7. Follow the footpath down until it reaches a junction of gravel roads.

8. Turn left and walk along the road until you reach the beach. You’re there.

Graevel Road

Turn left here and walk along directly to the secret beach.

What to do in the Secret beach?

Unlike somewhat rough sea in the main beach of Mirissa, this quaint little place has almost white sand and shallow crystal clear waters. It’s perfect for a swim, snorkel and chillax. There is a guest house/bar which is still under construction just by the beach but you can ask the owner for any support needed. The name is Suranga and his contact number is 0716-430898.

04. The Coconut Tree Spot (The coconut tree hill)

The Coconut Tree Spot (The Coconut Tree Hill)

A Perfect vantage point to view the sunset |  ©Hasintha Weragala

Not only the hill country but southern beaches also have viewpoints. The coconut tree spot is one such viewpoint located at the extreme eastern corner of the 03rd bay of Mirissa. This headland affords panoramic vistas over the Mirissa beach and another perfect place to chill and watch the sunset.

How to get there?

The safest way to get to the Palm tree grove (Another name) is by the road.

  • When walking towards Matara from Mirissa beach for about 01 km there’s a hotel to your left called “Esprit d’ici”.
  • Right in front of it across the main road, there is an unpaved road towards the beach. A signboard says “Way to the Beach
  • Follow this and turn left towards the gate at as shown in the photo.
  • Don’t enter through the gate, there is a footpath leading upwards to the left of the gate by the fence.
  • Follow it to the top to reach the headland. Keep walking on the footpath towards the right and you’ll have reached the spot. (Google Maps)
Road To Coconut Tree Spot Smaller

The path to the coconut tree hill from the road (Click to enlarge)

The spot can also be accessed from the Mirissa beach but there is no exact path. When you’re at the parrot rock, glance towards east you should see the spot at the distance.

Just walk along the shores carefully because there is no beach but piles of rocks. At the base of the headland where the palm grove is, climb up the slippery path to the palm grove.

There is board saying this is a private property but you can just ignore that. It goes without saying that but be aware of falling coconuts.

05. The Parrot Rock

The Parrot Rock Mirissa 1

Getting there is a bit tricky but totally worth it |  ©Hasintha Weragala

When you’re at Mirissa beach, you simply can’t miss it. It is the mound of land that sits there to the left of the beach separated only by a thin strip of sand  (Google Maps). The name derives from the shape of the rock which is about 50 ft in height.

To get to the rock, you’ll have to wade through a small strip of sea. The depth depends on the tide . Probably you can get away with getting wet only below your waist. There seem to have been a proper pathway before but it has succumbed to the wrath of the sea.

The path to the small hill is a barely visible stairway and can be a bit tricky hence don’t try this after consuming alcohol.

Once at the top spend your time to capture that perfect insta-moment. You’ll be blessed with 360 views of entire Mirissa beach and surroundings.

Make sure to capture the sunset while you’re at it. If you have got a drone, this is a perfect place to fly it. Watch out for crows though.

Please be careful while you’re trying reach edges since this place has not proper railings and such.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve got the information you were looking for and enjoyed the article. If it didn’t meet your need or you want to share your experiences in Mirissa (good or bad), do leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you.

Don’t forget to check out our destination guide to Mirissa as well.

Hope you’ll have a pleasant time in Sri Lanka.

Text and photos are available under the Creative Commons Non-Derivations and Non-Commercial license