The 18 Best Things To Do In Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Last Updated: January 10 2024

Mirissa is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful beach towns and you’ll find it on the South Coast.

Home to a beautiful beach, plenty of great restaurants, and lots of things to do, Mirissa has so much to offer. Honestly, no Sri Lanka itinerary is complete without coming here!

We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Mirissa to ensure you have a fantastic time. As well as the most popular attractions, this guide is going to include accommodation recommendations and some top tips for your visit!

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The Best Things to Do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

1. Go on a whale-watching boat tour

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. If you’re travelling to the country between November-April, then Mirissa is the place to be!

From this coastal town, you can head out on a boat trip into the Indian Ocean. The highlight of this trip is getting to spot blue whales, although you’ll be able to spot a variety of other marine life too. This includes orcas, sperm whales, whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins.

Heading out on a whale-watching tour in Mirissa is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka! We’d recommend going with Raja & the Whales as they prioritise responsible practices.

During peak whale-watching season, you’ve got up to a 95% chance of spotting whales. What’s great about this company is that they keep their distance from the creatures, and that’s super important.

Honestly, this was one of the best experiences we had during our Asia trip!

2. Head out on a safari to Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park covers an area of nearly 31,000 hectares and was established in 1972. It’s one of the best places to go on safari in Sri Lanka, as you can spot a variety of wildlife.

During your trip to Udawalawe, you’ve got a great chance of spotting elephants. Leopards, water buffalos, jackals, and crocodiles can also be seen here, as well as a variety of birdlife. If you’ve got binoculars, then you’ll certainly want to bring them with you.

Sri Lanka is teeming with wildlife, and heading out on safari is a must for any nature lover. This national park is just a 2.5-hour drive from Mirissa, so you can visit on a day trip.

There are plenty of tour operators that offer this, but just make sure you do your research. After all, you want to pick a company that’s reliable and has good reviews.

3. Relax on Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka! Boasting white sands, clear waters, and swaying palm trees, this place is the definition of a tropical paradise.

Mirissa Beach is also a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing, so you won’t run out of things to do here. If you’d prefer to just relax, then simply grab a beach towel and enjoy some rays.

However, we’d definitely recommend getting in the sea, as it’s really refreshing. Not to mention, you’ll get to cool off from Sri Lanka’s heat.

Home to oceanfront restaurants, charming stores, and water sports activities, this town’s beach has something for everyone. Better yet, the sunsets here will take your breath away!

Mirissa is a popular holiday destination so this area can get pretty crowded. However, it’s a stunning place and one that you don’t want to leave off your itinerary.

4. Chill out at a beach club or bar

If you’re looking to relax then Mirissa has some fantastic beach clubs and bars. Many of them are located along the shore too, so you can admire ocean views while you have a drink. We’d also recommend perching up for sunset, so you can marvel at the colours.

Salt Restaurant & Bar is one of the most popular beach bars in Mirissa, but there are others too. Zouk Mirissa is another quirky place, but you’ll find plenty of options as you wander along the shore.

After the sun goes down, Mirissa has lots of opportunities for nightlife too. If you don’t mind heading out of town, then Zephyr Ceylon is just a 12-minute drive away. You can always catch a tuk-tuk there if you don’t want to drive yourself.

If you’d prefer to stay in town, then check out Central Beach Inn which is located along the beachfront.

5. Head to Coconut Tree Hill

Coconut Tree Hill is one of the best places to visit in Mirissa. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most popular photography spots and it’s not hard to see why!

Here you’ll find dozens of swaying palm trees on top of a hill. From this spot, you’ll be treated to breathtaking ocean views, and you can even see turtles if you keep your eyes peeled.

As you walk onto Mirissa Beach, you’ll want to head as far left as possible. Coconut Tree Hill is an easy place to spot, and you’ll also find it on Google Maps.

The one thing to note is that this place can get really busy, especially at sunset. Rather than queue up for a photograph, simply relax and look out for turtles. Or, you can shoot this location from a variety of unique perspectives, rather than the famous ‘Insta spot’.

6. Learn how to surf

Surfing is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Mirissa! This charming beach town is one of the most popular locations in Sri Lanka when it comes to surfing.

Mirissa Beach’s point reef break is a particularly good option for intermediate surfers that want to test their skills. One of the best things about the surf in Mirissa is that the waves are hardly affected by onshore wind either.

This is mostly because the point is located between a hill and rocks!

We are awful at surfing and not embarrassed to admit it haha! We tried surfing in Bali, and we failed dramatically! Safe to say we didn’t give it another go, but surfing in Mirissa is really popular as the waves can get pretty high.

However, be careful when surfing in Sri Lanka. The waves and currents can be very strong. Therefore, you should go on a lesson if you’re a beginner!

7. Go snorkelling in Mirissa

Snorkelling is one of the top things to do in Mirissa! Like most of the Sri Lankan coastline, Mirissa is home to diverse marine life. In fact, the snorkelling in and around this beach town is so good that you can see a lot of marine life right from the beach.

Incredibly, during our time in the town, we saw sea turtles and black-tip reef sharks from the beach. Of course, the best way to get up close and personal though is to get in the water.

You can buy or hire snorkelling masks in the town or head out on a Mirissa snorkelling tour. We also found the small bay near Coconut Tree Hill to be a great spot!

This spot is super quiet and you’ll often find sea turtles here. Admittedly, Mirissa isn’t as good as Hikkaduwa when it comes to the number of sea turtles you’ll see but it does offer a nicer experience.

8. Relax on Secret Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect place to escape to and relax in Mirissa, you have to visit Secret Beach. It’s a small hidden beach and bay area that sits around the corner of the main beach.

Secret Beach isn’t much of a secret anymore but it’s still a fantastic place to relax and unwind. From the main beach, it will only take 10 minutes in a tuk-tuk to get here, so you have no excuse not to visit.

When you get to Secret Beach, you can expect crystal clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a lush palm tree grove. While you’re here, we recommend spending a couple of hours soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea.

As you can probably imagine, Secret Beach is a great place to catch a Sri Lankan sunset too!

9. Admire the views from Parrot Rock

One of the most popular things to do in Mirissa is to take in the views of the coast from Parrot Rock. Parrot Rock is a large rock and lookout point that points out from Mirissa Beach.

Most tourists and locals visit Parrot Rock to take epic photos of the town and beach, so make sure you have your camera with you!

You can easily access the rock from the beach via a small walkway and wooden bridge. Once at the top, be sure to have a walk around so you can see what the town looks like from different viewpoints.

After that, you should spend some time admiring the views from one point. We spent about an hour just watching the world go by and you should too. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may be able to spot marine life from here!

10. Take the bus to Weligama

Weligama is a popular town in the Matara District on the south coast of Sri Lanka. You can stay here, but it might be worth visiting for the day from Mirissa instead.

Getting to Weligama is surprisingly easy. The town is only 18 minutes away from Mirissa and you can get there by bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk. Personally, we think the best way to get to Weligama is by bus!

The bus is very affordable and it allows you to see how the locals travel. You can catch it from the main road in Mirissa. Simply look for the bus that says Weligama on the front. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask a local for help.

Weligama is a beautiful town that offers tourists a wide range of activities. These include surfing, spa treatments, whale watching, snorkelling, and tea plantation tours!

11. Go on a day trip to Galle Fort

There are plenty of awesome places to visit in Mirissa but if you’ve got the chance, head to Galle Fort. It’s just under an hour away from Mirissa by car or bus and it has a lot to offer tourists.

Galle Fort is an ancient fort that sits in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The fort was originally built in 1588 by the Portuguese, but it was the Dutch that fortified Galle Fort in the 17th century.

It’s a popular historical and archaeological site that even after 430+ years, still looks polished. This is mainly due to the extensive reconstruction of the site.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is home to breathtaking European architecture, an impressive walled fort, panoramic sea views, and the iconic Galle Fort Lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the most popular places in Sri Lanka for taking photos so don’t miss out.

12. Grab dinner on the beach

One of the best things to do in Mirissa at night is to grab dinner on the beach. Mirissa Beach is lined with a huge range of different bars and restaurants, giving you the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy some delicious food with an incredible view.

Of course, the view of Mirissa Beach from one of the many beachside restaurants is always fantastic, but in our opinion, dining here in the evening is even more special. During the late hours, Mirissa Beach makes the ideal location for a date night.

You can enjoy a boozy cocktail and tasty food as you listen to the waves and watch the sunset. Sri Lanka had some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen so we did this most nights!

Some of the best restaurants in Mirissa include The Shack, Salt Mirissa Resort, and Ocean Moon Restaurant.

13. Head out on a safari to Yala National Park

There are plenty of awesome places to visit in Mirissa, but you’ll also have ample day trip opportunities from this town. Yala National Park is around a two-hour drive away so is a great option!

Covering an impressive 979 km² (378 square miles), Yala is the country’s most famous national park. This is mostly due to its biodiversity, as you can spot a whole host of wildlife here.

In fact, Yala is one of the best places in the country for spotting leopards making it a must-visit. However, you can also see plenty of other species too including sloth bears, Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, and fishing cats among others.

This Yala National Park Safari includes pick-up from Mirissa, a guide, and a jeep safari. If you’re short of time, but you still want to visit one of the country’s national parks, then this tour is a great option!

14. Visit the Snake Farm in Weligama

If you’re looking for a quirky activity then head to the Snake Farm in Weligama. Although we’re always very cautious when it comes to wildlife-based experiences, the idea behind this snake farm is very unique.

This family-run establishment has been around for three generations. They work to collect snakes from nearby rice fields and people’s homes, so that they’re not coming into contact with the locals.

As there are several species of venomous snakes in Sri Lanka, this helps to minimise conflict. The snakes are then released back into the wild if they don’t need to be nursed back to health! However, they’ll be taken to a location that’s more suitable for a permanent home.

The family that owns the Snake Farm are expert reptile handlers and they often do snake displays for visitors. This is to educate tourists and the local community, as otherwise, snakes here are simply seen as a threat.

15. Go on a day trip to Unawatuna

Although there are plenty of things to do in Mirissa, if you have spare time, you’ll want to take a trip out to Unawatuna. Although honestly, we’d recommend staying there if you can for a couple of days.

Unawatuna is just a 45-minute drive from Mirissa, although expect the journey to take longer if you head there on the bus. If you’re hiring a scooter, then you’ll have more flexibility.

You’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches near Mirissa and many of these are found in Unawatuna and its surroundings. Some of the best ones include Unawatuna Beach, Dalawella Beach, and Jungle Beach.

While in Unawatuna, you’ll also want to try out one of Sri Lanka’s famous rope swings, visit the Dog Care Clinic, and try some of the town’s amazing food.

Snorkelling is another popular activity in Unawatuna as the waters are really clear!

16. Relax at The Doctor’s House

The Doctor’s House is just a short walk from Madiha Beach in Matara. This former Dutch Ayurvedic hospital is thought to be over 200 years old, but today it has a very different purpose!

If you have some spare time and you’re looking to relax, then this is the place to be. Not only is the Doctor’s House a hotel, but there’s a bar, restaurant, and shop on-site.

The bar is known for having some of the ‘coldest beers in Sri Lanka’ and they serve delicious wood-fired pizzas here. Don’t forget about the tasty cocktails either!

There are two dining options at The Doctor’s House; The Upstairs and Dine at the Doctors House.

If you can time your visit, we recommend heading here for sunset. That way, you’ll get to appreciate the epic colours, while listening to relaxing tunes and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.

17. Take a trip to Matara

The Doctor’s House isn’t the only thing to do in Matara so you should definitely visit if you get the chance. Matara is a major city on the southern coast of the Southern Province. It’s actually the second-largest city in the province.

Matara is best known for its serene coastline, an array of attractions, and impressive architecture. You could quite easily spend an afternoon here before then heading to the Doctor’s House for sunset!

One of the attractions you don’t want to miss during your visit is Paravi Duwa Temple. It’s only a small Buddhist Temple that sits off the shoreline on a small island, but its charming location alone is enough reason to visit.

You can get to the temple by crossing a large steel bridge. Simply walking over to the temple, admiring the views, and taking a look at the temple’s architecture is a real treat!

18. Visit the most Southern point in Sri Lanka

The final attraction we have on this list of things to do in Mirissa is Dondra Head. As the name suggests, Dondra Head is located in Dondra and it’s the southernmost point in Sri Lanka.

At Dondra Head, you’ll find the most amazing tropical beaches and the famous Dondra Head Lighthouse, which happens to be the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka. Interestingly, it’s actually one of the tallest lighthouses in South East Asia!

The best way to get to the lighthouse from Mirissa is by taxi. The journey usually takes about 40 minutes and costs roughly £10.

When you get to the lighthouse, you’ll want to spend at least an hour or so having a good walk around. If you want to relax on the beach, you might want even longer.

In our opinion, this is also one of the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka, so you’ll probably want some time to take photos too!

Helpful Information for Visiting Mirissa, Sri Lanka

How to get to Mirissa

Thanks to Sri Lanka’s extensive public transport, you’ll have no problems getting to Mirissa. The main options are train, bus, and taxi, so there’s something for everyone’s budget.

In our opinion, the best way to reach Mirissa is by bus. Services run from a variety of destinations including Unawatuna, Galle, and Hikkaduwa, and tickets are extremely cheap. You’ll also find that the buses run pretty frequently.

Many people also choose to get the train although Mirissa doesn’t have an actual train station. Instead, you’ll need to get off the train at Matara or Weligama. From there, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi. The only issue is that trains don’t run as regularly as buses.

If you don’t mind spending more money, you can always catch a taxi to Mirissa. Uber is available in some destinations within Sri Lanka, although it may be cheaper to travel longer distances in a tuk-tuk.

How to get around Mirissa

Like many of the other coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Mirissa is relatively small. That means you can easily get around on foot as the majority of amenities are located relatively close together.

However, it’s important to note that some of the hotels and guesthouses are located further out of town. Just keep that in mind when you’re booking accommodation, as it’s more convenient to stay in the centre.

If you do choose to stay further out, then you can always catch a tuk-tuk into town. Your other option is to hire a scooter, and this will give you plenty of flexibility when it comes to exploring the surrounding area.

There are ample day trip opportunities from Mirissa too, and you can easily catch the bus. Tickets are cheap and the services run regularly. You’ll also have some tour options that run from town.

The best time to visit Mirissa

The dry season in Mirissa runs from November to March. This is generally when you’ll encounter the highest temperatures and lowest precipitation levels. Not to mention, the air is quite breezy at this time of year.

No matter when you visit, you’re bound to encounter high levels of humidity as Sri Lanka boasts a tropical climate. As such, pack lightweight clothing that will keep you cool.

One of the main reasons for visiting Mirissa is to go whale-watching, and November to April is the best time for this. March and April are particularly good months for whale sightings!

We visited Mirissa during the month of March and had the most incredible time! We got to see a wide variety of marine life and we didn’t encounter any problems weather-wise. Not to mention, we found the accommodation to be extremely affordable.

Where to Stay in Mirissa

Mirissa is a beautiful town and the majority of hotels and guesthouses are located in the town centre. No matter what your budget is, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

We’ve listed some accommodation recommendations below to give you an idea of what’s available!

Budget: Sun Hopes

Sun Hopes is where we stayed during our trip to Mirissa and we’d highly recommend it. It’s one of the most affordable properties in town and you’ll be just a short walk from the beach.

The rooms here are cosy and they feature a private bathroom. You’ll also have free WiFi, a desk, and a fan, so you’ll have all the amenities you need. There’s also an outdoor communal area.

Mid-range: Mimoza Mirissa

Mimoza Mirissa is another fantastic option! Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a garden area, this beautiful place has a lot to offer.

The rooms are spacious and cosy, and some of them feature a private balcony. The rooms are very affordable and you’ll have breakfast included. The beach isn’t far away either!

Luxury: Saltasia Boutique Beach Villa

Saltasia Boutique Beach Villa is one of the most luxurious options in Mirissa. You’ll be just a few steps from Thalaramba Beach and there’s a swimming pool overlooking the coast.

There are a variety of rooms and suites to choose from and some of them feature striking sea views. You’ll have breakfast included in your stay and there’s the opportunity to have a romantic candlelit dinner too.

Booking.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Mirissa

How many days do I need in Mirissa?

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Mirissa so don’t rush your time in this beautiful coastal town. Not only that, but this is one of the best spots to relax along the South Coast.

For the best experience, allow at least 3-4 days in Mirissa. This will give you enough time to visit the beaches, head to the local attractions, and take a day trip or two out of town.

What is a good budget for Mirissa?

Like the rest of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is an extremely affordable destination. Accommodation, food, and activities will typically all fit within a backpacker’s budget, so your money will go far here.

We highly recommend allowing yourself a budget of at least £30-£40 per day per person. For those who wish to head out on a few day trips (including a safari), you’ll need a higher budget.

What is Mirissa famous for?

Mirissa is known for having one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Not only that, but it’s one of the best places in Asia for whale watching so don’t miss out on this awesome activity!

There are so many amazing things to do in Mirissa, and that’s part of the town’s charm. This place also comes alive at night so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax with a drink or party away!

Which is better – Unawatuna or Mirissa?

Both Unawatuna and Mirissa have a lot to offer so we’d recommend heading to both. However, if you’re short of time, we’d probably recommend prioritising Mirissa!

Mirissa offers more of a relaxing atmosphere and there’s a lot more to see. There are also plenty of awesome day trip opportunities. Unawatuna does have some beautiful beaches though, so it’s certainly worth a visit.

Where to go after Mirissa

There are lots of fantastic things to do in Mirissa. However, there are plenty of other places that you can include on your Sri Lanka travel itinerary! It just depends on where your adventures have already taken you!

Thanks to Mirissa’s location there are several coastal towns nearby that you can visit afterwards. This includes Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Matara, all of which are fantastic options!

If you’ve spent a lot of time along the coast, then it may be best to head inland. Within Sri Lanka’s highlands, you’ll find the beautiful towns of Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Sigiriya.

While in the country, you can always head to the east coast too. If that’s the case, Trincomalee is your best option, especially if you’re looking to appreciate Sri Lanka’s marine life.

There are so many wonderful places to visit in the country, so make sure your itinerary is action-packed!

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

As you can see, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Mirissa! Not only that but there are lots of great places you can visit on a day trip too, so you won’t be short of options.

Whether you’re looking to head out on a whale-watching tour, relax on the beach, or learn how to surf, there’s something for everyone. During your time here, you can always head out on a day trip to some of the national parks too!

To ensure you have the best experience, don’t rush your time in Mirissa. There are so many amazing things to do, but there are also ample opportunities if you simply want to relax.

If you have any questions about things to do in Mirissa then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other Sri Lanka guides that you may find helpful:

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