As one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach towns, there are plenty of incredible things to do in Mirissa to fuel your wanderlust!
Mirissa is a lovely destination situated on Sri Lanka’s southern shore about an hour drive from Galle. People come to enjoy the beautiful soft sand beaches, favorable whale watching, delicious food and all of the other best things to do in Mirissa! It’s probably one of the best Instagram spots in Sri Lanka too.
I stopped in Mirissa for about 2.5 days during my 2 weeks in Sri Lanka visit and it felt like just the right amount of time. It’s also a great place for solo travel in Sri Lanka because of how tourist-friendly, social and chill it is.
So If social beach vibes are calling your name, check out these awesome places to visit in Mirissa, Sri Lanka!
↠ Read More: 25 Sri Lanka Travel Tips for Backpackers
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Best Time to Visit Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two distinct rainy seasons that affect different halves of the island. From May to September, the west and south-west coasts experience rainy season, while between October and February the east coast and northern parts of the country are hit with rain.
That means that the best time to visit Mirissa is typically December to February, when the sun shines bright and rain is at a minimum.
How to Get to Mirissa
Public transportation is the cheapest way to get to Mirissa, and by train is the quickest. The nearest train stations to Mirissa are Weligama and Matara, which are both a short bus ride away from Mirissa. From Colombo, there are usually five trains that depart and arrive in Weligama daily.
You can check the official Sri Lanka Railways website for information. I also recommend asking directly at the train station once you arrive for up to date and clear instruction. And once you arrive at either Weligama or Matara, the buses should depart for Mirissa near the stations.
It’s also possible to take a bus from most places in Sri Lanka, although you may need to make a change. Again, I found the best way to figure out the buses was simply ask a local once I arrived. Bus fares are paid in cash once on the bus. Many come to Mirissa by bus from Colombo, Ella, or Nuwara Eliya.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
Best budget and social hostels in Mirissa: I stayed in a hostel in Mirissa in order to meet others and save money. The Hangover Hostel Mirissa is known as a party spot and offers dorm beds for as low as $10/night. The Babylon Mirissa is another popular hostel feet from Mirissa Beach that has a bar and both cheap dorms and privates.
Upscale guesthouse with a pool: Morning Star is a lovely guesthouse just minutes from the beach that boasts beautiful decor, a spacious terrace, and a homecooked breakfast. The guesthouse offers privates starting as low as $60/night.
Luxurious hotel on the beach: The Beach House by Reveal is a romantic getaway with direct beach access, air conditioned rooms, and an included continental breakfast. The hotel also offers room service and is a bit away from the main party area of Mirissa for those seeking quiet.
The Best Things to Do in Mirissa
1. Go on a whale watching cruise.
Whale watching in Mirissa is a popular thing to do in this beach paradise. The ocean conditions in the area are warm, calm and most favorable during the whale watching season of November to April. There are many different cruise options to choose from when in the area, but I recommend researching the most eco-friendly before taking off. I was on a budget and actually chose to pass this time around!
2. Go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Mirissa is also well-known for having great snorkeling and dive sites. While there aren’t bright and colorful corals to see, the aquatic life underneath the surface is stunning. Large tropical fish, eels and more! I went with Mirissa Dive Academy on a discover dive for about $60 and can highly recommend their services. You can also get certified through their affordable 3-day dive course as well.
Near the Mirissa Dive Academy on the main road is also where you can find the insta-famous peacock mural! Don’t forget to check it out on your walk back to the beach.
3. Search for Mirissa’s Secret Beach.
The secret beach in Mirissa has become a bit of an insta-sensation. I had time to kill so decided to see what it was all about. It’s a really small, rocky beach about a 30 minute walk away from the main area. While it’s nothing to write home about, if you have the time it was neat to see and the walk through a local and non-touristy neighborhood.
You can literally type in ‘secret beach’ into google maps and it should pull it right up! It’s really not a secret.
4. Walk to the insta-famous palm trees dubbed Coconut Tree Hill.
When facing the ocean, head left as far as you can to see the photogenic grove of palm trees that draws many travelers each day. I recommend visiting early in the morning to catch sunrise views as well as to beat the crowds. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the main beach front.
The beautiful sun rising over the famous palm trees in Mirissa
5. Enjoy the delicious restaurants.
Mirissa is a hipster foodie’s paradise. There are many cute and delicious cafes and restaurants to try while visiting. A few I’d like to mention include Kama on the beach for delicious cocktails and meals, Shady Lane for the freshest smoothie bowls and Aloha Coffee Gallery for healthy breakfast options.
6. Soak up lots of sunshine on Mirissa Beach.
Ultimately when you visit Mirissa, you’re here to relax on the beach! The sands of Mirissa beach are soft and perfect for a day or two (or three or four) of laying out and soaking up some rays. Bring your favorite books to read and prepare yourself for some ocean side chillin’.
7. Climb to the top of Parrot Rock.
Parrot Rock is a rocky mound that acts as an iconic landmark on Mirissa Beach. Visitors love to climb up and over the rocks for pretty views of the beach and undulating waves. The rocks aren’t too far from shore, and depending on the tide may be easy to access via sand or by wading through the water. Be sure only to visit in safe tide conditions.
8. Take a day trip to Weligama to hit the surf.
Weligama is a local fishing village with incredible surfing suited for beginners. It’s about a 15 minute bus ride from Mirissa and was one of the my favorite places in Sri Lanka. It felt much more authentic and is bustling with locals.
The people who visit Weligama are here to surf and enjoy the colorful atmosphere. You can find surf lessons on the beach for 2,500 rupees / $16 USD per lesson (about 2 hours), or you can go on your own and rent a board for 250 rupees / $1.60 an hour. There are plenty of surf shops lining the beach for you to choose from!
9. Take a day trip to Galle and explore the fort.
Galle Fort is about an hour bus ride from Mirissa. I honestly don’t think you need much more than a day or even a half day to explore the fort and the Dutch market outside. Take your time learning about the vast colonial history of the area and enjoy one of the best curry lunches I had all trip at Lucky Fort Restaurant. I highly recommend!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
Mirissa is a lovely beach destination in Sri Lanka growing more and more popular with each passing season. Come to relax at the beach and enjoy the wonderful ocean activities as well as the expat parties! Enjoy!
What was your favorite thing to do in Mirissa? Share below!
