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7 Best Things To Do In Mirissa

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Mirissa, look no further. From beach hopping to the more adventurous stuff, here’s our complete guide.

1. Mirissa Beach

First stop, Mirissa Beach.

It’s a no brainer that if you’re heading to the south coast then you’re going to be on the lookout for hammocks and coconut filled beaches. So top of the things to do in Mirissa list has to be here.

A great beach with some steady waves for surfing or swimming. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants along the beachfront for chilling during the day and night.

With 3 separate bays and some cool rock points in-between, chances are you’ll be spending most of your time here!

On the road there are some small shops for souvenirs and mini markets, so it’s perfect for those people who want to stay close to a calm beach but still don’t want to be bored on their travels.

Mirissa Beach Parrot Rock Things To Do In Mirissa
Throwing coconuts down on Mirissa Beach

2. Whale Watching

One thing Mirissa prides itself on is its marine life!

With blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins known to hover around the coastline from November until the end of April, whale watching is certainly one of the top things to do in Mirissa.

The very best months are March and April for blue whale sightings. We also recommend heading out as early as possible as the sea is usually calm in the morning and rougher in the afternoon.

With so many companies to choose from, Island Breeze Mirissa is one of the highest rated in the area.

The duration of their trips are 4 hours long, starting at around 6am, and ‘’with a strong possibility of spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat’’ promised, you won’t be disappointed.

Whale Watching In Madeira Whale Watching VMT Madeira
Whale watching is certainly one of the best things to do in Mirissa

3. Parrot Rock

Parrot Rock is definitely one of those cool rock points mentioned above.

It gives off the best views of Mirissa Beach and has a couple of little benches to chill on during the day.

It can be a bit of a sketchy climb up so please be careful. On the way up we walked through knee high water but this will all depend on the tide when you visit.

There are a couple of seating areas at the top, where you can relax once you’ve braved the climb.

It’s a great height in order to view the whole of Mirissa behind you as well as take in the panoramic views of the ocean in front.

Parrot Rock Mirissa Beach Things To Do In Mirissa
The view from the top of Parrot Rock Mirissa

4. Coconut Tree Hill

As you walk onto Mirissa Beach from the road you should head as far left as possible!

After a couple of bays you’ll come to Coconut Tree Hill, and this palm tree dome has become quite the Instagram spot.

You may have seen Coconut Tree Hill in some of the picturesque photos that pop up of Sri Lanka.

There’s a large dirt mound that leads up to a unique viewpoint of Mirissa Beach. From there you can chill and catch some sun or enjoy a well deserved coconut at Coconut Tree Hill.

It’s recently become one of the top things to do in Mirissa.

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa Sri Lanka Things To Do In Mirissa
Cheers to coconuts at Coconut Tree Hill

5. No.1 Dewmini Roti Shop

One of our favourite things to do in Mirissa for obvious reasons.

This hidden gem was found by travellers not so long ago, and by the power of word of mouth soon shot to the #1 Place To Eat in Mirissa on TripAdvisor.

Operated like many roti shops in Sri Lanka – at the back of a family home, No.1 Dewmini Roti Shop adapted to its popular demands by serving up some of the most amazing avocado and cheese roti’s we’ve ever tasted!

It also serves all sorts of other unique fillings, and compared to the average roti shop this places stands alone.

One piece of advice, be sure to save room for the banoffee roti desert!!

6. Secret Beach

Aside from Mirissa Beach, there’s another beautiful spot for an afternoon of sun bathing and drinking coconuts available.

Secret Beach is roughly a 30 minute walk from Mirissa town, but easily doable.

It’s possible to reach the beach by bike or local tuk tuk, however the road is extremely damaged so please be careful. We’d definitely recommend walking!

Secret Beach is the perfect place to get away from the crowds, or to enjoy a drink at sunset.

The beach itself is absolutely stunning. A tiny bay with deck chairs available and food and drink served from Secret Beach Bar.

Secret Beach Mirissa Things To Do In Mirissa
Playing around at Secret Beach Mirissa

7. Day Trip To Weligama

So if surfing’s your game, we recommend you hop on a scooter and cruise 15 minutes minutes down the coast to Weligama.

Famous for its Sri Lanka surf spots, it’s definitely worth a trip. Even if you just chill on the beach for the day and watch the pros.

From beginners to professionals, this is the place to get stuck in and master the waves. The main company we noticed everyone to be using was Freedom Surf School.

They offer both beginner and intermediate lessons for roughly £10 per hour, and you can book a Weligama 1-Hour Beginner Learn to Surf Lesson in advance.

Aside from surfing there’s not a lot to do in Weligama, although taking a day trip is definitely one of the top things to do in Mirissa.

If you do make it Weligama, be sure to pop in and say hi to the guys at Ceylon Sliders. They serve up the most delicious healthy breakfasts and shakes at very affordable prices!

Mirissa Road Things To Do In Mirissa
Strolling down the main road in Mirissa
Ceylon Sliders Weligama Things To Do In Weligama
Lunch at Ceylon Sliders Weligama

Where To Stay In Mirissa

Luxury – Paradise Beach Club Mirissa

Paradise Beach Club features a beach facing outdoor pool with spa pool surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers.

Offering rooms with free WiFi in Mirissa South, the hotel also has a spa and restaurant. 

Paradise Beach Club is 200 yards from a whale watching spot in Mirissa. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is 51 miles away. 

Offering a terrace or balcony, each room features a satellite TV, seating and dining areas. Private bathroom includes a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.

Mid-Budget – Peacock Villa Mirissa

Offering a spa and wellness centre, Peacock Villa is located just 650 yards from the famous Whale Watching Mirissa.

Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a seating area and balcony.

Featuring a shower, private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and a bidet. You can enjoy garden view from the room. 

At Peacock Villa you will find a 24-hour front desk, barbecue facilities and shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and dry cleaning.

Budget – JJ’s Hostel

Showcasing an expansive rooftop terrace with day-beds and barbeque, JJ’s Hostel Mirissa is a boutique hostel and guesthouse located in Mirissa North, only a few minutes walk from the beach. 

All private rooms include a patio/sitting area with a day-bed where you can relax.

All rooms feature luxury mattresses, linen and private modern bathrooms.

Dormitories feature air-conditioning and personal lockers with attached modern bathrooms. 

There is luggage storage space at the property. The hostel has large communal areas, a garden and kitchenette.

For more places to stay in Mirissa, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

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7 Best Things To Do In Mirissa

lakmal

Wednesday 22nd of July 2020

Cool Article ! one of our favorite place and thank you for sharing your experience :)

Charlie Pauly

Tuesday 15th of September 2020

Thank you! We loved Mirissa!

Tiago Jesus

Friday 15th of June 2018

What do you need to rent a scooter? only my license driver of my own country? Thanks!!!

Charlie Pauly

Sunday 17th of June 2018

Yes any foreign drivers license will do!