THE 11 BEST TIPS FOR TROPICAL MIRISSA!

The 11 best tips for tropical Mirissa!

Mirissa is a wonderful beach destination on the south coast of Sri Lanka. You can relax here after your journey through the inland or start your inland travels in a relaxed manner. Travelers come here to enjoy the sun, sea, sand, and the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you love relaxing on the beach, savoring delicious food, or surfing the waves, Mirissa has something for everyone!

How to get to Mirissa?

Mirissa is easily accessible from different locations in Sri Lanka.

By bus

Traveling by bus in Sri Lanka is easy. The advantage of the bus is that it is inexpensive. Often, you only need a few dollars for a bus ride. The bus connections are very good, and you can use Google Maps to find which bus to take and where the buses stop. If you still have doubts, you can ask for advice at your accommodation. They often know which bus is best for you to take. It may happen that you need to transfer during the bus ride. From places like Kataragama, Dickwella, Tangalle, and Galle, there are direct buses to Mirissa.

By taxi, PickMe of Uber

In Sri Lanka, there are plenty of options to take a taxi to Mirissa. This is much more expensive than the bus, but you will reach your destination faster. The app PickMe is widely used in Sri Lanka and is essentially the local Uber. Uber is also used in Sri Lanka. An advantage of these apps is that the price is clear in advance. Our experience with PickMe and Uber is that sometimes you have to wait a bit to find a good driver. We have had instances where the driver stayed still and did not come to us or went in the wrong direction. It can also happen that the driver calls you and asks for a higher price. It is important to make clear arrangements and possibly book another driver in such cases.

By tuk-tuk

Another option is to take a tuktuk from your location to Mirissa. This is a cheaper option than a taxi, but it is often less comfortable. It can be quite cramped for two people with backpacks or suitcases in a tuktuk. We recommend choosing a tuktuk only for distances up to about 1.5 hours of driving, as it can become uncomfortable for longer trips.

By train

The train network in Sri Lanka is good. There are many trains running to and from various cities. There is also a railway line along the coast. Often, you can enjoy beautiful views during the train journey. You can check this site to see if there is a train from your location to Mirissa.

What to do in Mirissa?

In Mirissa, you can blissfully relax by the sea for a few days. We’ve listed the best activities for you!

1. Relax at Secret Beach

Secret Beach is a secluded beach in Mirissa. Although it is no longer a secret, it is not easy to reach. It is about a 20 to 30-minute walk from the center. You can also choose to take a tuktuk, but you will need to walk the last part as it is too steep for tuktuks. We recommend walking the entire way, as you will pass by local houses, providing an interesting glimpse into local life. Along the way, you will pass families selling coconuts and water, where you can take a break. At Secret Beach, there are a few cozy beach bars. If you buy a drink, you can relax on one of the beach beds.

2. Enjoy the view at Coconut Tree Hill

Coconut Tree Hill is very popular among travelers. Many travelers come here to take the perfect Instagram photo, and for good reason. The hill is filled with palm trees and offers a beautiful view of the clear blue water. Be careful not to get hit by a falling coconut! Coconut Tree Hill is about a 15-minute walk from Mirissa Beach.

Tip: Put your phone or camera away for a moment and enjoy the view with your own eyes!

3. Go surfing!

About a 20-minute drive from Mirissa, you'll find Weligama Beach. This small coastal town is known as a perfect surf spot. Surfers from all over the world come to Weligama to surf. You can easily book a surf lesson at one of the surf schools along the coast. Weligama is also suitable for beginner surfers. After surfing, you can enjoy a drink at one of the trendy restaurants. There are also plenty of surfing opportunities in Mirissa itself!

How to get there?
From Mirissa, you can easily take a bus or a tuktuk to Weligama. You can also choose to rent a scooter and drive there yourself.

4. Take a day trip to Galle Fort

In the town of Galle, you can still see much of the colonial history. In the 16th century, the Portuguese established a trading post in Galle. They began building a fort to protect their trading interests from external attacks. In the 17th century, the Dutch took over the fort. Under Dutch rule, Galle became an important center for trade. In the 19th century, the British took over Galle. Today, the Galle Fort is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the center of Galle, you will find many colonial buildings, old churches, European-style houses, and narrow alleyways. This gives you the feeling of walking in Europe. Galle also has charming boutiques worth exploring.

Check out our article with the best tips for Galle!

How to get there?
It is about a 1-hour drive from Mirissa to Galle by car. You can also easily take a bus from Mirissa to Galle, which takes just under 2 hours. You can use Google Maps to find the best bus to take and where the buses stop. Another option is to take a tuktuk or taxi, or rent a scooter and drive yourself.

5. Go bodyboarding!

The waves in Mirissa are great for bodyboarding. Along Mirissa Beach, there are several rental shops where you can rent bodyboards. Bodyboarding is a bit easier than surfing because you don't have to stand on the board; you can stay lying on your stomach. Let yourself be carried by the powerful waves and then relax on the beach with a refreshing drink.

6. Enjoy a drink on the beach

In the evenings, Mirissa Beach becomes a lively and cozy place. The beach loungers are cleared away to make room for tables with charming lights for dinner. After dinner, you can still enjoy a drink at many places. Some restaurants feature live music and bonfires. We recommend having a drink in the evening at Taboo Lounge Mirissa—a great spot!

7. Climb Parrot Rock

Parrot Rock is a rock formation off the coast of Mirissa. The rock is accessible from Mirissa Beach when the tide is low. When the tide is high, you'll need to walk through the water or swim to reach it. It is usually much quieter on the rock during these times. From Parrot Rock, you have a great view of Mirissa Beach and the sea.

8. Take a day trip to Unawatuna

Unawatuna is another tropical coastal town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka where you can enjoy sun, sea, and sand. Unawatuna is known for its coral reef offshore, making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling. Many boats off the coast offer snorkeling tours and take you to various spots on the water. After your underwater adventure, you can relax at one of the cozy beach bars.

Check out our article with the best tips for Unawatuna!

How to get there?
From Mirissa, it is about a 45-minute drive to Unawatuna. You can also easily take a bus from Mirissa to Unawatuna, which takes just under 2 hours. Use Google Maps to find the best bus and where the buses stop. Alternatively, you can take a tuktuk or taxi, or rent a scooter and drive yourself.

Good to know: Unawatuna is currently very popular among Russian tourists. Restaurants often have Russian signs, and locals may assume you speak Russian, offering you the Russian menu. While it’s a beautiful destination, you might prefer to skip Unawatuna if you’re not fond of highly touristy places.

Tip: Unawatuna and Galle are close to each other, so you can easily combine a visit to both places.

9. Visit the Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery

The Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery in Koggala is about a 30-minute drive from Mirissa. This turtle center rescues injured turtles and releases the rehabilitated ones back into the sea. Many turtles have injuries from getting caught in fishing nets, causing damage to their eyes or shells. For a small fee, you can take a tour and support The Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery in this way.

Tip: The place is on the way to Unawatuna and Galle, so you can easily combine a visit with trips to these places. If you’re taking a tuktuk, you can ask the driver to make a stop here.

10. Go whale watching

Mirissa is one of the most renowned places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Many travelers book whale-watching tours to spot the blue whale, which is the largest animal on earth and therefore quite special. However, keep in mind that spotting a blue whale or other whales requires a bit of luck. During a whale-watching tour, you might also see dolphins and turtles if you’re fortunate.

The best season for whale watching in Mirissa is from December to March, as this is when whales migrate south.

Note: Make sure to book a tour with a company that prioritizes the well-being of the animals and adheres to international guidelines.

11. Eat at The Station Food Truck

The Station Food Truck is a truck along the main road where they sell fast food. The food isn’t very local, but the atmosphere is enjoyable. The food truck has a few tables with a sea view and cheerful lights, creating a cozy ambiance. It’s a great spot if you’re in the mood for something quick and easy to eat.

Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?

See all our articles with the best tips to discover all beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?

See all our articles with the best tips to discover all beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

About the authors

How nice that you are on our website and that you have read this article! We are Mirte and Matthew, two Dutch adventurers with a passion for traveling, discovering cultures, and gaining new experiences. We've translated our love for the world into this website. We hope our articles inspire you to go on adventures! You can learn more about us through the button below.