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Mirissa is a palm-backed bay in Matara District with restaurants and bars, and the island's main base for whale-watching trips.
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Mirissa Beach
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One of 19 Things to Do in Sri Lanka
In short
Mirissa is a palm-backed bay in Sri Lanka's Matara District with restaurants and bars, and the island's main base for whale-watching trips. The beach is free. Half a day suits a swim, or longer if you join a boat. It suits couples and beach lovers on the south coast.
Mirissa is a palm-backed bay in Matara District on Sri Lanka's south coast, about 150 km south of Colombo, with a lively strip of restaurants and bars. It is the island's main base for whale-watching trips, which leave from the harbour early in the morning in season, at about 6 to 7 am. It suits beach travellers and anyone hoping to see whales.
The south coast's largest fishing port
Mirissa is the largest fishing port on the south coast, landing tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish. The whale boats leave from the same harbour.
From 1980 guesthouses to the 2004 tsunami
The first tourist accommodation opened in 1980, and visitor numbers rose sharply from the mid-1990s. The 2004 tsunami damaged or destroyed many buildings and killed fourteen people here. The village had about 4,700 residents in 2012.
Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Rock and Secret Beach
Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock are short walks from the beach. Secret Beach and the Sri Sunandarama temple are also close.
Picking a responsible whale-watching boat
Choose whale-watching operators that follow responsible distance rules. The sea can be rough on the boats; take seasickness tablets if needed. Book whale watching for the start of your stay, since trips can be cancelled for weather.
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Key information
🐋Known for: Whale watching
⏰Whale trips: Leave about 6 to 7 am
📅Best time: November to April
🎟️Entry: Free beach; boat trips extra
🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
Explore the area
Koggala Beach 15.3 km
Unawatuna Beach 24.6 km
Jungle Beach, Rumassala 25.6 km
Galle Lighthouse 27.9 km
Galle Fort 28.1 km
✦
Plan your visit to Mirissa Beach
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Experiences
- Whale-watching trips
- Coconut Tree Hill
- Parrot Rock
- Beach restaurants and bars
What They Offer
Visit duration
Half day
Timed entry required No
Tours & experiences
Guided tours and experiences that include Mirissa Beach. See tours
Accessibility
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Age limits
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
What to pack
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
What to wear
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Not allowed
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Amenities
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Tips for visiting Mirissa Beach
- Book whale watching early in your stay.
- Choose responsible operators.
- Take seasickness tablets if needed.
Driving
13 km from the Kokmaduwa interchange of the Southern Expressway.
Public transportation
About 2 km from Mirissa railway station.
Address
Opening Hours
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Special events
No special events on record for Mirissa Beach.
Best times to visit
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Best days to visit
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Best months to visit
November to April.
Visitor policy
Cancellation and prepayment
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Children and admission
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Groups
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Pets
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Photography
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Bags
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Smoking
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Accepted payment
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
In Mirissa, Matara District, on the south coast.
Whale watching; it is the island's main base for trips.
Yes; boat trips cost extra.
Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock, a short walk away.
Pick one that follows responsible distance rules.
It can be; take seasickness tablets if needed.
There is a lively strip of restaurants and bars.
Yes, entry to Mirissa Beach is free.
Timing & weather
Early in the morning, about 6 to 7 am, in season.
November to April.
Most visitors spend Half day at Mirissa Beach.
Cancellations & changes
Yes, for weather, so book early in your stay.
Getting there
About 150 km. The Southern Expressway interchange at Kokmaduwa is 13 km away.
You can reach Mirissa Beach by public transport or by car. Both routes are described under How to get there on this page.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for Mirissa Beach, about 151 km away in a straight line.