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Coconut Tree Hill on the headland at Mirissa, seen from above

South coast

Mirissa

A crescent beach with palm-covered headlands, Parrot Rock and Secret Beach, and whale-watching boats from the harbour in season.

Plan a trip with Mirissa
Time to spend
2 nights
Best months
December to April.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and scooters. The coast road can be busy, so take care walking at night.
Good to know
Swim only where locals swim. Rip currents are common, and red flags mean the sea is unsafe.

Mirissa is the classic south-coast beach stop: a curved bay, a small rocky islet called Parrot Rock, and the palm-topped headland of Coconut Tree Hill.

From roughly November to April, boats leave the harbour early in the morning to look for blue whales and other cetaceans on the shipping lanes off Dondra Head. Choose an operator that keeps a respectful distance from the animals and limits the number of boats around them.

Weligama, ten minutes west, has a long sandy bay with small, friendly waves for beginner surfers, and the small rocky cove of Secret Beach is a short tuk-tuk ride from the main beach.

What to see and do

  • Whale watching from Mirissa harbour

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    A morning boat trip of four to six hours to look for blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins. Sightings are likely in season but never guaranteed.

    5 hr · MorningLKR 8,000 to LKR 17,000estimate

    Operator prices vary widely; this is a planning range.

    Usually not running or closed: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct.

  • Mirissa Beach and Parrot Rock

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    The main bay, lined with cafes, with Parrot Rock reachable on foot at low tide in calm weather.

    3 hr · AfternoonFree entry

  • Coconut Tree Hill

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    A small headland of leaning palms above the sea at the east end of the bay. Busy at sunset.

    45 min · SunsetFree entry

Also consider

Nearby places to stay

Photos

Mirissa beach lined with coconut palms
Mirissa beach lined with coconut palms
Rocks and clear water along the shore at Mirissa
Rocks and clear water along the shore at Mirissa
Palms and sun loungers along Mirissa beach
Palms and sun loungers along Mirissa beach
Parrot Rock at the end of the reef on Mirissa beach
Parrot Rock at the end of the reef on Mirissa beach
The small rocky cove at Secret Beach, Mirissa
The small rocky cove at Secret Beach, Mirissa
Evening over the sea seen from Parrot Rock, Mirissa
Evening over the sea seen from Parrot Rock, Mirissa

Ready-made trips that include Mirissa

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