Mirissa
Whale watching and a quiet bay
A small beach town on the south coast and the main base for blue whale and dolphin watching between November and April.
Photo Gallery
About Mirissa
Mirissa has a curved sandy bay, a palm-covered headland (Coconut Tree Hill) and plenty of guesthouses and seafood restaurants. Whale watching boats leave from the harbour at around 6:30am and trips last 3–5 hours; blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins are the most common sightings. Galle is about 45 minutes away and Yala about 3 hours.
Did you know?
The waters off southern Sri Lanka are one of the few places in the world where blue whales can be seen close to shore.
Location & Getting There
How to Get There
By road
About 2.5 hours from Colombo or the airport on the Southern Expressway.
By train
Mirissa and Weligama stations are on the coastal line from Colombo Fort (about 3.5 hours).
With us
Your driver-guide picks you up from the airport or your hotel, so you can add Mirissa to any private tour.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: November to April
- Recommended duration: 2-3 days
- Take seasickness tablets before a whale-watching trip if you are prone to it.
- Sea conditions are calmest from December to April; May to October brings rougher water.
- Watch for red flags — some parts of the beach have strong currents.
Tours that include Mirissa
South Coast Tour
Galle Fort, Unawatuna and Mirissa in 4 days
Complete Sri Lanka Tour
Culture, tea country, safari and beaches in 10 days
Ready to Visit Mirissa?
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest a route that includes Mirissa, with a price per day.