Joanna James
Mirissa has some of the best beaches on the island and isn't too crowded like most beaches. There's so much to do here while soaking up the tropical sun.
Turtle Bay in Mirissa is a popular location to snorkel and swim with the turtles that are present during the low-tide times. Even if not for Turtle Bay, there are other snorkelling spots. In Mirissa, beach hotels are found in abundance lining the coastal stretch and most of them give the guest snorkel gear. Do ask if it's included in the facility so that you don't have to go through the trouble of finding gears from others as they quote a higher price.
Surfing is also becoming quite popular over here, especially in Weligama, which is just in close proximity to Mirissa. The surfs here are ideal for beginners and intermediates. There are many surf schools that are scattered around in case you want to get some surfing lessons and tick it off your bucket-list.
Again, a popular location to spot whales; blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins. The optimum season is from October to May, where you could get to witness one of the world's largest mammals just a few meters further from your boat! Again, there are many resorts, like Mandara Resort Mirissa, that provide whale watching excursions to their guests. Going to a known hotel or resort is always a better option even if it might cost just a tad extra because there are chances of being ripped off!
Stilt Fishing is a traditional way of shallow water fishing in Sri Lanka. Though it was used primarily to catch fish, now it attracts tourists. Do take your camera with you, because this is a view that must be captured. You could also go just before sunset and enjoy postcard views of this fisherman, seated against the beautiful blazing sunset.
Relaxing on a beach chair after a long day of water sports, exploring or just sunbathing, as basic as it sounds, should definitely be done! To unwind your holiday overlooking the Indian ocean, with a cocktail or wine glass in hand, watching the sun descend across the horizon while lighting up the sky with the glorious shades, just before it all turns dark, is one of the most peaceful moments you will experience.
As Mirissa is a popular tourist destination, there are many restaurants and cafes that keep popping up. Venture around on foot or rent a bicycle and cycle through the town in search of food. Apart from cafes, there are also local boutiques and shops where you can get authentic Lankan cuisine like Pol roti from. Seafood is without a doubt popular, so do try hot butter cuttlefish if you haven't before. It's a staple among Sri Lankans.
Leaving aside the tourist-hungry people, who will always try to get the attention of the tourists and won't leave them alone, there are genuinely friendly locals who would love to invite you over for a game of Karem- a board game and eat some "short eats" or snacks like vegetable roti along with iced-coffee.
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