Mirissa Beach — Whale Watching, Best Season, Prices 2025

Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching

A beach with a coconut palm on a rock, whales in the ocean, and an atmosphere people describe as "like Thailand 20 years ago." Mirissa is Sri Lanka's premier whale-watching destination and a beach that has maintained a balance between infrastructure and relaxation. Here you can spot a blue whale in the morning and watch the sunset with a cocktail in the evening.

Whales

Season

November through April—blue whales and sperm whales pass along the southern coast. Peak season is January-March. Mirissa is the main departure point for whale watching tours.

Tours

Boats depart early morning (6:00-6:...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum1 hours

Recommended2 hours

Maximum3 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Beach free. Whale watching $30-50 per person depending on operator.

Best Time to Visit

November to April for whale watching (peak Dec-Mar). Beach good Dec-Apr. Monsoon May-Oct brings rough seas and rain.

Crowd Level

High — many people

Price Range

Budget

Official Website

How to Get There

From Colombo: 3-4 hours by expressway then coastal road. From Galle: 40 min. Train to Weligama (10 min away) then tuk-tuk. Direct buses from Colombo, Galle, Matara.

What to Expect

Whale watching: 4-hour boat trips starting 6:30 AM. 90%+ chance of seeing whales in season. Beach: golden sand, palm trees, Parrot Rock for sunset, surf breaks for beginners. Secret Beach for quieter swimming.

Best Photo Spot

Parrot Rock at sunset. Blue whale breaching (from boat). Coconut Tree Hill nearby for Instagram shot.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFebMar

Good Time

NovApr

Avoid

MayJunJulAugSepOct

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Available

Charging

Outlets available

Mobile signal

Good

Facilities & Services

restrooms

restaurants

bars

surf rentals

boat tours

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

24 hours

Note

Beach open 24/7. Whale watching November-April, boats depart 6:00-7:00 AM. Tours 3-5 hours, ~$45 USD including breakfast. Blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins. Best months March-April. 40 minutes from Galle, 4 hours from Colombo. Overnight stay in Mirissa recommended.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Partially accessible

Audio Guide

Not available

Staff Assistance

Not available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching

During season (Nov-Apr), there's 90%+ chance of seeing whales. About 50% chance specifically for blue whales. Sperm whales and dolphins very common.

Raja & the Whales (original operator, ethical) or Whale Watching Club (smaller boats, $50). Avoid cheap operators — they crowd whales and don't follow guidelines.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching

Whale watching: book ethical operators (Raja & the Whales, Whale Watching Club). Take seasickness pills. Season Nov-Apr only. Beach: Parrot Rock for sunset, Secret Beach less crowded.

From Colombo: 3-4 hours by expressway then coastal road. From Galle: 40 min. Train to Weligama (10 min away) then tuk-tuk. Direct buses from Colombo, Galle, Matara.

Parrot Rock at sunset. Blue whale breaching (from boat). Coconut Tree Hill nearby for Instagram shot.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Now

25°

92%3 м/с

Today

29°25°

Tomorrow

28°25°

Thu

29°25°

Fri

28°25°

Sat

28°25°

Sun

28°26°

Mon

28°26°

30°

24°Jan

31°

24°Feb

31°

25°Mar

31°

25°Apr

30°

26°May

29°

26°Jun

29°

25°Jul

29°

25°Aug

29°

25°Sep

30°

25°Oct

30°

24°Nov

30°

24°Dec

Water temperature

28°

29°

30°

29°

28°

27°

28°