Why Mirissa & Whale Watching will steal your heart
Mirissa is the kind of beach you dream about on a grey winter's day: a golden crescent of sand curving around a bay of warm turquoise water, backed by swaying coconut palms and relaxed beach cafés. But there's more to Mirissa than good looks. Just offshore lies one of the best places on Earth to see the largest animal that has ever lived.
The continental shelf drops away steeply off Sri Lanka's southern tip, bringing deep, nutrient-rich water close to the shore. Blue whales feed here, and from roughly November to April, boats head out at dawn in search of them. As well as blue whales, you may see sperm whales, Bryde's whales and huge, playful pods of spinner dolphins leaping around the boat. Seeing a blue whale surface, blow and then raise its enormous tail before diving is an experience that stays with you forever.
Back on land, Mirissa is all about relaxing. Swim in the calm waters of the bay, find a sunbed in the shade, or walk to the end of the beach and climb Parrot Rock, a small rocky islet with lovely views. Head to Coconut Tree Hill, a headland covered in palm trees overlooking the ocean. It's one of the most photographed spots on the south coast, especially at sunset.
Nearby, Secret Beach is a small, sheltered cove that's perfect for a quieter swim, and the surf breaks of Weligama are only a few minutes away if you fancy a lesson.
When the sun goes down, the beach restaurants come alive. Tables are set out on the sand, candles are lit, and the day's catch is displayed on ice: prawns, crab, tuna and snapper, grilled to order with garlic butter or Sri Lankan spices. With the sound of the waves and a cold drink in hand, it's the perfect end to the perfect day.
