Mirissa
Mirissa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: January–April, November–December
Mirissa is a small resort town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, east of Weligama. Its curved sandy bay ends in a rocky point with a small islet, and the main surf spot is a right-hand reef break off that point. It is a fun, fairly short wave on most days, steeper and faster when the swell is bigger, and it suits intermediate surfers. Small sandbars in the bay can give gentler waves on small days.
The season runs from about November to April, when the north-east monsoon brings offshore or light winds and south-west swells reach the south coast. From May to October the south-west monsoon makes the sea rough and onshore. The water stays around 27–29 °C, so a rash vest is enough. The take-off zone is small and quickly crowded, so take turns. Watch for the shallow reef and rocks near the point, especially at lower tides, and wear reef booties if you are unsure. The bay is also a base for whale-watching boats, so watch for boat traffic.
Spots near Mirissa
- Weligama (5 km)
- Midigama (8 km)
- Hikkaduwa (46 km)
- Arugam Bay (182 km)
- Kalpitiya Lagoon (266 km)