Snorkeling in Mirissa, Mirissa Overview

A beach town on Sri Lanka’s southern shores, Mirissa is renowned for its namesake Mirissa Beach, nightlife, and whale and dolphin watching. The stunning Mirissa Beach is a popular site for water sports, such as surfing and snorkeling, which are always on demand.

Snorkeling in Mirissa usually lasts for a few hours and offers a fantastic opportunity to gaze at the diversity of the enchanting marine life, from the smallest of fish to the blue whale, the largest mammal! Corals and turtles are also aplenty at the reef. The best part—snorkeling at this beautiful beachside retreat can be enjoyed by beginners as well as experienced folk, and it does not require one to know swimming.

Snorkeling Spots in Mirissa

Mirissa has a wide array of underwater life, such as coral, moray eels, starfish, jellyfish and clams. But the highlights of snorkelling here are the sea turtles and whales.

Turtle Bay at Mirissa Beach is a favourite spot for visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to swim amongst turtles. Another place for snorkelling is the area around the island of Parrot Rock. Head out on a boat away from the mainland to catch glimpses of blue whales and dolphins.

Snorkeling Organizers in Mirissa

As one of the most sought-after locations for snorkeling in Sri Lanka, Mirissa has a plethora of diving centres that arrange snorkeling expeditions at the beach. The diving centres at Mirissa include Mirissa Dive Center, Mirissa Snorkeling Tours and Muthu Tours Mirissa, to name a few. They usually open as early as 6 AM.
The organizers always provide snorkeling gear and oxygen tanks, and, a certified instructor accompanies tourists. Prices for half a day of snorkeling begin from around LKR 1500.

Best Time For Snorkeling in Mirissa

Like most locations on the southern coast, the best time for snorkeling in Mirissa is from November to March, when the waves are at their finest. Head out to the beach in the early morning or after sunset to catch the best waves.