Last updated on January 17th, 2024 at 03:42 pm
If you plan to surf in Mirissa, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots around Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
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About Surfing in Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Surfing in Mirissa is definitely one of the main highlights of your surf trip to Sri Lanka. While other towns in the country got left behind, Mirissa adjusted itself to the growing tourism and became a popular destination for both surfers and vacationers. In fact, it is famous worldwide for its beautiful beach, great surf, and fun nightlife scene.
Located on the Southwest Coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa offers luxury beachfront hotels, great restaurants, and easy access to the best surf spots in the country. With world-class waves surrounded by stunning nature, Mirissa is a surf paradise. Unfortunately, it requires a big swell to work, but when such swell hits the coast, you can expect some very long rides.
Surf Seasons in Mirissa
Like all the Southwest Coast of Sri Lanka, the best time to surf Mirissa is between November and April. During these months, the swell is consistent, and the surf conditions are perfect. Since Mirissa requires a big swell to spread its magic, remember to check the forecast before you go. If it’s not big, just head to the other beaches in the area, like Midigama or Madiha.
During the surf season, the sun always shines on Mirissa. Therefore, a pair of shorts, flip-flops, and good sunscreen are all you need.
Surf Spots in the Mirissa Area
When surfing in Mirissa, you can choose between several different breaks, depending on the swell size and your surf level. In detail, these are the main spots in the area:
The Right-Hand Point Break:
This is Mirissa’s main surfing spot. It is a right-hand point break in the corner of the bay, offering long and slow rides. As mentioned, this break requires a big swell to perform well, but once such swell comes, you can stand up on your board for up to 1 minute.
Watch out for sea urchins; they are all over the reef. Moreover, you better play it safe and enter the water from the side, behind the big rock, where the bottom is sandy.
The Left Break:
If you walk all the way to the other side of Mirissa Bay, you will find a very slow and soft wave breaking to the left side. This spot is suitable mainly for longboards and performs only on big swells.
Madiha:
This spot is perfect for the small days when Mirissa is almost flat. In fact, the waves in Madiha are always the biggest in the area, and it is one of the most consistent spots in the country. To get there, you must take a 5-minute Tuk Tuk ride, and you can surf both rights and lefts over a rocky bottom.
Plantation:
This fun reef break is located about 10 minutes from Mirissa and opens up softly to the right side. Moreover, Just a short paddle from there, you can also surf a spot called Coconut, which breaks with even more power to both sides.
So, when surfing in Mirissa, you are surrounded by many great surf spots. Some of them are secret and not even mentioned here. However, getting a Tuk Tuk driver for a half day will cost you close to nothing, so you are more than welcome to explore the area on your own and go find them.
Can Beginners Surf in Mirissa?
Although the waves in Mirissa are slow and mellow, the bottom is rocky and full of sea urchins, which can cause injuries. So, Intermediates can easily surf in Mirissa, but it is not recommended for beginners surfing for the first time. Weligama, just 5 minutes away, is a perfect beginner spot.
Surf Hotels in Mirissa
Luckily, since Sri Lanka is so cheap, you can actually stay at a beachfront hotel in Mirissa for about $50-$80 a night (Mirissa is the most expensive town in Sri Lanka).
If you are on a low budget, you can cross the street and find hostels for even $5-10 a night.
These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Surf Sea Breeze, Mirissa– Offering a restaurant, Surf Sea Breeze, this front property is located in Mirissa South, right in front of the right-hand point break. This is the best location a surfer can get in Mirissa.
2. Number One Mirissa– Offering the facilities and benefits of an outdoor swimming pool and beachfront, Number One Mirissa provides a 24-hour front desk for the guests’ convenience. Free WiFi access is available in public areas of the property.
3. Little Tuna Surf Hostel– Little Tuna Surf Hostel is set only a few steps from Mirissa Beach, close to the point and to several great restaurants.
4. Paradise Beach Club– Paradise Beach Club features a beach-facing outdoor pool with a spa surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers.
For more surf hotels in Mirissa, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Surf Camps in Mirissa
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Mirissa’s surf scene at a surf camp. With the proper guidance and a supportive environment, a few days at one of Mirissa’s surf camps can do magic for your surfing skills.
These are the best surf camps in Mirissa:
1. Chuty Surfing School Mirissa.
2. Chez Podi Surfcamp.
3. Surf & Yoga Mirissa.
4. Salt Surf School.
For all the details about Mirissa surf camps, please click here.
Mirissa- Travel Information
Language– several Indo languages, mostly Sinhala.
Currency– Sri Lankan rupee.
Calling code– +94.
Time zone– GMT +5:30.
Pros– several good breaks in the area, warm water, beautiful beach, great nightlife, low prices.
Cons– the break at Mirissa works only when the swell is big.
Nightlife in Mirissa
Mirissa offers a Lovely nightlife scene. If you walk on the beach after the sun goes down, you will see many tables with candles and hear some great music. Later on, after 10 PM, there is always a party in one of these hotels, every evening it is a different one, so just ask the locals, or follow the music.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
Mirissa is an outstanding surf town. It offers a beautiful beach and a high-quality break. When the swell is right, the rides at the point break are pure perfection.
We hope you liked this surf guide to Mirissa. You can also check out other spots in Sri Lanka, such as Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay, as there is so much to explore in this beautiful country.
