We originally chose Mirissa with the hopes of seeing blue whales, but unfortunately, sightings have been low this season compared to past years. This may be due to changes in climate or increased tourism pressures. We heard that multiple large boats sometimes chase a single whale, which can be incredibly stressful for the animals. This reminded me of the best whale-watching experience I had in Australia, where strict regulations were in place. Boats had rules on how close they could get, and helicopters helped guide them while also directing snorkelers in front of the whales to avoid disturbing their natural behavior. While this type of ecotourism is rare, it serves as a model for wildlife-friendly interactions, something that we didn’t experience in Mirissa.

Despite the change in plans, we made the most of our day in Mirissa. Both David and I are the “go, go, go” type of travelers, so sitting on the beach wasn’t initially on our agenda. However, our whale-watching tour was canceled, leaving us with a full day to explore and unwind.

We started the day with breakfast at a cozy restaurant near our hotel, a perk of booking through Booking.com. We stayed at Eco Square Resort, choosing a superior room with AC. The family that owns the hotel was incredibly kind and accommodating, and the location was perfect—close enough to the beach and restaurants but tucked away just enough for a peaceful night’s rest.

After breakfast, we decided to walk to the famous Coconut Tree Hill. The view of the ocean from here was breathtaking, but it can get quite crowded as many tours stop at this iconic spot. We arrived around 10 AM and were lucky to beat the crowds—by the time we were leaving, a large group was just arriving.

Next, we walked down the beach, trying to find a quieter spot away from the throngs of tourists. Using Google Maps’ satellite feature, we found a secluded area where we could relax in the shade for an hour. The waves were surprisingly large, which made swimming a bit tricky, but we found a small area protected by rocks where we took a refreshing dip.

Afterward, we made our way to Mirissa Beach, where we rented lounge chairs with umbrellas and indulged in a King coconut. This local drink is sweeter than regular coconut water and a perfect treat for a hot day. The swimming conditions here were better, so we took several dips in the sea to cool off. We also climbed Parrot Rock, which offered a lovely panoramic view of the area.

For a late lunch, we stopped at Hey Mama, a charming spot near our hotel with a variety of vegetarian options. While the food in Mirissa tends to be more tourist-oriented and pricier than elsewhere in Sri Lanka, many places accepted credit cards, which was convenient. In the afternoon, we treated ourselves to another relaxing massage at Badora Spa, then watched an amazing sunset from the main beach. Finally, we returned to the hotel to rinse off all the coconut oil before enjoying a delicious Sri Lankan curry for dinner.

The next morning, we woke up around 5 AM for our whale-watching tour. Unfortunately, the whales were elusive, but we had the chance to swim with a pod of Risso dolphins, which was a highlight. However, the tour itself was chaotic—poor organization, strong winds, and a lack of communication from the operators (we went with Maduzz Tour) made it less enjoyable. I would recommend skipping this tour if you’re planning a visit to Mirissa.

After the tour, we met up with our driver and set off for Udawalawe National Park, where we would be celebrating Christmas on a safari adventure!