Turtles at Mirissa Beach
Encounter the graceful green sea turtles of Mirissa, known for their calm nature and distinctive shells. These ancient creatures, growing up to 4 feet long, glide effortlessly through the water, offering a rare and unforgettable underwater experience.
Turtles at Mirissa Beach – A Magical Encounter with Nature
Mirissa Beach, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, isn’t just a paradise for travelers—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles. Nestled along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, this beautiful beach offers a rare opportunity to witness these gentle marine creatures up close in their natural habitat. Whether you're snorkeling through vibrant coral reefs or simply watching from the shore, encountering turtles in Mirissa is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the island’s rich marine life.
Mirissa and its surroundings are home to several endangered sea turtle species, including:
- Green Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Olive Ridley Turtle
- Loggerhead Turtle
- Leatherback Turtle
Turtle
Turtle Hatchery – Protecting New Life by the Shore
The turtle hatchery near Mirissa is a heartwarming place where conservation meets education. Here, you can see how local efforts help protect endangered sea turtles—especially baby hatchlings—before they're safely released into the ocean. It’s a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages, offering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of marine life and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Turtle Snorkeling – Swim with Gentle Giants
Snorkeling with turtles in the warm, shallow waters of Mirissa is a magical experience. Just a few meters from the shore, you can spot green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully through coral gardens. With calm waves and clear visibility, Mirissa offers one of the best chances to swim alongside these peaceful creatures—an unforgettable adventure that brings you face-to-face with nature at its finest.
Specials
Mirissa is part of Sri Lanka’s south coast turtle corridor, where several endangered sea turtle species nest or forage. You’ll most likely spot them while snorkeling or visiting hatcheries nearby.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Green Sea Turtle is most commonly seen turtle in Mirissa.
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Color: Olive-green shell, smooth and heart-shaped.
- Size: Up to 1.5 meters; can weigh over 150 kg.
- Diet: Mostly seagrass and algae (herbivorous). Behavior: Calm and slow swimmers, often found grazing in shallow areas.
- Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List).
- Nesting: Occasionally nests on nearby beaches, especially in protected zones.
Join us for a magical journey into the heart of Mirissa's marine life!
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Color: Amber-colored shell with overlapping scutes (tiles).
- Size: Up to 90 cm; up to 80 kg.
- Diet: Sponges, sea anemones, and soft corals.
- Behavior: FMore shy and elusive but sometimes seen in coral reefs around Mirissa.
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered.
- Unique Trait: Beautiful patterned shell often targeted illegally for jewelry.
Experience the thrill of snorkeling with whales in Mirissa.
Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
- Color: Olive-green shell, slightly heart-shaped.
- Size: Up to 70 cm; weighs ~ 45 kg.
- Diet: Crabs, jellyfish, and shrimp.
- Behavior: Less commonly seen, but sometimes nest on south coast beaches.
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable.
- Note: Famous for mass nesting behavior (arribada), though not common in Sri Lanka.
Explore the underwater wonders of Mirissa with our guided scuba diving tours.
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Color: Reddish-brown shell, strong jaws.
- Size: Up to 1 meter; weighs 100–180 kg.
- Diet: Crabs, conchs, and other hard-shelled prey.
- Behavior: Rare around Mirissa; sightings are occasional.
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable./span>
- Note: They’re powerful swimmers and prefer deeper waters.
Experience the thrill of snorkeling with whales in Mirissa.
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The Leatherback Turtleis the largest sea turtle and very rare in Mirissa. It has a soft, leathery shell and is a rare but amazing sight.
- Color: Dark, leathery skin with white spots (no hard shell).
- Size: Up to 2 meters; can weigh 500 kg+.
- Diet: Jellyfish and soft-bodied sea creatures.
- Behavior: Highly migratory; rarely seen near shore in Mirissa.
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered.
- Note: Occasionally spotted during deep-sea expeditions.
Experience the thrill of snorkeling with whales in Mirissa.
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