The continental shelf runs unusually close to shore at Mirissa, which is why the largest animal that has ever lived comes within an hour of the harbour. Between December and April, blue whale sightings run well above eighty per cent.
We use small licensed boats that keep proper distance, and we leave at first light, before the swell builds and before the rest of the fleet arrives.
On land, Mirissa is a crescent of sand with a rock at one end to climb for the view. There is very little to do, and that is the appeal.