Mirissa: Snorkeling with Turtles & Underwater Photos

Summary

Swim with sea turtles in Mirissa’s clear waters, spot coral and fish, keep underwater photos as a memory

You’ll float above Mirissa’s reefs watching turtles glide by, feel salt on your lips and sand between your toes, laugh at your own snorkel struggles, and leave with real underwater photos as proof you did it. A local guide keeps things easygoing—just bring your curiosity (and maybe a dry towel).

What’s the experience like?

“You don’t need a boat for the turtles — they come right here,” our guide grinned, pointing at the quiet patch of water by the rocks. I’d expected some kind of big setup but it was just us, the masks and snorkels, and that salty breeze coming off the Indian Ocean. The sand felt warm under my feet while I tried to remember how to breathe through a snorkel (harder than it looks when you’re nervous). Our guide handed me the mask and adjusted the strap for me — he noticed I was fiddling with it too much. “Relax, they’re friendly,” he said, probably seeing my face.

The first time my face went under, everything changed. It got quiet except for my own awkward breathing and this weird echo from the waves above. Suddenly there were these greenish-brown shapes moving slow — turtles, just hanging out like it was nothing special. One swam so close I could see its shell scratched up from years in the sea. The water tasted a bit metallic but not bad, and sometimes I’d pop up just to laugh because honestly? I couldn’t believe how close we were. Fish darted around too — flashes of yellow and blue — but it’s those turtles that stay with me.

Our guide kept checking on us, sometimes diving down to point at bits of coral or waving so we’d look at something cool (I missed one because I was fogging up my mask trying to smile). He took underwater photos for us — which is good because mine would’ve been all thumbs. When we finally came out, dripping and sandy, he showed us some of the shots on his phone. My hair looked wild but I didn’t care; you can’t fake that kind of grin after swimming with turtles in Mirissa. Still thinking about that slow moment when everything else faded out except sunlight on a shell… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling with turtles and marine life

• Put on snorkeling gear
• Swim and observe underwater
• See turtles, coral, and fish
• Receive underwater photos and videos

Top questions

Is this snorkeling tour in Mirissa done from a boat?

No, there is no boat ride involved. You enter directly from the shore.

Are underwater photos included in the Mirissa snorkeling experience?

Yes, all underwater photos and videos are included with your tour.

Is snorkeling with turtles in Mirissa suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels unless you have certain health conditions listed.

Will we see other marine life besides turtles?

You may also see coral and various colorful fish while snorkeling.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes a local guide who provides all snorkeling gear along with underwater photos and videos—no boat needed—so you can focus on swimming alongside turtles right off Mirissa’s shore.