People call it their favorite day in Sri Lanka
Ten minutes from Mirissa, behind the mangrove. Flat water, kingfishers, and at dusk, thousands of fruit bats overhead.
Book nowThe water is glass and the birds are loudest. No noise from tuk-tuks, buses or people. Our first boat goes out at 06:00.
The best hours for the narrow shaded channels, and long enough for a half day. Time to stop at the island in the middle.
Our quietest stretch, and the easiest to book at short notice. Warm, slow, and the lizards are out on the roots.
Paddle through the sunset. Thousands of fruit bats leave the treeline and cross above you. Last two-hour start is 17:00.
What's out there
Nothing is guaranteed — but this is what our guests see mostUp to two metres long, stretched out on the mangrove roots or swimming right past the boat.
Troops move through the trees along the bank — often heard before they're seen.
A colony lives in the treeline. In the evening they lift off together and cross above you.
Kingfishers hunting the shallows, herons standing in the reeds, and eagles circling overhead.
What guests say
“There is no noise from tuk-tuks, buses or people. You have the entire lagoon to yourself and the only sounds you hear are from the wildlife. Very relaxing, calm and almost meditative.”
“Booked last minute and they were very accommodating. Picked us up and provided all the gear. The kayak was so peaceful. Very enjoyable afternoon on the water.”
“We did the kayaking for the first time, me, my wife with our 15 months old son. The guide was helpful, professional. The location was just amazing — serene, calm, peaceful.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes — on Garadu Lagoon, ten minutes inland from Mirissa beach. It's a mangrove-lined lagoon protected from the surf and the road, so the water stays flat all day and the wildlife stays close. We're open every day from 06:00 to 19:00, and you pick your own start time rather than joining a fixed departure.
You book the kayak, not the seat — so a double costs less than two singles, and couples and families pay less than they would per person. Prices start at LKR 4,650. Choose single or double, then one hour, two hours or a half day, and the total updates as you go. You'll see exactly what you owe before you confirm anything.
No. The lagoon is flat, sheltered water with no current and no open sea, and our kayaks are wide and stable. If you can sit in a boat and follow a short briefing, you can paddle here. We show you how before you get in.
They're genuinely different days out. 06:00–09:00 is glass water and the loudest birdsong, before any traffic. 09:00–13:00 is the best light for the narrow shaded channels, and long enough for a half day. 13:00–16:00 is our quietest stretch and the easiest to get at short notice. 16:00–19:00 is golden light, and then thousands of fruit bats crossing overhead as they leave the treeline — the last two-hour start is 17:00.
Two hours is what most guests choose and what we'd suggest. One hour is enough to get out, see the lagoon and come back, but it's tight if you want to sit still and watch anything. Two hours lets you reach the mangrove channels without rushing. A half day is for people who want to stop at the island in the middle and make a morning of it.
If you're unsure, book the longer option — extra time is arranged when you book, not out on the water.
Both work. The lagoon is small and sheltered enough to paddle on your own, and plenty of guests do. A guide is worth it if you want the wildlife found for you — they know where the monitor lizards bask, where the kingfishers hunt and where the bat colony roosts. You choose when you book, and the price shown already includes it either way.
Yes — this is a family lagoon, and smaller children share a double kayak with an adult. We recommend 8 and up, and some swimming experience, simply because a child who is comfortable in water has a better time out there. Life jackets are provided in every size and are worn throughout. If your child is younger and you're unsure, message us first and we'll tell you honestly whether it'll work.
You pay online when you book, securely by card — that's what confirms your kayak straight away, with no waiting for a reply. It's the full amount up front, and there's nothing to pay when you arrive. If your plans change, just let us know.
Everything starts at our kayak base on Garadu Lagoon, about ten minutes from Mirissa. Tuk tuk pick-up is an optional, paid extra you can add when you book — priced per tuk tuk by road distance from the base, and you'll see the exact fare before you confirm. Beyond 10 km we can't collect you, but the base is an easy tuk tuk ride from anywhere in Mirissa. Come a few minutes early so we can fit your life jacket and run the briefing before your time starts.
Tuk tuk pick-up is one-way — it brings you to the kayak base. If you'd like a return tuk tuk back afterwards, just let us know and we'll arrange it directly, and sort the small extra with you then.
Booking
That's 1 double kayak — 2 seats.
Your guide paddles with you and knows where to look. Included in the price below.
No start times left for Wed 9 Sept. Please try another day.
Paddle any time from 06:00. We close at 19:00.
Required by our bank to verify the cardholder at check-in. Stored securely and never shared. See our Privacy Policy.
Pick-up
Tuk tuk pick-up in Mirissa. Loading prices…
Pick a start time to continue.
More ways to get in the water
Diving & PADI
Fun dives and full PADI courses on the reefs off both coasts.
Explore Diving & PADI →
Snorkeling
Turtles, coral gardens and reef sharks — guided trips on both coasts.
Explore Snorkeling →
Whale & Dolphin
Blue whales, fin whales and big pods of spinner dolphins, in season.
Explore Whale & Dolphin →