Highlights
- One of the best known beaches in Sri Lanka
- Snorkelling, diving and surfing nearby
- Restaurants and bars line the beach
- Glass bottom boat trips show the reef below
- Other beaches such as Jungle Beach are close by
Overview
Unawatuna, about 6 km east of Galle, has one of the best known beaches in Sri Lanka. The curved bay is partly sheltered by a reef, so the water is usually calm in season, making it good for swimming. Restaurants, cafes, guesthouses and dive shops line the sand.
What you see and do
- Swimming: calm water in the bay from about November to April.
- Snorkelling: around the rocks at either end of the bay, with reef fish and, at times, turtles. See diving and snorkelling in Unawatuna.
- The temple on the rock: a small white stupa on a rocky headland at the western end.
- Jungle Beach: a quieter cove reached by tuk-tuk or a walk over Rumassala.
- The beach swing: a popular photo spot.
In the evening, restaurants set out tables and fresh seafood on the beach.
When to go
November to April. From May to October, the south-west monsoon brings rough seas and rain, and some places close.
How long it takes
A day trip from Galle, or a stay of a few nights.
Getting there
Unawatuna is about 10 to 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Galle, and around 2 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway. The nearest railway station is Unawatuna or Galle.
Practical tips
- Do not stand on coral when snorkelling.
- Check the sea before swimming outside the season.
- Dress modestly away from the beach.
Also visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda. See things to do in Unawatuna and Unawatuna hotels.
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