When we first arrived at Unawatuna we felt like this place, especially the beaches seemed like they were cut out straight out of a postcard.
After spending a beautiful week surfing at Weligama Beach we thought that nothing could surprise us. But we were wrong, and beaches in Unawatuna proved that.
In case you’re looking for serene spots to relax under the shade of a palm tree, beaches filled with restaurants and cafes, or places with beautiful marine life, there’s something here for everyone.
The turquoise waters, soft sand, and laid-back vibe make Unawatuna a must-visit place for all beach lovers out there. Let’s dive into some of the best beaches. We’ll cover every beach in detail, why you should go there, and what’s special about it.
If Unawatuna still isn’t included in your plans, you should certainly add it to your Sri Lanka Itinerary, and we are 100% sure you won’t regret it.
Where is Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a small coastal town located in the southern province of Sri Lanka, about 5 kilometers south of Galle and around 150 kilometers from the capital city, Colombo.
As soon as we arrived in Unawatuna at our hotel, we decided to go to the beach. It was about a 2-minute walk from the accommodation. Upon arrival, we instantly felt the laid-back vibes of this place.
How to get to Unawatuna
Getting to Unawatuna is easy and there are a few different options depending on your budget and travel style.
By Train
One of the most scenic and affordable ways to get to Unawatuna is by taking the train from Colombo to Galle. The train unfortunately doesn’t go to Unawatuna directly.
The ride takes around 2-3 hours, and you can enjoy mesmerizing views of Sri Lanka’s coastline while looking from the window (you just need to sit on the right side of the train). While not as scenic as the Kandy to Ella train, it’s still an amazing ride.
From Galle, Unawatuna is just a quick 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away. The train is probably the most convenient way to travel from Colombo.
By Bus
Buses from Colombo to Galle are frequent and cost-effective. Once you reach Galle, hop on a local bus or take a tuk-tuk to Unawatuna. This option is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly way to travel.
In case you’re staying in Weligama and want to go to Unawatuna, you need to take a local bus that departs from the Weligama bus stand.
There isn’t any bus schedule, so in this situation, you just have to wait for the bus to come. Don’t worry, you won’t end up waiting for too long.
By Car or Taxi
Faster way how to get to Unawatuna is by booking a private car from Colombo. But it will be more expensive than train or bus.
The drive takes about 2-3 hours. While it’s more expensive than the train or bus, it’s a direct and hassle-free way to get to Unawatuna. Especially if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.
By Tuk-Tuk
Using tuk-tuks is the common way to get to Unawatuna if you’re staying somewhere nearby but not too far.
Keep in mind that if you want to travel on a budget, local buses are always the cheapest.
Where to stay
You have a couple of areas to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
The main beach area is the heart of Unawatuna, perfect for those who want to be close to the action. The beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops close to each other.
For those who want a more peaceful, secluded and quieter stay while still being close to the main beach, the Jungle Beach area is a great choice.
Dalawella and Wijaya Beach area is for people who are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. That’s where we decided to stay. There are fewer restaurants compared to the Unawatuna Beach area.
Best Beaches in Unawatuna
1. Jungle Beach
Jungle Beach is located just a short distance from the main area of Unawatuna, about 2 kilometers to the east.
When you say Jungle Beach you probably imagine a beach surrounded by lush green jungle right? Well, this beach is exactly what you think it is.
This beach is a bit hidden. In order to get to it we had to walk a bit through the forest. We followed a short trail.
You have to be careful here, in some sections, because of wet and slippery stones or mud. After a couple of minutes, we emerged onto a small, secluded stretch of golden sand.
As I mentioned, Jungle Beach is surrounded by lush green jungle, making it feel like a hidden oasis. The sand here is soft and golden, and the calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swim or snorkeling.
Don’t leave your food exposed on a beach towel, especially when you put it right under trees. Many cheeky monkeys are waiting for you to make a mistake so they can easily steal it.
We saw how monkeys stole a lot of bananas from a Czech couple in a couple of seconds.
Since this is not a private beach, we were surprised at how clean it was. There was a guy with a rake cleaning the sand. We arrived early in the morning and there were just a few people with us.
Jungle Beach is actually made of two beaches that are only a few tens of meters apart. They are connected by a path that leads between the trees. The second part of the beach is smaller and there are no facilities on it
Jungle Beach facilities
There’s a tiny beach shack that sells drinks, but overall, Jungle Beach is quite undeveloped, which is part of its charm. Bring your own towel and snorkeling gear if you plan to stay a while.
2. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach is the heartbeat of the area, bustling with life and energy. The wide stretch of soft, golden sand is lined with palm trees, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and beach bars.
Unawatuna Beach is much smaller compared to Jungle Beach. It is great for morning running, walks, sunbathing or swimming. During our stay the visibility under water wasn’t so good so we didn’t snorkel there.
In the evening, you can enjoy a dinner full of fresh seafood during sunset and then finish your day with a hookah. If you feel like dancing is your thing, you will definitely find a party near the beach.
The vibe is lively but not overwhelming, making it the perfect place for both relaxation and fun.
Unawatuna Beach facilities
Unawatuna Beach has plenty of facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and restaurants right on the sand. You should also find public showers and restrooms. You can easily spend the entire day on Unawatuna Beach.
3. Dalawela Beach
Dalawella Beach has a unique beauty, with a narrow strip of powdery gold sand. We couldn’t resist the famous palm tree rope swing, which is perched right on the shore.
The swing isn’t public but private, and you have to pay for it. At that time, it was around one or two euros per person.
The beach feels almost like a postcard. We spent most of our time on this beautiful beach probably and mostly because our hotel was just 3 minute’s walk away.
When we first arrived at the beach, we saw someone surfing in the distance. Immediately a flame shone in our eyes because we wanted to surf here too.
After a week of surfing in Weligama, we gathered some experience. But the sparkle in our eyes quickly went out when we found out that this place is more for advanced surfers.
Delawela Beach is much quieter and has more laid-back vibes compared to Unawatuna Beach.
Be sure to bring your snorkeling equipment with you because you can see sea turtles. You will have a better chance during a high tide when there is more water and the turtles can come closer to the shore to feed.
Unfortunately, we did not see any turtles because the sea was quite rough and the visibility in the water was not very good.
Delawela Beach facilities
There are a couple of laid-back cafes and restaurants where we enjoyed cold and fresh coconuts. The beach feels peaceful and not overly crowded, making it a great to unwind and relax.
If you want to stay here, you will certainly find a couple of hotels that are directly on the beach.
If you’re ready for a break from beach hopping, we highly recommend experiencing Udawalawe National Park on a Safari Jeep.
4. Wijaya Beach
Wijaya Beach is one of the most stunning spots we visited in Unawatuna. It’s super close to Delawela Beach. The sand is soft and almost white, and the beach is framed by swaying palm trees.
Wijaya Beach is narrow and quite similar to Delawela Beach. In the water, you will find several larger rocks against which incoming waves break. Watching the sunset and the sea is an experience you cannot miss here.
We spent a couple of hours here, floating in the calm waters and soaking up the relaxed, tropical vibe.
A snorkel and diving goggles are mandatory equipment because, just like at Delawela Beach, you will also have the opportunity to observe turtles here.
There are a few small beachside restaurants where we grabbed fresh juices, and sunbeds are available for rent too. It’s a quiet and peaceful spot, perfect for unwinding.
5. Mihirippena Beach
Mihiripenna Beach has a more rugged, untouched beauty compared to the more popular spots.
The beach features a natural pool protected by a coral reef, making it a great spot for snorkeling. We chose to go snorkeling in the morning, and we were amazed by the crystal-clear water.
It’s perfect for spotting fish, corals, and even the occasional sea turtle. While the tides can be strong, the beach remains safe.
One of the most interesting things about this beach is watching the stilt fishers. They can often be spotted at work during the early mornings and evenings.
Mihiripenna Beach is a wonderful place to experience serene sunrises and sunsets. We truly enjoyed sitting on the shore while watching crashing waves.
There are minimal facilities here, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a quieter, more natural experience away from the crowds.
6. Habaraduwa Beach
We were thrilled to discover this superb, long stretch of beach that runs for about 2 kilometers along the southern coastline.
The smooth, soft sand felt amazing under our feet, and we loved how it wasn’t crowded like some other places we’d visited. It’s much quieter than the other beaches, especially Unawatuna Beach, and we found it a perfect spot for a peaceful escape.
In the evening, we were treated by breathtaking sunsets that painted the sky in vibrant hues. We really enjoyed swimming in the clear waters and watching others surfing, this beach offered a lot.
Unfortunately, and very sadly we forgot to bring our camera with us. Our phone batteries were drained so we couldn’t take any photos here.
There aren’t many facilities here, but we packed our own snacks and drinks, which made for a great little picnic on the beach.
7. Kogalla Beach
Koggala Beach has a wild, expansive feel to it. The sand here is golden and stretches on for what feels like miles, making it ideal for long, peaceful walks.
Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot for unwinding and soaking up the sun. For those of us who crave a bit of adventure, Koggala offers some of the best surfing opportunities.
But mostly for more experienced surfers. The water has strong undercurrents, so it’s important to have a higher level of surfing skills.
There are many shops and restaurants located near the beach. We enjoyed relaxing time with our feet in the sand, sipping on fresh coconut water.
There is a turtle hatchery where you can observe these beautiful marine creatures. However, we chose to skip it after reading several bad reviews on Google.
Best time to visit Unawatuna
As usual, the best time to visit Unawatuna is during the dry season which runs from November to April. During these months you can enjoy pleasant sunny weather and almost no rain. Even if the one does appear, it won’t certainly rain for long.
Monthly Breakdown
November to March: This period is the most popular among tourists. No wonder, since the weather is stable, warm and relatively dry. The sea is calm and you can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling or surfing.
April: With the arrival of April, the outside temperature also rises. If you don’t mind, then it can be an ideal period, since there are fewer tourists and the prices for accommodation and food can be a little lower.
May to October: This is considered the monsoon season, with higher chances of rain and rougher sea conditions.
We personally have always avoided monsoon seasons in Asia because we wanted to enjoy sunny and nice days.
With the arrival of the monsoon season, there is a much higher chance of getting Dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Trust us, you don’t want to get it because it can ruin your vacation and, in the worst case, endanger your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can certainly swim in the waters around Unawatuna. It’s completely safe and you don’t need to worry about dangerous water creatures.
Yes, you can surf in Unawatuna. Beginner-friendly spots are located inside of Unawatuna Bay, closer to Galle. Beyond these areas, you’ll find several reefs on the way down to Weligama.
Yes, you can see turtles around Unawatuna. So far the best beaches for watching sea turtles are Delawela and Wijaya beaches. It’s better to watch them during a high tide as there is enough water and they can feed on seaweed.
Unawatuna and the beaches around are definitely worth it! You can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, enjoy all the delicious food, try to learn to surf and snorkel around.
Final thoughts on Unawatuna Best Beaches
We spent a few wonderful days in Unawatuna and its surroundings and we can happily say that we would come back here again.
The calm atmosphere that mixes with the lively will guarantee that everyone will find their way here. Whether you want to relax all day on the beach, snorkel and admire the underwater world, or surf, Unawatuna has it all.
