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Unawatuna
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Overview
Unawatuna is one of Sri Lanka’s most loved beaches — a sheltered, palm-fringed crescent of golden sand just south of Galle. Its calm, reef-protected waters are safe for swimming and good for snorkelling, and a relaxed strip of beach cafés and guesthouses makes it a favourite place to unwind on the south coast.
All Destinations
Ready to Relax in Unawatuna?
Unawatuna, the South Coast's Favourite Bay
The bay’s gentle water sets it apart from the surf beaches nearby, making it ideal for families and swimmers. Snorkellers can explore the fringing reef and a small offshore wreck, while the Japanese Peace Pagoda on the headland gives a fine view over the coast. The jungle-clad Rumassala hill above the bay is associated with the Ramayana legend.
Unawatuna is only 15 minutes from Galle Fort, so the two combine perfectly, and it sits within easy reach of Mirissa’s whales and the Madu River mangroves. It is at its best from November to April, the south coast’s dry season.
Things to Do in Unawatuna
- Calm swimming & snorkelling
- Japanese Peace Pagoda viewpoint
- Beach cafés & sunset drinks
- Rumassala hill & jungle beach
Good to Know
- Best time: November to April
- Getting there: 15 min from Galle
- Water: calm, reef-protected — good for families
- Pair it with: Galle Fort & Mirissa whales
Unawatuna is a favourite beach stop on our south-coast and round-tour beach extensions, and features on the Galle Fort & south coast day tour from Colombo, which finishes with a swim in the bay.
Unawatuna highlights: Calm swimming & snorkelling, Japanese Peace Pagoda viewpoint, Beach cafés & sunset drinks, Rumassala hill & jungle beach.
Best time to visit: November to April. getting there: 15 min from Galle. Lanka Itinerary can include Unawatuna in a private, fully customisable Sri Lanka tour with a local chauffeur-guide. Contact us to plan your trip.
Key Activities
Key Tour packages based on Unawatuna
Yes — the bay is sheltered and reef-protected, so the water is usually calm and safe for swimming, which sets it apart from the surf beaches nearby and makes it a favourite for families. Conditions are best from November to April.
Yes. The fringing reef and a small offshore wreck make for easy snorkelling straight from the beach, best in the calm, clear months of November to April.
November to April, the south coast's dry season, when the sea is calm and the skies are clear. From May to September the southwest monsoon can make the water rough.
Only about 15 minutes, so the two are easily combined — Galle Fort for the morning and Unawatuna for an afternoon swim, or a beach base with the fort on the doorstep.
Galle Fort, Mirissa's whale watching, the Weligama stilt fishermen and the Madu River mangrove safari are all within easy reach, making Unawatuna a good base for exploring the south coast.