Unawatuna Top Things to Do in Sri Lanka's Beach Paradise

Just 15 minutes from Galle, Unawatuna is one of the south coast’s most well-known beach towns, and for good reason. This small, crescent-shaped bay offers calm waters perfect for swimming, a walkable beach town vibe, and easy access to nearby nature spots, colonial history, and laid-back cafés. If you’re exploring southern Sri Lanka and want a base with variety, Unawatuna delivers the perfect mix of beach, culture, and comfort. So prepare to review Unawatuna top things to do while staying in this amazing beach paradise in Sri Lanka.

🌊 Why Visit Unawatuna?

Safe, swimmable beach: The curved bay is protected and calm most of the year—great for swimming and relaxing.
Good location: Just a tuk-tuk ride from Galle Fort and close to day trips like Jungle Beach and Dalawella.
Casual beach vibe: You’ll find beach bars, smoothie cafés, and a mix of travelers and locals.
Turtle sightings: With a bit of luck, you can spot turtles swimming right near the shore!

If you’re looking for a place to slow down a bit, eat well, and sleep close to the sound of the ocean—this is it.

🏄‍♂️ Choosing Unawatuna Over Weligama

While Weligama is great for surfing, Unawatuna might be the better choice if you’re after a more balanced coastal experience. Here’s why:

🏖️ The beach in Unawatuna is better suited for swimming—calm waters, no boards flying around, and shallow entry points.
🍽️ The dining and café scene is more developed, with a mix of beachfront bars, international menus and more vegan options.
🧘‍♀️ There’s a wellness side too, with beachfront yoga classes and traditional Ayurvedic treatments widely available.
🚶 Everything is walkable—from beach to accommodation to food, which makes it great for travelers who prefer exploring on foot.

That said, Weligama is just 30–40 minutes away, and super easy to visit for a surf session or lesson. You can stay in Unawatuna and still enjoy the best of both worlds.

👉 Planning to surf? Don’t miss my full Weligama Surfing Guide with tips on lessons, rentals, and the best times to go.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Unawatuna

There are plenty of guesthouses, hostels, and boutique stays. Most are walking distance to the beach, and if you go a bit inland, you’ll find even better deals and quieter nights.

🌿 Recommended Stay: Dunes Unawatuna
Looking for comfort and peace just minutes from the beach? Dunes Unawatuna is a cozy 3-star boutique stay tucked away in a quiet area but still close to Unawatuna’s main attractions.

With just 12 modern rooms, a relaxed vibe, and super friendly staff, it’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Expect great service, a calm garden setting, and easy access to the beach—just 5km from Galle and about 2 hours from the airport. A solid choice for a restful base in Unawatuna!
👉 Check availability and prices here

🌴 Things to Do in Unawatuna

1. Swim and Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna’s curved bay is protected by a coral reef, making it one of the safest beaches for swimming on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The shallow entry and lack of strong currents mean you can float for hours without worry.

Early mornings are peaceful—perfect if you want the beach almost to yourself. By late afternoon, the vibe picks up with sun loungers, coconut sellers, and beach cafés opening for sunset. You can rent a chair for around 500–800 LKR for the whole day, often with a drink included.

🧴 Tip: There’s not a lot of natural shade, so bring a hat or rent a parasol if you’re planning to stay long.

2. Walk or Tuk-Tuk to Jungle Beach

This tiny hidden beach is tucked between Unawatuna and Rumassala Hill, accessible by a short forest trail or a winding road. It feels more wild and untouched—think soft sand, jungle backdrop, and clear blue water ideal for snorkeling.

The water is calm here too, and visibility is decent if you bring your own mask. You’ll often see colorful reef fish close to the rocks, and sometimes even small turtles passing through.

⛰️ Alternative option: On the way, stop by the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a white stupa offering panoramic views over the coast and a quiet spiritual spot built by Japanese monks.

🚶 Tip: Wear decent footwear if walking to Jungle Beach—it can be slippery after rain.

3. Explore Galle Fort (UNESCO Site)

Just 10–15 minutes by tuk-tuk, Galle Fort is a must-see. This old Dutch colonial town is full of character: stone walls, lighthouse views, galleries, cafés, and boutiques all within walking distance.

It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll—especially just before sunset when the fort walls glow golden and locals gather for sea views. Stop by a rooftop café for fresh juice or browse local crafts and jewelry made by Sri Lankan artisans.

📸 Don’t miss: The Galle Lighthouse, the old clock tower, and the Ramparts for sunset photos.

4. Watch Sea Turtles at Dalawella or Unawatuna West

Sri Lanka is home to five species of sea turtles, and the southern coast is part of their natural nesting habitat. While Unawatuna Bay itself occasionally has turtle sightings, your best chance is just a few minutes away at Dalawella Beach (5–10 minutes by tuk-tuk).

In the early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon, you can often see turtles come close to shore while feeding on seagrass. Be respectful—don’t touch them, use flash photography, or get too close.

🌱 Conservation note: Turtle nesting season runs from December to April, and if you’re lucky, you might see tiny hatchlings being released by local conservation groups.

💡 Tip: Visit the small Sea Turtle Hatchery in Habaraduwa (15 mins away) to learn more about their protection efforts.

5. Join a Beach Yoga Session or Ayurvedic Treatment

Unawatuna has a peaceful side too—perfect for recharging. Several beach cafés and guesthouses offer drop-in yoga classes, especially around sunrise or sunset. These classes are usually beginner-friendly and take place right on the sand or in open-air pavilions.

If you’re feeling sore from traveling or surfing, book an Ayurvedic massage or herbal steam bath at a local spa. Ayurveda is a traditional form of healing in Sri Lanka, and many spas use natural oils and herbs sourced from nearby villages.

🧘‍♀️ Where to try: Check out Sri Yoga Shala (a short ride uphill) or smaller beachfront places offering classes and treatments.

🚍 How to Get to Unawatuna

From Weligama or Mirissa: Local buses run often and cost less than 100 LKR. A tuk-tuk takes about 30–40 minutes.
From Colombo: Take the scenic train to Galle, then hop in a tuk-tuk (10–15 minutes to Unawatuna).
From Galle: Easiest option. Local buses, tuk-tuks, or even walking if you’re up for it (6–7 km).

☀️ Best Time to Visit

The best season is between November and April, when the sea is calm and the weather is dry. It’s quieter than Mirissa and less party-focused, so it’s ideal for a peaceful break.

✅ Final Tips

Bring your own snorkel gear if you’re planning to explore underwater. Rentals are limited.
Head to the east end of the beach for fewer crowds.
For sunsets, grab a drink at a beachfront café and settle in early—seats fill up fast.
If you’re into street food, try the local kottu roti or a spicy rice & curry from one of the inland stalls. Yes, vegan, of course!
Renting a scooter for a day gives you the freedom to explore nearby gems like Dalawella, Talpe, or even drive up to Galle Fort on your own.