Unawatuna is the most popular choice for tourists who enjoy the beaches in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Unlike Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, the calm waters and smaller waves at Unawatuna are not great for surfing. But the relative tranquility makes it the best beach for swimming, especially for families.
Unawatuna is a picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay protected by coral reefs. Besides the appeal, the beach can be covered on foot without the need to dodge the buses in a hurry on the busy main road. The relaxed atmosphere attracts many Russians and Europeans throughout the year. Things get even busier with Sri Lankans coming from Colombo to enjoy their weekends on the sand.
When to go
Unawatuna receives the most amount of rain during the summer months. Peak season starts around mid-December and accommodation prices increase significantly in January.
Although it will still rain, November is a good month to visit before the beach is very busy and prices go up.
How to get to Unawatuna
Unawatuna is just over three miles south of Galle along the main highway of Route A2. It’s a popular destination, so much of the public transportation going south will get you there. The fastest and most comfortable option is to rent a private car from Colombo airport. The trip will last about three hours; negotiate your price before agreeing to go.
Another option is to take the train from Colombo to Galle. Traveling by train in Sri Lanka is an exciting experience in itself. Once in Galle, you can take a tuk-tuk or car to travel the last three miles to Unawatuna.
Move
Although there is a fleet of tuk-tuks available, all places in Unawatuna can be reached on foot. Depending on your mood, you can walk along the beach or on the paved access road that parallels the beach.
Walking from one end of Unawatuna to the other takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Where to stay in Unawatuna
With many options, the competition is fierce between hotels and guesthouses. Still, rates go up significantly as Unawatuna gets busier. Accommodation prices are not fixed and are often compensated on the spot. Pricing factors include how many people in your group, how you are dressed, and how long you intend to stay. Longer stays are offered significant discounts, so be sure to mention if you intend to stay a week or more.
Small guesthouses with gardens line the driveway and are often quieter and more welcoming than beachfront hotels.
Eating
At first discovery, the fresh seafood options on Unawatuna Beach will have you going crazy. But there are some caveats. Although large restaurants proudly display their catch and compete to attract customers, that does not guarantee that the seafood is fresh and does not come out of the freezer. You will have to choose your own fish from the ice to ensure what you are eating. Even then, the fish you chose can be exchanged for an older one once out of sight. Nobody wants to shoot a fish.
Delicious tuna is ridiculously cheap, as is barracuda. You can reach your annual mercury consumption in one week. A tuna steak, fries, and a plain salad cost about $ 6. Many restaurants add a 10 percent service charge.
Walking southwest down the driveway, Kingfisher Restaurant has steadily earned inclusion on Asian Best Restaurant lists for many years. Enjoy your meal on the sand, but reservations are a must during peak season.
For a cheaper fare in a simpler setting, Jina’s vegetarian restaurant on the access road is run by a friendly Buddhist chef who cooked in the UK. She puts a lot of love in every offering delivered to her table with a smile.
Shopping in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is not particularly good for shopping; You will have many more options in nearby Galle. The access road to the beach is home to numerous souvenir shops selling wooden masks, handicrafts and jewelry that sell locally mined moonstone items.
Avoid supporting bad habits by not buying anything made from turtle shells or marine life.
Things to do in Unawatuna
Other than swimming and sunbathing with book in hand, there aren’t many things to do in Unawatuna.
The few surf schools along the access road generally take students to better waves at one of the nearby beaches.
- Snorkeling: the best opportunity to snorkel near Unawatuna is in the semi-hidden bay of Jungle Beach. The walk from Unawatuna takes around 45 minutes. The humidity is astonishing once offshore; take a tuk-tuk or drink lots of water. Cold drinks can be bought in a simple restaurant there.
- Scuba Diving: Sea Horse Divers located directly on the beach offers PADI scuba courses and snorkeling day trips. The price is usually in euros; pay attention to the exchange rate offered when paying in another currency.
- Boating: Glass bottom boats take people to the reefs, however seeing marine life requires a bit of luck. Prices are based on an entire boat rather than per person, so the more people the better.
- Rent a Scooter: Renting a scooter is the best way to see Galle, the Dutch Fort, and the surrounding beaches. Just remember to drive on the left and yield to reckless bus drivers! Prices start at around US $ 5 per day. The remaining fuel is usually drawn from scooters, so you will need to turn left onto the main road and proceed straight to the service station on the right just before entering Galle.
Inside tips for Unawatuna
- Finding ATMs in Unawatuna has always been a challenge. Machines can now be found on the main road, and one is located at the Peacock Hotel. For convenience, bring plenty of cash from Galle.
- The yellow king coconut drinks that you see everywhere on the beach can be bought for 40 rupees each in the shops; ask them to open the coconut for you. Coconuts sold on the beach cost 150 rupees each and are not always that fresh.
- If sunset cocktails are the plan, you can buy your own alcohol from the bottle shop located on the main road in the northeast corner of Unawatuna. When you look out into the water, walk left to the end of the beach and then onto the main road.
- Ignore anyone approaching you on the access road, especially tuk-tuk drivers. Numerous people make their living hunting tourists along the way. Be careful when signing up for one-day driving tours. Instead, book activities through your accommodation.
- Wi-Fi is not as advertised in many cafes and restaurants. If you really need internet access, try connecting first before committing to a drink or meal. To avoid identity theft, do not bank or handle anything sensitive in Internet cafes.
- Mosquitoes are a big problem around Unawatuna; You can buy spray and coils at local stores. Protect yourself, especially at dusk.