Palm-fringed coastline of Unawatuna Beach during a sunny day

Unawatuna Beach: Relax on beautiful shores and unwind peacefully.

Unawatuna Beach: Relax on beautiful shores and unwind peacefully.

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

Unawatuna Beach is unique for its near-perfect crescent shape and an offshore coral reef that acts as a natural breakwater, making it one of the few places in Sri Lanka where you can swim in calm, lake-like turquoise water year-round.
  • Globally Recognized Beauty : Once ranked among the world’s top beaches (e.g., #79 in CNN’s Top 100 Beaches list and praised in various global rankings), Unawatuna is celebrated for its stunning natural allure.
  • Golden Sands and Turquoise Waters: The beach is described as a lovely banana-shaped stretch of golden sand with turquoise water, fringed by green palm trees.
  • Marine Life and Activities: The waters off Unawatuna are home to coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse fish and turtle populations, attracting divers.
  • Laid-Back Coastal Vibe – Unawatuna offers a uniquely relaxed atmosphere with numerous beachside restaurants and bars ideal for unwinding and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
  • Family-Friendly Waters:The beach boasts a crescent (banana/horseshoe) shape with gentle, turquoise waves protected by a reef, creating a relatively safe haven for families with young children to swim and play (one of Sri Lanka’s calmer swimming spots, though always check conditions).

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

No

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Galle

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Aerial view of Unawatuna Beach surrounded by lush greenery.
A golden sunset over Unawatuna Beach in Sri Lanka
Tourists enjoying the clear blue waters at Unawatuna Beach.
Unawatuna Beach waves gently hitting the golden sands.

Guidelines

Swim in the “Safety Zone”: Stay within the central and southern parts of the bay where the water is calmest; avoid the far ends near the rocks where hidden currents can be stronger. Protect the Sea Turtles: You will often see wild turtles swimming close to the shore; it is strictly forbidden to touch, feed, or surround them, as this causes them extreme stress. Keep the Beach Clean: Unawatuna has faced “over-tourism” challenges, so please use the designated bins for plastics; many beach cafes now offer discounts if you use a reusable bottle.