A curved, reef-sheltered bay 6 km east of Galle with calm water in season, beach restaurants and easy snorkelling. The Japanese Peace Pagoda on Rumassala hill, Jungle Beach and the turtle-spotting at Dalawella are close; Galle Fort is a short tuk-tuk ride for dinner. The beach has narrowed with erosion and is busy in high season.
Highlights
- Swim in the sheltered bay
- Japanese Peace Pagoda at sunset
- Snorkelling with turtles
- Jungle Beach
- Dalawella palm rope swing
- Koggala lake boat trip
- Diving the wrecks off Galle
Things to do
- Snorkelling in Unawatuna bayMorning · 2h
- Japanese Peace Pagoda and Jungle Beach walkAfternoon · 3h
- Koggala lake boat trip and cinnamon islandMorning · 2h 30m
- Beach dinnerEvening · 2h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: December – April
Worth knowing
South-West Monsoon: Rough Seas
From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain, wind and big waves to the west and south coasts: red flags and strong currents on most beaches, whale-watching boats stop, and many beach restaurants close. It rarely rains all day, and rooms are cheaper, but for swimming go to the east coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay), which is in season.
Heads up
Peak Season Crowds
Late December to January is the busiest time on the south coast and in the hills: Galle Fort, Sigiriya and the Ella train are crowded and the best rooms sell out. Book rooms and reserved train seats early and climb Sigiriya at opening.
- Christmas and New Year peak — The south coast's busiest and dearest fortnight: beach hotels set minimum stays and gala dinners on 24 and 31 December, the Ella train and Yala jeeps sell out, and Indian holiday-makers add to the European winter crowds. Book rooms and reserved train seats by October.