Unawatuna Beach

The story

A sheltered horseshoe bay of soft yellow sand and calm turquoise water, Unawatuna is the south coast's most family-friendly beach. Reefs at either end tame the surf, making it a safe swimming and snorkelling spot, while beachfront restaurants serve fresh crab curry as fishing boats bob just offshore. Galle Fort is a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away.

Highlights

• Sheltered calm-water swimming bay
• Reef snorkelling and turtles
• Beachfront seafood shacks
• 15 minutes from Galle Fort

Things to do here

1. 1Swim and snorkel over the reef with green turtles
2. 2Sunset walk to Jungle Beach and the Peace Pagoda
3. 3Beginner scuba diving on inshore reefs
4. 4Stand-up paddleboarding across the bay
5. 5Fresh crab-curry dinner at a beachfront shack
6. 615-minute tuk-tuk ride to Galle Fort at golden hour