Unawatuna is a small town in southern Sri Lanka famous for its palm tree-lined beaches and spectacular coral reefs. It is the hub of many water adventure activities and sports and houses many diving and snorkeling sites which are a good way to explore the wide variety of underwater life found here, including the several species of fish and colorful corals. To add to your list, we have here some of the best things to do in Unawatuna for a joyous vacation.
10 Exciting Things To Do In Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a quaint town in southern Sri Lanka. It has a tranquil atmosphere which lures in many tourists from every part of the world. More than that, it has an array of water activities that can excite anyone in a 15-mile radius. Here are a few things you must do on your trip to Unawatuna:
1. Snorkeling
One of the best things to do near Unawatuna is to explore the underwater life through snorkeling. The best opportunities for this activity is found in the Jungle Beach Bay which is perfectly hidden away from the main city. One can purchase the gear from the nearby shops or even rent them out and go exploring. It takes about 45 minutes to reach this place from Unawatuna by foot. The humidity is staggering and it is recommended to carry a bottle of water at all times. If one wants to avoid wasting time and energy by walking, they can even opt for a tuk-tuk ride till here.
Location: Jungle Beach, 2.6 km from Unawatuna
Average cost: Free
Must Read: 12 Best Things To Do In Polonnaruwa To Explore The Ancient Side Of Sri Lanka
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2. Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is one of the best things to do in Unawatuna Beach. A popular diving group called Sea Horse Divers offer PADI-certified scuba diving courses here. They are one of the best diver groups in the region and offer a variety of courses, including beginner level, advanced level, and instructor level scuba diving courses. One can even take up the one-day diving sessions like the “Discovery Dive”, in which the instructor will accompany you and show you the various underwater creatures and spectacular coral reefs. The payment here is accepted in Euros and one should be careful while converting the currency.
Location: Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna
Average cost: INR 26,000
3. Boat Rides
This is one the unique things to do around Unawatuna. What makes it unique is the boat’s bottom, which is made up of clear glass, allowing people to see the vibrant sea life. The boat rides can be hired from the many private centers here. The charge is generally per boat and per person so more the number of people, the more affordable. A guide will also be sent along with the boat and will describe each of the visiting sites along with the sea creatures and corals that one would spot.
Location: Hikkaduwa, 24.4 km from Unawatuna
Average cost: INR 4,000, for 6 people
Suggested Read: 9 Best Places to Visit in Matara For An Enriching Sri Lankan Holiday Experience
4. Motorbike Rides
One should definitely try taking a day trip from Unawatuna to Dutch Fort, nearby beaches, and Galle by bike. The bus drivers on the connecting roads can be reckless and rash, therefore it is recommended that one should always ride to the left to avoid any mishaps. As soon as one rents the bike, they should head straight to the petrol station, as the fuel is kept at the minimum at the rent stations. The nearest petrol station can be found just before entering Galle on the right side of the road.
Average cost: INR 400 per day
5. Enjoy The Nightlife
The nightlife in Unawatuna beach is vibrant with music and euphoric aura. During the high season, the nightclubs and bars in this region are flocked by visiting tourists and locals. Kingfisher Beach Bar and Koha Surf Lounge are perfect for people who want to enjoy a quiet night at the beach. For those who want a much livelier place, Lucky Tuna and Pink Elephant are the places to be. One can enjoy dancing in the regular discos hosted by Riddim, Happy Banana, and Jungle Beach Restaurant.
Location: Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna
Suggested Read: 7 Cottages In Negombo To Enjoy On A Laidback Sri Lankan Vacation
6. Savor The Seafood
One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is to try the amazing seafood dishes here. There are several choices of seafood sold at Unawatuna Beach. The best place to enjoy delicious seafood made from the fresh produce is the Kingfisher Restaurant. They offer an amazing variety of lip-smacking dishes at relatively low prices.
Location: Kingfisher Restaurant, Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna
Average cost: INR 1,500
7. Shopping
No trip is complete without a session of retail therapy. Unawatuna doesn’t have many shopping spots but Galle offers many shopping opportunities. The souvenir shops at the shopping streets, in Galle, showcase a unique collection of hand-made artifacts, traditional handicrafts, elaborate wooden masks and many kinds of jewelry. One can get a good deal on the purchases here if bargained well.
Location: Galle, 5.8 km from Unawatuna
Suggested Read: 6 Best Places To Visit In Mirissa For An Exciting Sri Lankan Vacay
8. Visit Galle Fort
One of the top things to do in Unawatuna is to explore the nearby areas. Galle is a city close to Unawatuna and offers great opportunities to travelers to explore. One of them is the Galle Fort which represents exquisite Sri Lankan architecture with slight Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. One can wander here the whole afternoon and even get to witness the amazing sunset from the top of the fort wall.
Location: Church St., Galle, 5.8 km from Unawatuna
Average cost: INR 400
9. Surfing Or Stand Up Paddle Board
One of the most exhilarating Unawatuna activities is surfing or paddle boarding. Plenty of surfing opportunities are offered at Dewata beach. The months during which one can enjoy the best surfing experience are November and May. One can rent the required equipment at the Ahikava Surf School, where many trained surfers are generally willing to even teach a few lessons about surfing.
Location: Matar Road, Dewata Beach, Between Galle and Unawatuna
Suggested Read: Your Trip To Sri Lanka Is Incomplete If You Miss Out These 11 Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa
10. Stay At Tri
If you are wondering what to do in Unawatuna, head to Hotel Tri. It is a luxury hotel which is located along the Koggala Lake near Unawatuna. The breathtaking views of the sunset and the perfect location overlooking the cinnamon plantations and Koggala Lake make the stay unforgettable.
Location: Aladuwa Watte, Ruchika Anand
Pelassa, Thiththagalle, Ahangama, 17 km from Unawatuna
Average cost: INR 50,000
Further Read: 5 Exciting Things To Do in Matara For A Fantastic Sri Lankan Holiday Experience
These are some of the top things to do in Unawatuna for a splendid vacation. Unawatuna is awe-inspiring but staring at these pictures isn’t enough. You can get a chance to experience these exciting activities only by booking a holiday package to Sri Lanka . So, hurry up, Unawatuna is waiting!
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