The 6 Best Beaches in Galle – For Surfers & Non-Surfers
I think Galle is a really lovely city, and (here’s something a lot of surf travelers might not agree with) a fine base for hitting the main spots of the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Hear me out. It’s not got a surf beach of its own, granted. BUT, there are lots of spots within 20-30 minutes’ drive in a tuk-tuk. You can hit pretty unknown reef breaks in Dalawella, or even get all the way down to Kabalana Beach in half an hour, where one of the best A-frames in the country awaits.
Yea, it means some travel, but if you like city vibes, good cafes, and just downright beautiful streets, then you’ll love returning to Galle. Do a morning surf then spend the rest of the day chilling on the fort beach with a book, hopping coffe shops, or just chilling in one of the many boutique hotels that pepper the heart of the old town.
Doesn’t sound too bad, eh?
Below, I focus on six beaches that are all no more than 20 or 25 mins’ tuk-tuk from Galle itself, so easily accessible on those day outings, either with or without the board.
>>Get beach info and more in our full guide to surf-traveling Sri Lanka
Galle Fort Beach
Galle Fort Beach sits right beneath the ancient ramparts of the old Dutch fortress, within walking distance of the colonial lanes and gelato shops that are the reason I love this city so much.
It’s a small, urban stretch of sand, reached by steps leading down from the coastal road (you can just about make them out in the image above).
The vibe is relaxed during the day, with locals reading under the almond trees or dipping in the calm waters. Come late afternoon, the place livens up as schoolkids and office workers arrive for a splash before sunset.
There aren’t many beach cafés or loungers, but the proximity to the fort’s restaurants means you’re never far from a smoothie or curry. It’s more of a swimming and people-watching beach than a full-on sunbathing one but I have to say, I like it. I could while away hours and hours under the trees there.
The surf? There’s no real surf at Galle Fort Beach. The protective reef and harbour walls block almost all swell.
Dewata Beach
A five-minute tuk tuk from the fort’s east gate takes you to Dewata Beach, a sandy crescent tucked neatly between Galle and Unawatuna.
It’s the area’s surf hub – small cafés renting boards, surf schools lined up shoulder to shoulder, and surf camps will often trek here from towns like Unawatuna and Galle itself for the waves. That should give a clue as to how easy the waves are.
The beach itself is long, golden, and relatively narrow, backed by palms and little shacks serving rice and curry plates. There’s plenty of room to relax, though it can get busy mid-morning when the surf lessons kick off. The water is shallow, with a soft sand bottom, making it safe for families and swimmers.
For the best bits of the beach, try to get on the little sliver that runs right in front of the CocoBay Unawatuna hotel at the far south end of the bay. It’s away from the surfers and – crucially – the main road. I’m not 100% sure it’s not a private bit of beach, but you can always just stay at CocoBay Unawatuna – it’s a great hotel.
The surf? Dewata Beach is really sheltered and, as such, is one of the very best beginner beaches in South Sri Lanka. It’s actually even easier to surf than Weligama, usually offering waist-high, sand-bottomed waves that are perfect for first-timers and longboarders.
Jungle Beach
Hidden on the far side of temple-topped Rumassala Hill, Jungle Beach is one of Galle’s most beautiful and secluded spots.
You’ll need to hike a short path (about 15 minutes) through the forest from the main Rumassala Road or come in by boat from Unawatuna, but the payoff is worth it. From Galle, you can catch a tuk tuk to the start of the trail in about 15 minutes.
The cove opens to turquoise water fringed by jungle and coral, with a few small beach bars that rent snorkels and serve coconuts. The swimming is excellent thanks to the sheltered bay, and the calm surface makes it a great place to spot fish and turtles.
Despite its name, Jungle Beach isn’t entirely wild – expect small crowds on weekends and a handful of vendors selling trinkets and fruit.
The surf? None to speak of. Jungle Beach faces north inside Dewata Bay, so it’s completely protected from the south and west swells that hit the main coast. Think snorkelling, not surfing.
Rathgama Beach
About 20 minutes north of Galle in a tuk tuk, Rathgama is where the coast stretches out and the crowds thin right down. This long, wide beach feels far more local, with fishing boats hauled up on the sand and just a couple of surf guesthouses scattered among the palms.
The swimming is decent in the shallows, but watch for rip currents if you go out deep. There’s not much in the way of restaurants – a few family-run cafés and simple seafood spots – so it’s worth bringing water and snacks if you’re spending the day.
Rathgama is ideal for travellers who prefer space and peace over resort buzz, especially around sunrise or sunset when the light hits the coconut groves beautifully. That said, it still offers good access to towns like Hikkaduwa and Galle.
The surf? Rathgama has punchier, more advanced beach and reef breaks than Dewata. Expect good lefts off one of the reefs known as Owakanda.
Unawatuna Beach
Just a 10-minute ride south from Galle, Unawatuna Beach is the busiest and most developed of all the beaches in this stretch. It’s a long, sandy bay shaped like a horseshoe, lined with hotels, beach clubs, and seafood restaurants that glow under fairy lights after dark.
The water here is calm and clear for most of the year, making it one of the most popular swimming beaches in Sri Lanka. Families, backpackers, and honeymooners all share the space, and you can rent sunbeds, kayaks, or even hop on a glass-bottom boat.
It’s not exactly a quiet spot, but the energy is infectious, and the sunsets over the bay are spectacular. Lately, it’s become a bit overrun in my opinion, but I can see why you’d want to base yourself here if you like resort hotels or are traveling as a fam.
The surf? There’s not much surf in Unawatuna itself. The bay’s orientation blocks most swell, but just five minutes south in a tuk tuk you’ll find reef breaks that do well in mid-sized swells. Mainly for intermediates.
Dalawella Beach
Dalawella Beach is a bit further along from Unawatuna – you’re looking at nearly 20 mins from Galle at this point. A narrow strip of golden sand is backed by boutique hotels, it has a famous palm-tree rope swing that’s all over Instagram.
The lagoon formed by the offshore reef makes for calm, shallow water ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while turtles often cruise by in the early mornings and afternoons. It’s a wonderful spot for sunset drinks or lazy morning swims.
Crowds can pick up during the high season, but it still feels more relaxed than Unawatuna proper. There’s good food on offer too, with beachside restaurants serving seafood straight off the grill.
The surf? Dalawella is where you’ll find Unawatuna’s surfable waves. The main one is a little right hander on the reefs at the northern end of the beach. It’s quite quick and steep at take off but mellows on the shoulder. Intermediates+
