Unawatuna Surf & Travel Guide – Top Spots / Hotels & More
Unawatuna surf takes you to a chilled and well-developed tourist town just south of Galle. A mellow beach for beginners combines with a few faster reefs for improvers in the surrounding area.
An introduction to Unawatuna Surf
Unawatuna is the first of the many beach towns that you’ll come to as you head south from Galle.
Its accessibility, combined with its lovely little coves and sand stretches (we have a complete guide to the top beaches in Unawatuna here so you can see for yourself), have helped it become one of the most popular getaway options on the southwest shores of Sri Lanka.
It’s a place of cool beach cafes and curry houses, souvinir stalls, lovely B&Bs with infinity pools and sun-kissed shoreline backed by low coconut palms.
You can’t really go wrong if you’re after a little rest and relaxation with some surfing on the side. Although we have to say, it’s a touch busy for our liking, and is definitely one of the most built-up of the beach towns in the region.
Anyway, the surf…
There is actually plenty to go around. Beginner-friendly spots are tucked into the inside of Unawatuna Bay and to the north, nearer to Galle.
Beyond those are a few reefs (some artificial others natural) and some more exposed stretches of shore leading down to Weligama, Sri Lanka’s main beginner surf town.
All in all, we’d say there’s better surf territory in Sri Lanka than Unawatuna.
In fact, there’s better surf territory only a short tuk-tuk ride away in Midigama and Ahangama. However, there’s no reason this one can’t be a first pitstop after leaving the culture and history of Galle.
You’ll have nice, easy waves to find your feet, some great surf schools for beginners, oodles of fantastic hotels right by the shore, and top-notch eateries to boot.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This is a part of our greater guide to Sri Lanka surf.
Unawatuna surfing at a glance
The good…
The bad…
What’s in this guide to Unawatuna surf?
Where is Unawatuna?
Look for Unawatuna on the south-west edge of Sri Lanka. It’s the first in a string of famous beach resorts that dot this gorgeous run of coastline south of Galle.
The resort itself is neatly bordered by the main Matara Road, which links up all said resorts to Galle, which is maybe 10 mins in a tuk-tuk just to the north.
The capital of Colombo (also home to the island’s main airport) is just shy of two hours’ drive to the north. We usually get a direct transfer down here after we land as that’s the most reliable way to get in with surfboards.
We last did it in 2023 and it cost us about $65 for the whole car. It’s a bit more now but you can lock in a price without having to haggle by prebooking online here.
A guide to the Unawatuna surf spots
Look, Unawatuna isn’t the best surf town in Sri Lanka. It’s more of a chill town where you come to sunbathe and relax.
But there’s no reason you can’t do some surfing whole you’re here, since Unawatuna has a few of its own breaks, and access to the nearby spots of Midigama and Weligama, or even the beginner haven of Dewata Beach (which is super close).
You can book lessons or surf trips that include pickups at your hotel in Una and take you direc to those.
Let’s take a look at what’s on the menu in the region and in Unawatuna itself…
Dewata Beach (Clossenburg Beach)
This spot is the beginner mecca of the Unawatuna and Galle area. It’s tucked deep into Unawatuna Bay and is known as either Dewata Beach or Closenberg after the hotel that’s at its northern end.
The waves need enough force to come through the jutting headlands where the temples stand to the south-east and the reefs of Bonavista.
That really cuts down the power and tempers the waves, so you’re generally looking at uber-mellow rides with lots of whitewash.
And if that reads like a learner’s mecca, that’s because it is. Most local surf schools will head here for their first sessions.
The north-western end of Dewata is usually called Clossenburg Point and it’s the best spot on the whole beach, offering nice long-ish right hand rides that are great for longer boards.
You can either book a surf lesson in Unawatuna and request they go to Dewata (which they probably will be anyway!) or tuk-tuk there (it’s under 10 mins) and get a rental when you arrive.
If you’re a complete beginner and want to have some of the island’s easiest waves right on the doorstep, consider staying here and surfing right out front of the hotel.
Where to stay? Cocobay Unawatuna is walking distance to the waves and can help hook you up with surf lessons/rentals.
Want to know more about surfing in Dewata, the closest surf beach to Una? Check our complete guide to Dewata Beach
Bonavista
Bonavista is just the name for the southern end of Dewata Beach. We list is separately because it does have its own little reef break, known to locals as Bonavista.
It’s actually more of a beach break than a reef, because the corals and rocks are really far out in the bay and really don’t shape the sets at all.
You’ll only be surfing on top of sand, and the quality of the wave is beginner through and through.
Usually working at 3-4 feet and rarely anything too punchy, it’s basically an extension spot for the Galle/Unawatuna surf schools when Dewata is a little too busy.
Nice enough though, and great veiws of the whiteashed pagoda in the distance.
Dalawella Reef
The Dalawella Reef isn’t often surfed but still offers some decent rides off the rocky seabed a couple of clicks along from the temple headland in Unawatuna.
It’s to the south of town and is famed for its swinging rope swing, which is a popular sunset insta location.
There are some decent coastal hotels here too with walking access to nice runs of beach that are quieter than in Unawatuna itself.
The wave here is a fun, if short, right with some smaller, faster left sections. It’s usually surfed by the locals and is mainly for intermediates+
We have a full guide to lovely Dalawella Beach right here
Kabalana
20 minutes in a tuk-tuk can whisk you down the Matara Road (with the board strapped to the roof – don’t worry, it’s easy) to Kabalana.
It’s one of Sri Lanka’s upcoming spots, but remains less busy than many places because it’s not right by any major town or resort.
There are actually two breaks here. One’s a nice beginner wave on the beach, but still punchy and fun.
The other is a really hectic A-frame that gets fantastic at around 6 foot and above. It’s known as The Rock and it’s wedgy and fast, with a steep take off and a long ride of nearly half a kilometer if the wind is right.
Where to stay? The majestic Mosvold Villa is luxury right on the side of Ahangama’s main beach
Kabalana is a fine place to base yourself for surfing – check out our complete surf-travel guide right now
Where to stay in Unawatuna (for surfers)?
Unawatuna has a great range of hotels for surfers.
We’ve picked out just a few that will get you right down to the breaks.
Be aware that does sometimes mean heading out of town to get a stay in Dewata or something. So you won’t get the full resort vibe that central Unawatuna offers but you will get waves on the doorstep.
We have also got some picks that are inside the resort itself.
- Cocobay Unawatuna – Rising right in front of the golden sands and azure seas by the Bonavista Reef and Dewata Beach (both top beginner surf spots), the Cocobay Unawatuna boasts fantastic ratings. It’s easy to see why! There’s a deluxe outdoor pool in a lovely garden topped with palms. You also get a gym for post-surf workouts. Meanwhile, the rooms are modern and sleek, and there are even some with sea views!
- Villa SPACE – Simply stunning, Villa SPACE is a richly decorated and luxurious pad. Close to both the reefs and the beach breaks, it’s a cracking spot for a Sri Lankan escape with some surfing on the side. We particularly love the timber balcony overlooking the bird-filled forests and the sumptuous outdoor pool (a little bit of paradise). 5-10-min tuk-tuk to either Dewata (for beginners) or the reef breaks of Dalawella (for more advanced surfers).
- Amor Place Unawatuna – The bargain option that’s for those who want to be in the thick of Unawatuna town, near nightlife and restauarants and the resort beach. You’ll need a 10-min tuk-tuk to get to the surf in Dewata, though. Family owned and low-cost.
If you want more inspiration on great surf stays, be sure to check out our guide to the top surf hotels in Sri Lanka. Or, for bargain surf stays, read out guide to the top surf hostels in Sri Lanka.
When to surf in Unawatuna?
The Sri Lankan dry season is the best time to surf in Unawatuna. It runs from the start of December to the end of March.
Unawatuna has two very different seasons. They come across this side of Sri Lanka like clockwork and have a serious effect on the quality of the surf…
Dry season (December-March)
The heavens stop pouring (at least mostly) when the dry season months hit Unawatuna.
That means stiller days with plenty of sun. Also, it means calmer seas. S-SW swells come into the bays along this side of Sri Lanka to fire up the reefs around Midigama. They’ll feed through past the temple headland and into Unawatuna Bay to give those easy going beach breaks for beginners, too.
Generally speaking early December is a little bigger and has smaller crowds. Jan and Feb tend to have swollen line ups but also good vibes in the local surf camps.
Wet season (April-November)
Yea, it’s wet in the wet season. Sadly the Sri Lankan monsoon really shifts the good waves over to the east.
We’d actually recommend going across to that side of the island if you’re serious about a surf trip (Arugam Bay comes into season in April-August).
Around Unawatuna, the seas are rough, blown out, and pretty unpredictably until at least late October.
Sri Lanka’s warm water is one of the great things about surfing here. You only need rash vests/swimwear. You could consider a 1-mil or 2-mil vest if you want to do longer sessions, and booties if you’re planning on surfing any reefs but they aren’t strictly neccessary (just be careful where you stand coming in and out of the water).
One thing we wouldn’t skip on is sunscreen.
I use Suntribe’s blocks because they’ve made a real effort to strip out any unneccessary chemicals.
Plus, they offer Surf Atlas readers 10% off orders with code Surfatlas10.
Surf lessons in Unawatuna
As we’ve already mentioned, Unawatuna is a resort town without a surf beach of its own. That means the best way to sample surfing while staying here is often to book yourself onto an organized lesson.
There are lots of choices about the place. To be honest, there’s one name in the town that stands out. You can pre-book with them before arrival, too…
- Ahikava Surf School – These guys are the leading surf school in Unawatuna. They’ve been going for years and use the beginner spots in Dewata mainly. Good equipment. Happy people. Good value – think $35 for a full lesson.
Surf shops in Unawatuna
Unawatuna has just a speckling of surf shops.
There aren’t as many in Sri Lanka’s more famous surf destinations, and they are virtually all up in Dewata, the beginner spot between Unawatuna and Galle.
- Ahikava Surf – A small and locally owned shop in the heart of Unawatuna, Ahikava Surf has ample stock of colourful tail pads, leashes, fins, and a few boards. They also organise surf lessons for surfers of all abilities.
- Nalu Surf School & Shop – Mainly a school specialising in one-on-one surf tutorials on the beginner waves of Unawatuna, Nalu also has a small shop. It’s not great for hardware but does have some cool local surf fashion in the form of printed vests, tees, and board shorts. Worth a browse.
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Unawatuna
We’ve said it before, so we’ll say it again: Unawatuna surf isn’t really good enough to fill your whole trip.
Either make for some of Sri Lanka’s other (super close-by) surf spots. Or, try out…
Tour Galle
Galle is just a stone’s throw from the Unawatuna surf. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of a town, it centres on a centuries-old fort that’s built in colonial style.
The historic heart of the place is now an atmospheric journey back into Sri Lanka’s past, with amazing churches and cosy cafes.
See the Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda stands tall on the headland between the main surf beaches and the small harbour of Unawatuna resort.
It’s a landmark you can hardly miss, but we’d still recommend heading up to get a closer look, if only for the awesome sunsets that come in the evening!
Jungle Beach
Discover this hidden little beach on the headland just outside of Unawatuna town. It’s great for chilling and swimming away from the bigger waves.
Oh, and it’s a snorkelling hotspot. So, bring the goggles and get ready to see urchins, sponges and parrotfish, folks!
Go on Safari
Unawatuna is still quite far from the best safari parks in Sri Lanka but it is possible to day trip to the most famous reserve of the lot: Yala.
Book a pacakage for this one because you’ll need an early pick up and a quick driver to get you to Yala in the east for a day of spotting leopards and elephants.
It’s a proper bucket-list experience.
Where to eat in Unawatuna?
Ready for an overload of dal curries and string hoppers, raoster coffee and fancy brunches?
Unawatuna is a fantastic place to dine before and after the waves. The town has some of the more creative, hipster places to breakfast on this stretch of coast, plus plenty of both local Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
- The Hideout Unawatuna – This fusion joint does some of the best Mexican-Asian mashups going. Great for a taste of Latin America. Great cocktails too.
- Koha Surf Lounge – A boho joint in the heart of Una town with seafood bowls, cracking burgers, and fantastic cocktails to boot.
- Kat’s Coffee – We include this here because it’s perfectly located on the road as you head eastwards towards Midigama and Kabalana. Why not make a pitstop for a fresh cup of coffee and a sweet slice of homemade cheesecake? Both are downright fantastico if you ask us!
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
