A wonderful beach for swimming, there are rarely big waves here, the entry into the water is smooth at first, then the drop - and then the depth, and on the southern part of the beach this is more pronounced, the beach itself is wide, full of cafes and restaurants, there are also hotels. Along the beach there is a tourist street, which is also full of everything. For those who prefer a relaxing holiday and love to swim, this is the place!

We lived near the beach in Aralia. The coastline is long, sand, sand in the water, but there were also stones. The underwater world is not rich, but we saw an octopus and turtles. There are many cafes and a disco along the beach. The beach is public and on weekends there are a lot of local people. The beach is good for swimming, which is rare in Sri Lanka. There are a couple of diving companies.

Unawatuna Beach in Sri Lanka is renowned for its picturesque scenery, golden sands, and clear turquoise waters. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a range of activities like snorkeling, diving, and surfing. The surrounding area is dotted with cozy cafes and beachfront bars, providing a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to unwind and enjoy the stunning sunset views. However, like many tourist spots, it can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's worth considering the timing of your visit for a more tranquil experience. Overall, Unawatuna Beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking sun, sea, and serenity in Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna beach area could be lovely but we found it to be full of aggressive Russians. The prices are not cheap and we couldn't find a restaurant with decent food. When trying to relax, we are always pestered by people selling rubbish. Unfortunately we look forward to getting home.

The village itself is cozy with many restaurants and shops. The sea is rough between May and December, so you cannot swim in it. The beach itself is yellowish with some black sand in between. I don't think it's a really nice beach myself. There are many restaurants and terraces along the beach. You will mainly find Russian tourists there, even the information boards in the village are partly in Russian.

I’m not quite sure what I was expecting at Unawatuna, I’ve read different reviews varying from describing it as a tropical paradise to a tourists hell hole. Either way, it was an incredible disappointment. As my Tuk Tuk meandered its way along the narrow Main Street, all my fears were realised, however it depends what you are looking for. If you want a lively beach front resort that is rammed with tourists, all I might point out, Russian (no problem there depending on your politics), with endless tacky shops and bars and a busy beach, this is your place. You will only hear Russian spoken, all the signs and menus are in Russian which isn’t anything to particularly detract from the experience, everyone is very well behaved, it’s just a bit overwhelming. There is a tower block sized hotel that caters solely to this market and floods the town in the evening. I had a little hotel on the outskirts of the town so didn’t have to deal with the very loud bars and restaurants nearer the centre which might be problematic to some people. My main concern was the pollution. Whilst the main town beach is fairly clean, the beaches at the Dutch watering hole and Jungle beach, are less clean unfortunately. Both beaches have precarious paths to them that are not for the faint hearted, on either beach there are sun beds for a minimal amount and a restaurant. The disheartening thing is that the paths to both beaches is strewn with rubbish, piles and piles of it. I really don’t understand why someone doesn’t organise a clean up, it’s absolutely filthy. The beach and sea at DWP is cleaner than at Jungle Beach which has a lot of rubbish floating in the sea. Not my idea of fun. Having booked to stay a week, my initial horror died down a bit on the second day and because my hotel was quiet and clean decided to,use the place as a base for scootering around but only for 5 days. Hopefully I’ll find some less hectic places down the coast which, if I return will be preferable to Sri Lanka’s answer to certain resorts in Majorca but then again, it’s snowing at home and 30 degrees here….

The beach is very average. Yes, you can swim, there are no waves, but it's nothing special. On the beach there are many cafes with sunbeds, just buy a cocktail, beer or something from food, and take a sunbed and a nearby table, it is convenient. Along the beach there is a fairly busy tourist street with shops and restaurants.

The beach is nice & you can actually swim in the sea without being smashed by waves, however it gets deep very quickly & isn’t suitable for young children. Not a family oriented place as it appeared most people who went there were for sunbathing, drinking & partying. It was quite crowded when we visited but luckily we were only there a couple of days as it wasn’t our kind of place at all and yes my politics had a lot to do with my judgement. The Sri Lankans are lovely helpful people who will do what they can to cater for your needs. Nice fish dinners too.

Unawatuna Beach is truly a slice of paradise on Sri Lanka’s southern coast! The soft golden sands, fringed by lush palm trees, create a stunning backdrop for relaxation and adventure. The water here is calm and ideal for swimming, making it perfect for families, including those with kids. The clear turquoise waters are also great for snorkeling, offering glimpses of vibrant marine life just a short swim from the shore. The beach vibe is lively yet serene, with plenty of cozy cafes and beachfront restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine. Watching the sunset from Unawatuna Beach is a magical experience—don’t miss it! For the more adventurous, activities like paddleboarding and diving are available, and the friendly locals make the entire experience even more enjoyable. The cleanliness and maintenance of the beach stood out, and it’s well-managed, ensuring a safe and pleasant visit. Whether you’re looking to lounge in the sun, explore the underwater world, or enjoy a quiet moment by the sea, Unawatuna Beach has something for everyone. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka!