Unawatuna and Jungle Beach offer peaceful snorkelling just steps from the shore. With shallow coral gardens, abundant reef fish and the chance to swim alongside turtles, these southern gems are ideal for families, beginners and casual snorkellers. Surrounded by lush jungle and golden sand, the experience is as much about scenery as it is about marine life.

• Safe, shallow snorkelling for beginners
• Turtles often spotted near coral beds
• Calm waters most of the year
• Beautiful jungle fringed beach setting
• Snorkel access straight from shore
• Great combo with Galle Fort trip

Just a few minutes from Galle, the coastal town of Unawatuna and its nearby hideaway Jungle Beach offer a gentle, beginner friendly snorkelling experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic settings. These beaches are known for their calm, shallow waters, which make them especially ideal for first time snorkellers or those who want to enjoy marine life without venturing far from the shore.

Snorkellers are often rewarded with green turtles, colourful parrotfish, sergeant majors and even the occasional octopus hiding among the coral rocks. While the coral is not as expansive as on the east coast, the accessibility, tranquillity and scenery more than make up for it. Jungle Beach, reached via a short hike through a leafy forest trail, offers a secluded cove with decent reef patches just offshore.

Snorkelling gear is available from local vendors or nearby dive schools and guided trips can enhance the experience with marine interpretation. Visibility is best between December and April, during the dry season on the southern coast.

Sri Lanka Tailor-Made recommends Unawatuna and Jungle Beach for families, couples and slow travellers looking to blend underwater moments with golden sunsets and colonial charm.