South-Coast Beach Hop

String together the golden bays from Unawatuna to Tangalle in their calm season.

What the South-Coast Beach Hop is really like.

From November to April the south coast is at its best, a string of golden, palm-backed bays an easy drive apart. A beach-hopping day links the lively sands of Unawatuna, the stilt fishermen near Koggala, the surf and bay of Weligama and the quieter coves out toward Tangalle. You swim, snorkel and laze, stopping for fresh seafood and a sundowner. It is the classic south-coast rhythm, with a different beach for every mood.

At a glance

Best season: November – April
Typical duration: Full day
Regions: 3

Moment by moment

How the day unfolds.

Step 01
Morning at Unawatuna
Start on the curving golden bay of Unawatuna, calm and shallow enough for an easy first swim.
Step 02
The stilt fishermen
Stop near Koggala to watch fishermen perched on stilts driven into the shallows, a south-coast icon.
Step 03
Weligama bay
Pause at the wide sweep of Weligama, busy with longboards and beginner surfers on the gentle break.
Step 04
Hidden coves
Push east to the quieter coves and headlands toward Tangalle, where the sand often runs near-empty.
Step 05
Seafood and sundowner
End with grilled catch of the day and a cold drink as the sun drops into the ocean.