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Dalawella Turtle Beach — Galle

Cover photo: Takashi Miyazaki (Unsplash)

District

Galle

Province

Southern

Best for

Families and turtle lovers; calm beach where turtles swim close to shore

Map

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About this place

Pocket beach between Unawatuna and Thalpe with a reef pool calm enough for floating and turtle sightings. Tuk-tuk from Galle or Unawatuna; best in the morning November-April. Do not touch or feed turtles; beach shacks rent snorkels and loungers.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Best in the morning November-April for calm water and turtle sightings.
• Do not touch, chase or feed turtles; keep distance while floating or snorkelling.
• Stay inside the reef pool; currents run outside the sheltered section.
• Beach shacks rent snorkels and loungers; agree prices first.
• The beach is small and gets crowded; arrive early for space.

How to travel there

Between Unawatuna and Thalpe on the Galle-Matara coast road; tuk-tuk from Galle (~15 min) or Unawatuna (~5 min).

Where to stay

Thalpe/Dalawella pocket (boutique villas and mid-range beach stays) or Unawatuna for cheaper guesthouses.

Nearby places

Unawatuna Beach, Jungle Beach and Rumassala Peace Pagoda, Wijaya Beach and Thalpe rock pools, Galle Fort

Scams to watch for

• Shack staff implying a fee is required to see or swim with turtles; turtles are wild and free.
• Inflated lounger/snorkel hire for day visitors; confirm price and time limit upfront.

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