Dalawella Beach            in Sri Lanka

Dalawella Beach is a popular spot, and it’s easy to see why. With shallow, crystal-clear water and a natural reef barrier, it’s the perfect playground for kids—especially in the morning when the tide is low. The water gets a bit higher in the afternoon, but it’s still great for a swim. Just a heads-up: I wouldn’t recommend climbing on the reef since there are plenty of sea urchins lurking around.

Pros of Dalawella Beach

✔️ Shallow, calm waters—perfect for kids
✔️ Clear water, making it easy to spot turtles
✔️ Laid-back vibes and breathtaking sunsets

Cons of Dalawella Beach

❌ It can get crowded, especially in the afternoon
❌ No public restrooms (we had to sneak into beachfront hotels)

Feeding Turtles at Dalawella Beach

One of the biggest highlights? The turtles! ? If you’re lucky (and according to the locals, they show up daily), you might spot these gentle giants gliding through the water. We stayed at Dalawella Beach for three days and saw them every single day. There are even local safeguards walking along the shore handing out seaweed, so you might get the chance to feed them!

But please, let’s keep it respectful—no touching, no blocking their path. I’ve seen some tourists get way too close, and it’s just not cool. These amazing creatures deserve to be admired from a distance, in their natural home.

A sea turtle is close to the camera in clear green water, eating seaweed with determination. A pink snorkeler is visible in the background, adding a playful tone.
Tropical beach scene with turquoise water, people swimming, and palm trees lining a sandy shore. Foreground features rocky tide pools under a partly cloudy sky.
A hand holds green lettuce over a turtle swimming in clear water. A child in a yellow hat and colorful shirt touches the turtle's shell, creating a joyful scene.

Rope Swing at Dalawella Beach

Imagine a tall, strong palm tree, leaning just right over the water—almost like it was made for this. Someone ties a sturdy rope high up on the trunk, and just like that, you’ve got the famous Dalawella Beach rope swing. Jump on, kick off, and feel the rush as you swing out over the waves. Add a sunset, and you’ve got the perfect shot for your family album or an epic video to relive the moment. 

Where is the Dalawella Beach Rope Swing?

From Dalawella Beach, walk towards Frog Rock and cross the rocks to the other side. Just a heads-up—the crossing gets trickier later in the day when the waves come in, so if it’s too rough, you can take the main road instead. Look for Dream Cabana, a small restaurant and guesthouse—that’s where you’ll find the swing.

How Much Does It Cost?

500 LKR (around $3) for two swings
FREE if you order food or stay at Dream Cabana

A person swings from a leaning palm tree over a beach at sunset. The sky is filled with scattered clouds, creating a serene, adventurous scene.
A person swings from a tall palm tree over a calm beach at sunset. The sky is adorned with wispy clouds, and the ocean reflects warm orange hues. Relaxed mood.
A person lifting a child near the ocean's edge at sunrise, casting a warm glow on the water and creating a serene, joyful atmosphere under a partly cloudy sky.

Hotel Recommendation

We spent two nights at Dream Cabana, and it was absolutely perfect. It’s a family-owned guesthouse with a laid-back outdoor restaurant, and while we were there, they were even setting up a hookah bar. The whole place has a super chill vibe, with stunning views and the kind of relaxed beach energy that makes you want to stay longer.

The family running it is incredibly welcoming—and Jayden (who was 3 at the time) loved hanging out with them. He followed their mom into the kitchen and always came back with a little treat. The food and drinks were fantastic, and they always did their best to accommodate my vegan requests, which I really appreciated.

The rooms are simple but clean—we stayed in one of the downstairs rooms with a big porch, which was perfect for relaxing after a day on the beach. Even though we were only there for two days, the simplicity of beach life at Dream Cabana really left an impression on us. If you’re looking for a cozy, no-frills stay with warm hospitality, I highly recommend it!

Dream Cabana

Overview:

  • Located in a tranquil area, often praised for its peaceful environment.
  • Typically features individual cabanas or bungalows, offering a more private and intimate experience.

Pros:

  • Quiet and serene, perfect for relaxation.
  • Personalized service with a homey feel.
  • Often surrounded by nature, providing a picturesque setting.

Cons:

  • May be farther from major attractions or city centers.
  • Limited amenities compared to larger hotels.

Rockside Cabanas Hotel

Overview:

  • Positioned close to the beach, often with direct beach access.
  • Known for its friendly staff and well-maintained facilities.

Pros:

  • Great beachfront location.
  • Comfortable accommodations with a focus on cleanliness.
  • Good value for money with attentive service.

Cons:

  • Can be busier due to its popularity.
  • Amenities might be basic compared to luxury resorts.

Unawatuna Beach House

Overview:

  • Situated right on Unawatuna Beach, a popular tourist destination.
  • Offers easy access to beach activities and local attractions.

Pros:

  • Prime location on a well-known beach.
  • Lively atmosphere with plenty of nearby restaurants and bars.
  • Ideal for those looking to be in the heart of the action.

Cons:

  • Can be noisy due to its central location.
  • Higher foot traffic and less privacy.
A smiling child sits at a wooden table on a sandy beach, with art supplies and paper. Palm trees and ocean waves create a serene sunset backdrop.
A tranquil pool surrounded by lush coconut palms reflects the greenery above. A person relaxes on a swing near poolside chairs, evoking a serene, tropical vibe.
Modern loft with large windows overlooking a cityscape and mountains. Cozy seating area with a couch, colorful pillows, and chairs on wooden flooring.

READ MORE ON SRI LANKA

 

In recent years, Sri Lanka has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination, offering a range of activities such as surfing, hiking, wildlife safaris, and Ayurvedic wellness retreats. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, lounging on palm-fringed beaches, or trekking through tea plantations, Sri Lanka offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler….

 

WHEN YOU PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS, YOU SUPPORT US AT NO EXTRA COST – THANK YOU SO MUCH!

AIRLINE TICKETS

Find the best flight

HOTELS

Find hotels with Booking.com

Find hotels with Agoda

CAR RENT

Rent a car with Rentalcars

VPN

Hide you IP with Surfshark

TICKETS

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *