Dalawella Beach: The Palm Tree Swing and Beyond

Dalawella Beach at a glance

The Dalawella swing

The rope swing hangs from a tall coconut palm that leans out over the beach. At high tide the swing carries you over the waves; at low tide it swings above sand and rock. It's simple, but the setting of blue water, palms and golden light makes it unforgettable.

How it works - The swing is on private property in front of a guesthouse, not a public attraction. - The owners usually ask for a small payment per person, or that you buy a drink or snack. The amount can change, so check on the day. - There may be a queue in the late morning and at sunset.

Tips for the best photos - Go early: shortly after sunrise, the light is soft and there's usually no queue. - Shoot from the side to show the palm, the swing and the sea. - Bring a friend to take photos, or ask staff. - Check the tide: many people prefer the swing at higher tide, over the waves. - Respect others in the queue and keep your turn short.

Safety Hold on tightly, don't swing too hard, and avoid swinging over rocks at low tide. Children should be supervised.

The natural pool and the turtles

At the eastern end of Dalawella, a reef just offshore creates a sheltered natural pool. At low tide and in calm conditions, the water inside the reef is shallow and relatively calm, and good for a gentle swim or float.

Green sea turtles sometimes come close to the rocks here to feed on seaweed. If you see them: - Keep your distance and let them come and go. - Never touch, chase or feed turtles. Feeding them unnatural food harms their health. - Don't stand on the reef or the coral.

See turtle hatching and our responsible travel guide.

Swimming at Dalawella

Dalawella is less sheltered than Unawatuna Bay. The open sea can have strong waves and currents, especially away from the reef pool. In season (about December to April), conditions are often calmer.

Swimming tips - Calm-looking water is not proof of safety. Follow lifeguard or local authority advice, posted warnings and current sea conditions before entering the reef pool. - Follow red flags and local advice. - Take care on rocks and coral; water shoes help. - Don't swim in the monsoon season (about May to September) when the sea is rough.

Things to do at and near Dalawella

1. Ride the palm swing

The highlight for most visitors. Go early for the best light and no crowds.

2. Float in the reef pool

When the tide and sea are right, the shallow pool is perfect for a relaxed swim.

3. Snorkel in calm conditions

On calm days you may see small reef fish around the rocks. For better snorkelling, try Jungle Beach near Unawatuna. See snorkelling.

4. Walk the beach to Unawatuna

Walk west along the coast to Unawatuna, with stops at beach cafés on the way. See Unawatuna Beach and things to do in Unawatuna.

5. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda and Jungle Beach

On the Rumassala hill west of Unawatuna, the white Peace Pagoda looks out over the sea, and Jungle Beach is a small, sheltered cove below it.

6. Explore Galle Fort

The UNESCO-listed fort is 15–20 minutes away, with ramparts, a lighthouse, colonial streets and cafés. Go in the late afternoon and stay for sunset. See Galle Fort and things to do in Galle.

7. See Thalpe's rock pools

Just east of Dalawella, Thalpe has natural rock pools cut into the flat coastal rock, a beautiful spot for photos at low tide.

8. Visit Koggala Lake and the stilt fishermen

Further east, take a boat trip on Koggala Lake and see the stilt fishermen along the coast. See Koggala and lagoons.

9. Try a cooking class or Ayurveda

The coast between Unawatuna and Ahangama has cooking classes, yoga studios and Ayurvedic spas. See food and cooking and Ayurveda in Sri Lanka.

10. Watch the sunset

Dalawella faces south-west, and sunsets over the palms can be beautiful. The swing at sunset is magical, but expect a queue.

Best time to visit

See the best time for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka.

A sample morning plan

• 6:30 am: arrive at Dalawella for the swing in soft light.
• 7:30 am: breakfast at a beach café.
• 8:30 am: float in the reef pool and look for turtles from a distance.
• 10:30 am: walk or tuk-tuk to Unawatuna and Jungle Beach.
• Afternoon: rest, then Galle Fort for sunset.

Getting to Dalawella

The nearest main railway station is Galle, with smaller stations along the coast. Tuk-tuks are easy to find in Unawatuna. See airport to Galle, Colombo to Galle and Sri Lanka airport transfers.

Where to stay

Dalawella and the coast towards Thalpe have boutique villas, beach guesthouses and small hotels, many with direct beach access. It's quieter than Unawatuna, while still being close to its restaurants and Galle Fort. See beach stays for a holiday to Sri Lanka and where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Dalawella or Unawatuna?

They're only a few minutes apart, so you can enjoy both.

Dalawella for couples

Sunrise on the swing, quiet villas, candlelit dinners on the sand and Galle Fort at sunset make Dalawella a lovely romantic stop. See our honeymoon tour and Sri Lanka honeymoon ideas.

Dalawella for families

Children enjoy the swing (with supervision) and the reef pool on calm days, but the open sea can be rough. For relaxed swimming with small children, Unawatuna Bay is usually better. See Sri Lanka with kids.

Photography tips

• Sunrise or just after for the swing without crowds.
• Low tide for the rock pools at Thalpe.
• Golden hour for palms and sea.
• Ask before photographing people, including fishermen.
• Keep your camera dry; sea spray travels.

What to bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
• Water shoes for rocks and coral.
• Swimwear and a cover-up for walking off the beach.
• Cash for the swing, drinks and tuk-tuks.
• A dry bag for your phone.

See our Sri Lanka packing list.

Dalawella on a Sri Lanka itinerary

Dalawella is an easy stop when you're staying in Unawatuna or Galle, or driving along the south coast between Galle and Mirissa. Many travellers end their tour with three or four nights on this stretch of coast. See the south coast road trip from Galle to Tangalle, our beach holidays and our Galle day tour.

Other beautiful beaches on the south coast

See best beaches in Sri Lanka and hidden beaches in Sri Lanka.

Responsible travel at Dalawella

• Never touch or feed turtles.
• Don't stand on coral or the reef.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Take your rubbish with you.
• Respect the swing owners and their property.

The story of the swing

The palm swing became famous in the mid-2010s, when travel photos of it spread on social media. Since then, it has appeared in countless travel blogs and brochures about Sri Lanka. Similar swings have appeared on other beaches, but Dalawella's leaning palm and turquoise water make it the original favourite. Because it's on private property, please treat it as a guest would: be polite, follow the owners' rules and support them with a drink or a small payment.

Rainy-day ideas near Dalawella

On a rainy day, visit Galle Fort's museums and cafés, take a cooking class or book an Ayurvedic massage. Showers often pass quickly. See museums in Sri Lanka.

Dalawella in the monsoon

From about May to September, the southwest monsoon brings rain and big waves. The swing is still there, but the sea is rough and the reef pool may not be safe. It's a good time for dramatic photos, cheaper rooms and quiet beaches, but not for swimming.

How long to spend at Dalawella

For the swing and the reef pool, one or two hours is enough. To enjoy the area properly, stay two or three nights between Unawatuna and Thalpe.

Dalawella at sunset

Late afternoon brings golden light and a relaxed mood. Grab a fresh juice, watch the waves on the reef and wait for the sun to drop behind the palms.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Arriving at midday, when the queue for the swing is longest and the light is harsh.
• Swimming in the open sea when the waves are big.
• Feeding or touching turtles.
• Visiting in the monsoon and expecting calm water.
• Forgetting cash for the swing and drinks.