Dive Guide: Overview of Unawatuna

Summary

Unawatuna is a beautiful coastal town in the southern part of Sri Lanka. It is famous for its stunning beaches and lively underwater world. This jewel of the Indian Ocean is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its importance to divers. The turquoise waters of Unawatuna attract scuba enthusiasts from all over the globe who are lured by warm tropical temperatures, great visibility and a wide range of dive sites suitable for beginners as well as experienced divers. With amazing coral reefs, historic wrecks and abundant marine life, this place should be on every diver’s bucket list.

Main attractions

What makes Unawatuna different from other dive spots is its rich biodiversity under the sea and peculiar landscapes beneath it. Here are some key attractions:

• Vibrant Coral Reefs: These reefs are full of life with many different kinds of colorful corals.
• Historical Shipwrecks: Various ships have sunk around Unawatuna throughout history – each one having its own story to tell about days gone by.
• Tropical Marine Life: From tiny nudibranchs to large pelagic creatures like turtles or reef sharks – you can see them all here!
• Unique Underwater Rock Formations: Dive among fascinating rocks that create dramatic settings for underwater photography.

Location & Accessibility

About the Geography

Unawatuna lies within Galle District which belongs to Southern Province in Sri Lanka. Situated towards south-western coast line of this island nation, it offers picturesque views comprising golden sandy beaches washed by azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Geographical location of Unawatuna gives it a special microclimate suitable for diving throughout the year. Divers from around the world are attracted by beautiful coral reefs and underwater rock formations which provide various types of diving sites ranging from shallow lagoons to deeper offshore locations. Warm tropical seas combined with excellent visibility make ideal conditions for scuba diving.

How to get there

Getting to Unawatuna is relatively easy:

• Nearest Airports: The closest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) located in Katunayake, about 150 km away from Unawatuna. From there, domestic flights can be taken to Koggala Airport which is just 10 km away.
• By Road: Most people travel by road when going to Unawatuna. It takes around 2-3 hours by car from Colombo – capital city of Sri Lanka – using Southern Expressway (E01). Alternatively, buses or private cabs can be used between Colombo and Galle; then it’s only a short drive of 15-20 minutes from Galle to Unawatuna.
• By Train: There is a scenic coastal train service operated by Sri Lanka Railways between Colombo and Galle. This journey offers picturesque landscapes and coastal views taking approximately 2.5-3 hours. After arriving at Galle, one can take a taxi or local bus towards Unawatuna.
• Local Transportation: Tuk-tuks, scooters or bicycles can be used for getting around locally once in Unawatuna area. Many dive centers and hotels also provide shuttle services for divers.

It is advisable for travelers to take into account peak holiday seasons when transport might be more in demand and prices could vary. Early bookings of accommodation and dive tours are highly recommended.

Marine Life

Diversity of Species

Unawatuna has a wide range of marine life which makes it an ideal place for divers who want to explore the underwater world. Among other things, they can see different types of clownfish, parrotfish and angelfish that live in colorful reefs. There are also many invertebrates such as sea anemones, nudibranchs or starfishes living on corals.

If you are interested in bigger creatures, Unawatuna won’t let you down either. This area is often visited by sea turtles including Green and Hawksbill ones which can be frequently met while they are feeding on seagrass beds or swimming gracefully through the water. Moreover, it’s quite common to come across stingrays or various kinds of reef sharks during dives which definitely adds some adrenaline to this activity making it unforgettable.

Furthermore, from December till April there is a chance to spot migratory whale sharks and manta rays what always brings more magic into diving around Unawatuna.

Efforts for Conservation

There are many ongoing marine conservation projects in Unawatuna that aim at preserving its rich biodiversity under the sea. Local dive centers often take part in cleaning reefs as well as organizing awareness campaigns among divers about importance of keeping marine ecosystems healthy.

Apart from this, there are also non-governmental organizations (NGOs) together with governmental bodies dealing with different aspects related to marine conservation within this region. Some examples include:

• Coral Reef Restoration: Various initiatives focused on restoring damaged coral reefs through methods like coral gardening.
• Sea Turtle Conservation: Programs designed to protect nesting sites and ensure safe release of hatchlings.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Certain parts around Unawatuna have been declared as MPAs so as to safeguard important habitats.

Divers should follow strict “no-touch” policies, use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid disturbing marine life while diving in order to support these ongoing conservation efforts. By acting responsibly under water we can help to keep Unawatuna a lively and thriving dive site for many years ahead.

Safety and Regulations

Tips for Safe Diving

Generally speaking, diving in Unawatuna is safe but like anywhere else there are certain risks and challenges that divers may face. Here are some important safety tips:

• Currents: Always be aware of strong currents especially during monsoon seasons; never dive alone – always take a buddy with you; carry a dive flag or surface marker buoy (SMB).
• Marine Life: Most of the marine creatures are harmless but it’s better to keep distance from them all, especially sharks or stingrays.
• Depth: Make sure you have proper certification for depths you plan to reach; some sites may require advanced certifications.
• Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, don’t drink alcohol before diving, be fit for diving – always do thorough buddy check before entering water.

During briefings given by local dive centers before each dive they usually cover specific safety considerations related to particular sites therefore listening carefully during these sessions is crucial.

Local Regulations

Unawatuna has specific rules to protect divers and marine life. These are:

• Marine Protected Areas: Some parts of Unawatuna are MPAs. Fishing, anchoring and other activities that can damage the environment are not allowed in these areas.
• Permit Requirements: Divers may need permits to dive in certain protected sites. Local dive shops help with the paperwork and ensure compliance.
• Dive Certifications: Proof of certification is required for all divers, along with logbooks showing previous dives in some cases. This helps ensure that people are ready for what they will encounter underwater.
• Environmental Guidelines: Divers must follow rules such as no-touch policies, using reef-safe sunscreen and following local waste disposal regulations.

By following these regulations and diving responsibly, visitors can help preserve the amazing underwater world of Unawatuna for future generations.

Non-Diving Activities

Local Attractions

For those who want to explore beyond the underwater realm, there are many interesting things to see and do in Unawatuna and its vicinity. These activities provide a different kind of enrichment from what you get under the sea:

• Unawatuna Beach: With soft golden sands and calm clear waters, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming or just relaxing.
• Japanese Peace Pagoda: Situated on Rumassala Hill, it offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline as well as a tranquil atmosphere for meditation.
• Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya: This ancient Buddhist temple is set amidst lush greenery and massive boulders, providing a serene escape infused with history and spirituality.
• Galle Fort: A short drive from Unawatuna, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features well-preserved colonial architecture, bustling markets and quaint cafes.
• Jungle Beach: Accessible via a short jungle trek, this hidden gem offers a more secluded beach experience with excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

Cultural Experiences

Apart from its natural beauty, Unawatuna also presents various cultural encounters that enable visitors to immerse themselves in the local Sri Lankan way of living:

• Local Cuisine: Sample hoppers, kottu roti and fresh seafood at beachside restaurants or small eateries to get a taste of Sri Lankan food.
• Cooking Classes: Join cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes starting with a visit to the local market for fresh ingredients.
• Ayurvedic Treatments: Local spas offer massages, herbal baths and other wellness therapies based on ancient Ayurvedic practices for holistic rejuvenation.
• Tea Plantation Tours: Take a day trip to nearby tea estates and learn about tea production from leaf picking to final tasting.
• Cultural Shows: Watch traditional Sri Lankan music and dance performances held at different venues showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Copy