The Best Palm Tree Rope Swings of Sri Lanka

The palm tree rope swings of Sri Lanka are an Instagram-famous attraction on the island’s south coast. Tied to tall palm or coconut trees that lean dramatically over its golden sand beaches, the rope swings let you swing majestically over the ocean. The palm tree rope swings of Sri Lanka offer not just a quick dose of adventure, but also make for a great photo opportunity as you swing against a stunning blue sea or into a vibrant tropical sunset.

However, not all palm tree rope swings are made equal — while some are crowded or hard to find, many of them are set up by private guesthouses, resorts, or cafes along the shore, charging you a small fee. To make things easier, I have prepared a personally curated list of the three best palm tree rope swings of Sri Lanka with all the details you need to know!

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The Best Palm Tree Rope Swings in Sri Lanka

Palm Tree Rope Swing at Mahi Mahi restaurant in Dikwella

The palm tree swing at Mahi Mahi Seafood Restaurant in Dikwella, Sri Lanka, is a lesser-known gem, mostly frequented by locals. Set against the backdrop of swaying palm trees, the rope swings are set in a narrow yet tranquil stretch of sand on the bay next to Dikwella Beach. There are two rope swings at this beach, so you can swing together with your +1 or expect a shorter wait time if there’s a line at all. The swings also have a wooden board for you to sit on as opposed to the other palm tree rope swings of Sri Lanka, where you swing out into the sea Tarzan-style. 

Mahi Mahi Seafood Restaurant has set up some beach beds and hammocks for you to lounge on in between taking dips in the sea, swinging from the palm trees, or enjoying their selection of seafood and drinks, so you can spend an entire day here. Entry is free, and the swings too are free of charge, so I’d encourage you to order a snack or a drink to support their business and hospitality.

You can visit the palm tree rope swing at Mahi Mahi Restaurant in Dikwella at any time of day. For the best lighting, visit in the early morning or late afternoon. You should note that the sun sets behind the beach, so you’re better off heading to Dikwella Beach or Hiriketya Beach for sunset. 

To reach the palm tree rope swing at Mahi Mahi Restaurant, just rent your own self-drive tuktuk! The best places to stay nearby are in Hiriketiya, located just 10 minutes away. It is also home to a pristine bay that you must visit. Additionally, you can also plan a day trip to Dikwella from other beach towns like Mirissa, Weligama, and Unawatuna, which are roughly an hour away. 

Here is a comprehensive guide to the beach towns of Sri Lanka’s South Coast

If you are looking for a palm tree rope swing in Sri Lanka, away from crowds of foreign tourists, Mahi Mahi Restaurant in Dikwella is the place to be! 

Ready to book your tuktuk adventure? Click here and get a 5% discount on checkout!

Palm Tree Rope Swing at the Dream Cabana in Unawatuna

The Dalawella beach swing in Unawatuna is hands down the most popular palm tree rope swing in Sri Lanka. The Instagram-favourite icon is located outside Dream Cabana Guesthouse, hanging from a tall palm tree and stretching out over the beach, launching you over the cerulean Indian Ocean. Dalawella Beach is a picturesque place to be, with curving palm trees and frog-like rock formations. Similarly, the rope swing at Dream Cabana is undoubtedly beautiful, but its virality also attracts a large number of visitors, even in the low season, waiting in line to get that perfect Instagram shot. 

The Dalawella palm tree beach swing features a single foot loop at the bottom, and you need to either climb up the palm tree or get someone to give you a good push to get going. This demands some degree of core and upper body strength, making it slightly more difficult to enjoy. On the plus side, though there is no time limit on how long you can swing, people don’t spend too much time precisely because the rope swing requires a lot more effort.

The Dalawella beach swing costs LKR 500 (a little over $1.5). The best time to visit the palm tree swing is during sunset, when you can swing into the sky as it puts on a vibrant show of warm hues. Alternatively, you can visit early in the morning to beat the heavy sunset crowds.

To reach the palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach, hop on a quick five-minute tuk-tuk ride from Unawatuna. Take the alley beside Dream Cabana Guesthouse and head to the beach. While you are here, you can visit the neighbouring Mihiripenna Beach, which is a lot quieter. You can also catch the local stilt fishermen here. However, the waves around here can be rough with strong currents, so it’s best to be cautious. 

Rasta Rope Swing at Shanti Shanti Cafe, Talpe

Finally, the Rasta Rope Swing in Talpe totally steals the prize. Talpe is a small, laid back beach town close to Unawatuna and Galle. The rope swing is located at the beachfront Shanti Shanti Cafe, and stands suspended from a tall coconut tree. The rope swing is massive and can be accessed via a tree house, and there should be someone present to help you out. The coolest part? You climb on top of a tree house of sorts and hold on to the rope swing, which launches you over the ocean at quite a height. It hits you with that perfect rush of adrenaline, and you can jump right into the water! Be cautious when taking the plunge into the sea, and assess tide levels, currents, and height before jumping off. 

Shanti Shanti Cafe is a serene hangout spot in Talpe. They are open daily and serve a mix of Sri Lankan and European-inspired dishes, alongside fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails. They also have sunbeds laid out on the beach, so you can spend a relaxing day here. If you’re on the go, you can choose to stop by and just check out the rope swing. The Rasta Rope Swing costs LKR 500 ($1.5), but it’s free of cost if you grab a bite or drink at the cafe. 

Rasta Rope Swing is a lesser-known secret and mostly devoid of crowds. It’s best during sunset, setting the perfect backdrop for your dramatic shots as you swing into the ocean. For the best lighting, you can visit in the first half of the day, whereas early mornings are peaceful with little to no visitors. 

Shanti Shanti Cafe in Talpe is located right off the main Galle-Matara A2 Road. You can hire a tuk-tuk or hop on a local bus — if you’re unsure, you can ask the conductor to drop you off near Shanti Shanti Cafe. 

Rasta Rope Swing is one of the best palm tree rope swings in Sri Lanka and definitely a must-visit! 

Palm Tree Rope Swings of Sri Lanka: FAQs

What is the best tree for a rope swing?

Strong, healthy, hardwood trees with horizontal branches are the best trees for a rope swing. These include oak, maple, sycamore, beech, and walnut trees. They have thick branches and deep roots, along with sturdy yet flexible branches, making them suitable for a rope swing. In tropical countries like Sri Lanka, beach rope swings are most commonly attached to coconut and palm trees. They are tall and flexible, giving you the perfect height for a thrilling swing ride. However, before attaching a rope swing, it needs to be ensured that the coconut or palm tree is firmly rooted and in good condition. 

What is the highest rope swing in the world?

The highest outdoor rope swing in the world is the ‘Big Rush Big Swing’ at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. At a jaw-dropping height of 106 metres, it has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest rope swing drop. It is also the world’s only stadium rope swing, where you take the plunge over a football pitch. In Sri Lanka, the palm tree rope swings offer a different experience as they are tied to trees that extend between 3 to 6 metres in height. The swing itself is not that high, varying based on tide levels, the slope of the beach, and how high the swing is tied. 

Are palm trees native to Sri Lanka? 

Certain species of palm trees, like the Kithul Palm and Ceylon Date Palm, are native to Sri Lanka, whereas some were introduced from other countries and have since been naturalised with the local climate and vegetation. On the other hand, the Coconut Palm is not native to Sri Lanka but has grown deeply rooted in Sri Lankan geography, agriculture, cuisine, culture, and daily life. Palm trees in Sri Lanka serve a wide variety of uses, from ecological protection and architectural raw material to dietary practices and religious customs, and more. 

Will a rope swing damage a tree?

Though not common, a rope swing can potentially damage a tree if it is installed on the wrong kind of tree and is maintained poorly. A rope swing can damage a tree due to factors such as repeated friction on the branches, weight stress, pest infestation in wound cuts from the rope, and humidity and salt spray in coastal areas like Sri Lanka. With proper installation, maintenance and safety practices, rope swings can be a fun activity, without causing any harm to the tree. The palm tree rope swings in Sri Lanka are maintained properly by locals and used daily, so they are generally safe to use.

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