Rekawa Turtle Watch
Rekawa
One of Sri Lanka's most important natural sea turtle nesting beaches, where visitors watch turtles come ashore to lay eggs at night, led by conservation staff.
Rekawa Beach lies about 10 km east of Tangalle and is one of Sri Lanka's most important natural sea turtle nesting sites. Five species, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles, come ashore at night to nest. The local conservation organisation, the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, runs observation sessions every night. Visitors register after about 20:00, then wait until patrol officers spot a turtle and lead the group to watch it lay its eggs. Waiting time is unpredictable and can take one to three hours. Entry costs a few thousand rupees. Flash photography and white torchlight are prohibited during observation. Stay quiet, and do not approach or touch the turtles. This is different from a hatchery: you are seeing wild turtles nest naturally.
Opening hours
Nightly approx. 20:00–24:00
Nearby sights
- Marakolliya Beach
- Tangalle Lagoon
- Medaketiya Beach
- Tangalle Fishing Harbour
- Goyambokka Beach
- Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
- Silent Beach (Pallikkudawa)
- Hummanaya Blowhole