Rekawa Turtle Watch

The story

Rekawa Beach is one of Sri Lanka's most important sea-turtle nesting sites, where green, olive ridley, loggerhead, and leatherback turtles haul themselves ashore to lay eggs after dark. Local conservation groups run guided night walks that keep a respectful distance, giving visitors a rare chance to watch ancient nesting rituals unfold under the stars.

Highlights

• Night-time turtle nesting observation
• Green, olive ridley, loggerhead and leatherback turtles
• Community-run conservation project
• Quiet, undeveloped beach setting

Things to do here

1. 1Join a guided night walk to see nesting turtles
2. 2Learn about hatchling conservation from local rangers
3. 3Combine with a day visit to Tangalle beaches
4. 4Support the community donation-based conservation fund
5. 5Photograph turtles only with red-light guidance
6. 6Beach cleanup with local conservation volunteers