Sea Turtle Hatchery Visit

A 1–2 hour visit to a sea turtle hatchery near Hikkaduwa on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, where eggs are protected and hatchlings released to the sea. An easy, family-friendly stop about 30 minutes from Galle.

About this experience

The Sea Turtle Hatchery Visit is a short, easy conservation stop (1 to 2 hours) at a turtle hatchery on the coast near Hikkaduwa, in southern Sri Lanka. It suits families with children, wildlife lovers and anyone travelling between Colombo, Bentota and Galle. Figo Holidays includes it in private south-coast tours with a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver-guide, and helps you choose a hatchery that follows responsible practices. What happens at a Sri Lanka turtle hatchery? Sea turtle eggs laid on public beaches are at risk from poaching, dogs and predators. Hatcheries buy or collect these eggs, rebury them in fenced sand pens and let them incubate for around 45 to 60 days. When the hatchlings emerge, staff release them into the ocean, usually at dusk when fewer predators are around. On your visit, a staff member explains the work, shows the nesting pens and newly hatched turtles, and introduces any injured turtles being cared for. Which turtle species nest in Sri Lanka? Five of the world's seven sea turtle species nest on Sri Lanka's beaches: the green turtle, olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback. All are protected under Sri Lankan law. Only around 1 in 1,000 hatchlings is thought to survive to adulthood, which is why protecting eggs matters. How long does the visit take? Plan 1 to 2 hours, including the talk and time to look around. If a release is scheduled, you may be able to stay and watch at sunset. Where is it and how far is it from Galle, Bentota and Colombo? Hatcheries are found along the coast around Hikkaduwa and further north at Kosgoda. Hikkaduwa is about 20 km from Galle (around 30 minutes), 40 km from Bentota (about 1 hour) and 100 km from Colombo (about 1.5 to 2 hours via the Southern Expressway). Are turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka ethical? Standards vary. A good hatchery releases hatchlings within a day or two of hatching, does not let visitors handle baby turtles, and keeps only injured or disabled turtles that cannot survive in the wild. Avoid places that keep healthy hatchlings in small tanks for days for photos. Our guides recommend hatcheries that meet these standards. Can you see wild turtles in Hikkaduwa? Yes. Wild green turtles often graze on seaweed in the shallow water off Hikkaduwa beach, especially in the morning. Watch from a distance and do not feed or touch them. For wild nesting turtles at night, Rekawa near Tangalle is the best place on the south coast. What can you combine it with? The visit fits easily into a south-coast day with Hikkaduwa Beach, a glass-bottom boat or snorkelling trip on the coral reef, the Madu River or Bentota mangrove safari, and Galle Fort. Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We plan your south-coast route, choose responsible wildlife experiences, and build this visit into a tailor-made itinerary.

Highlights

  • Sea turtle conservation
  • Newly hatched baby turtles
  • Five nesting species of Sri Lanka
  • Turtle egg incubation pens
  • Sunset hatchling release
  • Rescued and injured turtles
  • Wild green turtles at Hikkaduwa beach
  • Easy family outing

Travel tips

Do not touch or handle hatchlings. Ask how soon hatchlings are released and avoid places keeping healthy turtles in tanks. Bring cash for the entry fee or donation. Wear sun protection. Watch wild turtles from a distance and never feed them.

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