Rekawa Turtle Watching

A 1–2 hour night visit to Rekawa Beach near Tangalle, one of Sri Lanka's most important turtle nesting beaches. Watch wild sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs, guided by a community conservation project.

About this experience

Rekawa Turtle Watching is a guided night-time visit (1 to 2 hours, depending on when turtles arrive) to Rekawa Beach, about 10 km east of Tangalle on Sri Lanka's south coast. Rekawa is one of the country's most important nesting beaches, and turtles are protected where they nest rather than in hatcheries. It is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka and suits families and nature lovers. What happens on the turtle watch? You arrive in the evening and wait at the project's base on the beach. When a turtle comes ashore and begins nesting, a guide takes small groups to watch quietly as she digs, lays her eggs and covers the nest. Sometimes you may also see hatchlings emerge. Which turtles nest at Rekawa? Mostly green turtles, with olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback turtles also recorded. How is Rekawa different from a hatchery? Eggs are left in natural nests on the beach and protected by local guards, who were often once egg collectors. Visitors watch wild turtles, which supports conservation and the local community. Is a sighting guaranteed? No. Turtles nest year-round but not every night. Waiting is part of the experience, so allow time. How far is Rekawa from Tangalle and Mirissa? About 20 minutes from Tangalle and 1 hour 15 minutes from Mirissa. Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.

Highlights

  • Wild sea turtles nesting
  • Mostly green turtles
  • Community-based conservation project
  • Turtles protected on the natural beach
  • Possible hatchling emergence
  • Guided small-group viewing
  • Unforgettable night experience

Travel tips

Wear dark clothes and bring insect repellent. Use no flash photography and no white torches; only red light allowed by guides. Stay quiet and keep a distance. Never touch turtles or hatchlings. Be ready to wait.

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