Rekawa Turtle Hatchery Rekawa Sri Lanka
Rekawa Turtle Hatchery offers a unique chance to witness sea turtles nesting and hatchlings reaching the ocean, supporting vital community conservatio...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak nesting and hatching hours
Rekawa Turtle Hatchery Rekawa Sri Lanka
Best Time
Peak nesting and hatching hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rekawa Turtle Hatchery offers a unique chance to witness sea turtles nesting and hatchlings reaching the ocean, supporting vital community conservation efforts.
"A meaningful experience and a rare opportunity to witness sea turtles in their natural habitat."
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Minimize noise and avoid flash photography to not disturb nesting turtles.
🔦 Use Red Light Only
Guides provide red lights; avoid white flashlights to protect turtle eyes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Witness Nesting Sea Turtles
Rekawa Beach
Observe majestic sea turtles laying eggs under the moonlight. A truly unforgettable and moving natural spectacle.
Baby Turtle Release
Rekawa Beach
Experience the heartwarming sight of tiny hatchlings making their way to the ocean. A symbol of hope and conservation.
Conservation Information Center
Turtle Watch Rekawa
Learn about sea turtles and marine conservation efforts from knowledgeable locals. Support a vital community project.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Turtle Sightings
Respectful Viewing for Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Minimize noise and avoid flash photography to not disturb nesting turtles.
🔦 Use Red Light Only
Guides provide red lights; avoid white flashlights to protect turtle eyes.
🚶♀️ Walk with a Guide
Guides are essential for spotting turtles and ensuring their safety.
💰 Support Conservation
Pay the local ticket price to directly fund the turtle conservation project.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Minimize noise and avoid flash photography to not disturb nesting turtles.
🔦 Use Red Light Only
Guides provide red lights; avoid white flashlights to protect turtle eyes.
🚶♀️ Walk with a Guide
Guides are essential for spotting turtles and ensuring their safety.
💰 Support Conservation
Pay the local ticket price to directly fund the turtle conservation project.
🚎 Bus Travel Tips
Buses to Rekawa from Tangalle are infrequent; ask the conductor for 'turtle beach'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Rekawa Turtle Hatchery for the profound experience of witnessing sea turtles nesting and hatchlings reaching the sea, highlighting the importance of the conservation work. However, some reviews mention issues with organization, large crowds, and a lack of detailed information during the viewing process.
"We had a great experience here. Having read some of the reviews I think it depends a lot on who is in your group. Our small group were totally respectful of the turtles and followed our guides instructions so when we were called to follow him to see the turtle who had come to nest, she was not disturbed unnecessarily. Our guide used a red light only and nobody used a flashlight, but we could easily see her and followed at a respectful distance as she made her way back into the ocean. We then waited around for a long time while nothing else happened but I felt very lucky to have seen one of these amazing creatures.
We sat around for a while before we went to the beach while they were waiting for a sighting and it was only once they had seen one that we paid and went onto the beach."
Paula Sims
"It is the best place for watching turtles. Actually Turtle Watch Rekawa ( Turtle conservation center Rekawa ) is a center which is under Sri lanka turtle conservation project. This is a community based conservation project and doing valueable job for protecting turtles and their nests.
In this center Villagers of Rekawa are helping to maintain this center and they are also protecting turtle nests from threats
You can reach this center by bus or your own vehicle. If you come by bus, first come to Tangalle bus stand and need to catch Rekawa - Tangalle bus. But in that route buses are not frequent. Say conductor you want to go turtle beach
When you get off the bus you have to walk around 2km ( not exactly sure ) to reach the center. There are sign boards showing the directions along the road
If you come with your own vehicle you need to come netolpitiya junction and turn to rekawa road and from netolpitiya junction around 6/7 km journey
Center is very beautiful. They open at night from 6-12. Lot of tourists also. There is a juice bar and also facilities like toilets etc. They are very clean and well maintained.
Also have a information center and you can get information on sea turtles and also other marine animals
Please behave well and protect this sensitive environment"
Prabath Wijepala
"Yes, I’m posting a cute baby turtle (found online) to get your attention because the real “experience” here is anything but cute. Crowds are massive, chaos is king, staff win Sri Lanka’s most unfriendly award and honestly, the only thing this place hatches is disappointment."
Aleksander
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tangalle bus stand, take a Rekawa-Tangalle bus. Buses are infrequent, so tell the conductor you're going to 'turtle beach'. If driving your own vehicle, head to Netolpitiya junction and turn onto Rekawa Road (approx. 6-7 km).
There are signboards along the road from the bus stop to guide you. If you're unsure, ask locals for directions to Turtle Watch Rekawa.
Yes, tuk-tuks and taxis are available from Tangalle. Negotiate the price beforehand. It's a scenic ride along the coast.
Many visitors combine a visit to Rekawa with other southern Sri Lanka destinations like Mirissa or Yala. Consider hiring a driver for flexibility.
No, buses on the Rekawa-Tangalle route are not very frequent. It's advisable to check schedules or consider alternative transport if time is limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The local ticket price is typically around 500 LKR per person. This fee directly supports the community-based conservation project.
The center is open at night, usually from 6 PM to 12 AM, to facilitate turtle nesting and hatching observations.
Advance booking is generally not required. You pay upon arrival or after a sighting, depending on the group's organization.
The information center is usually accessible as part of the turtle watching experience. The primary fee is for the guided turtle viewing.
Information on discounts can vary. It's best to inquire at the center upon arrival. The focus is on supporting the conservation project.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The prime time for turtle sightings is typically between 9 PM and 2 AM, when nesting and hatching are most active. Patience is key!
Sightings are not guaranteed as it depends on natural nesting cycles. However, the guides are skilled at finding them.
Wear comfortable, dark clothing to blend in. Avoid bright colors. Light shoes are recommended as you might walk on the beach.
Photography is allowed, but only with red lights provided by guides. Avoid using flash or bright lights that can disturb the turtles.
The center usually has clean toilets and a juice bar. It's a well-maintained facility.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a tripod for stability, a high ISO, and a wide aperture. Focus on manual focus if possible. Red light filters can help preserve the natural ambiance.
Modern smartphone cameras with good low-light capabilities can work, but ensure you use the red light and avoid flash.
Drones are generally not permitted near nesting sites to avoid disturbing wildlife. Always check local regulations.
Guides use special red lights. This is crucial for minimizing disturbance to the turtles' sensitive eyes.
Be patient, stay with your guide, and use the provided red light. Focus on capturing the natural behavior without intrusive lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior. The night viewing can be late, so consider if your children can manage the timing. The guides are usually patient with younger visitors, but keeping them close and attentive is important. The information center can also provide engaging content for curious young minds.
🌍 Solo Travelers
Tips for solo visitors: Be open to interacting with guides and other travelers. The shared experience of watching turtles can create a sense of camaraderie. Embrace the patience required, as it's part of the authentic experience. The journey to Rekawa might require a bit more planning if relying solely on public transport, so factor that into your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Community Conservation
By engaging the local population, the project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards wildlife conservation. This approach has proven effective in safeguarding nesting beaches and reducing poaching. The guides are often villagers themselves, possessing intimate knowledge of the turtles' habits and the best practices for observation. Their commitment is evident in their careful handling of the viewing process, ensuring minimal disturbance to the nesting mothers and their precious eggs.
When you visit Rekawa, you're not just witnessing a natural phenomenon; you're actively supporting a vital conservation effort. The fees collected go towards maintaining the center, educating the community, and protecting the turtles. It's a meaningful way to experience Sri Lanka's incredible biodiversity while contributing to its preservation for future generations.
Navigating Your Turtle Watching Experience
While sightings are not guaranteed, the guides are skilled at locating nesting turtles. The process can involve waiting for a period, but the reward of witnessing a turtle lay eggs or hatchlings make their journey to the sea is often described as profoundly moving. The center also houses an information center where you can learn more about different sea turtle species and the conservation work being done.
Some visitors have noted that the experience can feel a bit disorganized at times, with large groups and limited explanations. However, the core mission of conservation and the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures often outweigh these minor drawbacks for many. Remember, the goal is to observe respectfully and support the ongoing conservation efforts.
Social
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