Where is the best place to see wild sea turtles nesting on Sri Lankan beaches?
I want to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach at night. Which beaches offer the most reliable nesting sightings and when is the peak nesting season.
2 Answers
Rekawa Beach near Tangalle is hands down the best and most ethical turtle nesting site in Sri Lanka. The Turtle Conservation Project runs guided nighttime walks along the beach between January and July during peak nesting season. Five species of marine turtles nest here including the green turtle, olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead, and the critically endangered leatherback. Guides ensure visitors maintain a safe distance and use only red filtered torchlight to avoid disturbing the mothers.
Avoid the commercial turtle hatcheries along the west coast near Kosgoda and Bentota. Many of these facilities keep hatchlings in overcrowded tanks for tourist handling which confuses the animals and reduces their survival chances after release. Rekawa offers a genuinely wild conservation focused experience where turtles nest completely naturally. The watching sessions start around eight in the evening and can last until midnight depending on turtle activity.
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