Turtle Watching in Rekawa, South Coast – Finding Sanctuary by the Sea

Between the months of February and July, visitors to Rekawa along Sri Lanka’s South Coast will have the unique chance to see marine turtles coming to shore in order to nest. The island is in fact where one can see five of the world’s seven sea turtles namely the Green, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtle. Like Rekawa, Kosgoda is another area that is popular with turtle watching and can be visited on Sri Lanka tour packages offered by tour operators such as Sunshine Travels.

During the period leading up to the end of July, the Rekawa Sanctuary near Tangalle town becomes a prime hotspot for viewing these marine species that can be seen coming to shore at night to lay their eggs. One also has the chance to see hatchlings making their way across the sand to the ocean. Nesting as well as hatching can be observed between 7 PM and 3 AM and can be seen as part of tours that are offered by locals and volunteers of the Turtle Conservation Project.