Activity Profile

Experience Overview

Nesting Green Turtles • Rekawa Night Sanctuary

Rekawa is one of the most famous sea turtle nesting beaches in Sri Lanka. Located near Tangalle on the southern coast, Rekawa is known for its peaceful natural beach and high chances of seeing turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs naturally. Unlike crowded tourist beaches, Rekawa offers a more eco-friendly and conservation-focused turtle watching experience.

Why Rekawa is Special

  • High chances of seeing turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs
  • Eco-friendly, conservation-focused beach walks led by licensed guides
  • Home to five species of sea turtles including Green and Leatherback turtles
  • Undisturbed, quiet nesting beach away from crowded tourist zones

Turtles You May See

Top routes, activities, or encounters featured in this adventure category.

Green Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles Hawksbill Turtles Loggerhead Turtles Leatherback Turtles

Rekawa Nesting Sanctuary & Sights

Rekawa Beach

Protected coastal beach where turtles come to nest under full conservation laws.

Tangalle Beaches

Pristine, quiet beaches nearby offering peaceful sunset walks and relaxation.

Hiriketiya Bay

Scenic horseshoe bay famous for intermediate surfing, surf cafes, and swimming.

Yala National Park

Leopard safari reserve, easily reachable within 1.5 - 2 hours from Tangalle.

Conservation Tour Experience

Night Beach Walk (7:00 PM – Midnight)
Turtle Conservation Briefings
Observation of Natural Nesting
Sri Lankan Dinner included
Tangalle & Mirissa Transfers
Strict Conservation Guidelines

Conservation Rules & Prices

Tour Price USD 145 per person (Min 2 Pax). Includes transport, guide, dinner, fees.
Photography Strictly NO flash photography. Flash disturbs the nesting turtles.
Behavior Keep noise very low. Do NOT touch turtles, eggs, or enter nesting zones without guides.

Best Time for Turtle Watching

  • Year-round: Turtles nest at Rekawa throughout the year.
  • April – July: Peak nesting months with highest numbers of turtle landings.
  • Night Schedule: Tours run at night (7:00 PM – Midnight) when turtles crawl ashore after dark.
Adventure Packages

Available Turtle Watching Tours

Eco Conservation

Sea Turtle Conservation Experience Sri Lanka

From $145 USD / Person

Tour Overview

Visit the Rekawa Sea Turtle Sanctuary near Tangalle for a peaceful, eco-friendly night tour. Watch Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles crawl ashore under the stars to lay eggs naturally.

Package Quick Facts
Duration: Night Tour (7:00 PM – Midnight)
Location: Rekawa Beach, Tangalle
Best Season: Year-round (Peak: April – July)
Tour Type: Conservation Night Tour
Requirements: Min 2 Pax

What's Included

  • Private transport (from Tangalle, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, or Hambantota)
  • Delicious Sri Lankan Dinner
  • Conservation entrance fees & permits
  • Guided beach walk with licensed turtle conservation guides
  • Return hotel drop-off

Recommended to Bring

  • Dark clothing (keeps turtles calm)
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera (strictly no flash allowed)
  • Water bottle

Strictly NO flash photography is allowed. Keep noise very low, do not touch turtles or eggs, and follow conservation guides carefully.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Typical Experience

Evening transfer from your hotel to Rekawa Beach near Tangalle. Enjoy a delicious traditional Sri Lankan dinner on arrival. Attend a short briefing by local turtle conservation guides regarding safety and conservation rules. Embark on a quiet beach walk guided by experts to watch sea turtles nesting naturally in their native habitat. Learn about nesting habits and egg preservation efforts before returning to your hotel.

Highlights:
  • Private hotel transfer
  • Traditional Sri Lankan dinner
  • Educational conservation briefing
  • Quiet night beach walk
  • Observing natural nesting under the stars
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