Night turtle watching is a popular activity in Sri Lanka, offering visitors the chance to witness sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Here are some key locations and details for night turtle watching in Sri Lanka:

Key Locations

1. Rekawa Beach

   • Location: Near Tangalle in the Southern Province.
   • Highlights: Rekawa is one of the best spots for turtle watching. It’s a protected area where volunteers and conservationists work to ensure the safety of the turtles.
   • Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but the peak nesting season is from April to July.

2. Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

   • Location: Kosgoda, along the southwestern coast.
   • Highlights: Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatcheries where eggs are collected and protected until they hatch. Visitors can often release hatchlings into the sea.
   • Best Time to Visit: November to April.

3. Bundala National Park

   • Location: Near Hambantota, in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka.
   • Highlights: Bundala offers a combination of wildlife watching and turtle nesting experiences. It’s a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
   • Best Time to Visit: October to January.

4. Kalametiya Beach

   • Location: Near Tangalle.
   • Highlights: A quieter and lesser-known spot for turtle watching, offering a more intimate experience.
   • Best Time to Visit: December to April.

Tips for Turtle Watching

• Guided Tours: Always opt for guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides or conservationists to ensure the experience is both safe and educational.
• Respect the Turtles: Maintain a safe distance from the turtles, avoid using flash photography, and minimize noise to prevent disturbing them.
• Timing: Turtle watching typically takes place at night, usually starting around 8 PM and continuing into the early hours of the morning.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear dark clothing to blend in with the surroundings and bring a flashlight with a red filter to avoid startling the turtles.

Conservation Efforts

Many of these locations are involved in conservation efforts to protect the sea turtles and their nesting sites. Participating in turtle watching tours often supports these initiatives, contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures.

Booking and Accessibility

• Rekawa Beach: Often no booking is required, but local guides can be arranged through hotels or guesthouses in Tangalle.
• Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery: Some hatcheries may have entrance fees, and it’s advisable to book in advance during the peak season.
• Bundala National Park: Entry fees and guided tours can be arranged through tour operators or directly at the park entrance.
• Kalametiya Beach: Less commercialized, so arranging a local guide through nearby accommodations is recommended.

Enjoy your night turtle watching experience in Sri Lanka while contributing to the conservation of these remarkable sea creatures!