Rekawa Sri Lanka is globally recognized as one of the few places in the world where you can observe marine turtles in their natural habitat. Five out of seven of the world’s marine turtle species are found in Sri Lanka and come ashore in Rekawa to lay eggs, including green, loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback.

The Rekawa Turtle Watch is a marine turtle conservation project which aims to protect the turtles’ nesting sites and ensure that the eggs can hatch safely. Visitors can go on ‘turtle watch’ any evening of the year, where the volunteers from the center lead groups to the beach between 8:30 pm and 1:00 am where you can watch the turtles laying eggs or returning to the sea. Fullmoon days between January and April to July considered being the best time to spot Sea turtles. During the high season, 5-15 turtles appear each night, whereas during the low season (October – January) it is approximately 1-2. There is no guarantee that you will see a turtle, although sightings occur most nights of the year.

Visitors should be aware that flash photography and white/yellow torches are not allowed.