Turtle Nesting Beach, Rekawa

Home to seven of the Worlds nine marine turtle species, all of which are listed as endangered; Sri Lanka is a fantastic place to try to see and support turtle conservation in action. Turtle eggs are still sold and widely eaten throughout Sri Lanka, so supporting conservation initiatives here is very worthwhile.

The Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) of Sri Lanka started its pioneering conservation programme at Rekawa in 1996. The project aims to protect marine turtles in their natural habitat while providing an alternative source of income to those people formerly dependent on the now illegal collection of turtle eggs. Sri Lankas Department of Wildlife rangers now collect the turtle eggs and move them, just after laying, to a protected area on Rekawa Beach. This allows the young turtles the best chance of survival.

Come down to the beach during the night for a turtle safari in order to see these beautiful creatures coming up the beach to lay their eggs. This activity involves some waiting and walking along the beach as, like with all wildlife, it is the turtle that sets the place and time. However, if you are lucky enough to spot a female making the exhausting trek up the beach to find the perfect nesting spot, the waiting will most definitely have been worth it.

This is a seasonal activity the turtle egg laying season runs from January to July.