Rekawa Beach

Rekawa is one of the few beaches in the world where all five of the turtle species found in Sri Lankan waters come ashore to nest, greens most often, along with olive ridleys, loggerheads, hawksbills and leatherbacks. A conservation project running since 1996 employs former egg collectors as nest protectors and runs guided night watches, with red lights only and strict rules about distance and noise. Turtles come ashore most nights of the year.

What you actually see

• The nesting turtles - females coming ashore to dig and lay, most nights of the year.
• The five species - greens, olive ridleys, loggerheads, hawksbills and leatherbacks.
• The community project - former egg collectors employed as nest protectors.
• The night watch - guided sessions under red light with strict rules.

When to go

March to July is the peak for green turtles, though nesting happens year round. Watches start after dark and can run for hours. Full moon nights are said to bring more animals ashore.

Honest expectations

Turtles are wild and some nights nothing comes ashore. White light, flash photography and noise are prohibited and the rules are enforced. Watches involve a long wait on a dark beach.

Nearby

Tangalle is west, and Kalametiya is east.