What you need to know before visit us
What you need to know about our Turtle Watch evenings!
The Turtle Watch events occur every day of the year, and advance booking is currently not required. While we have the opportunity to observe turtles daily, the likelihood of sightings varies by season:
High Season (April – July) Expect to see approximately 5-15 turtles between sunset and sunrise.
Low Season (October – January) Expect to see about 1-2 turtles during the same timeframe.
The program begins each evening at 8:30 PM, and it is important to arrive at least 9:00 PM at the latest to avoid missing any early turtle sightings. To minimize disturbance to the turtles, we typically focus on observing just one nesting turtle, specifically those that arrive before midnight. If no turtles are spotted by our nest protectors, we will wait at the Visitor Center.
But in the low abundant season, if no turtle has arrived by 11:30 PM, the guide will usually conclude the watch due to lack of sightings.
At the Rekawa beach, the protection of the turtles is our prime activity. We will wait until the turtle has completed digging her nest and will only observe her during the egg-laying process, (usually in groups) or until she returns to the sea (from behind). Importantly the waiting time for a turtle can range from one to two hours or more to complete its nesting.
Please note that the use of flash photography or white / yellow lights is prohibited during its process.
We appreciate any support for conservation efforts, as this is a self-sustaining community project without external funding!!
The ticket price
Foreign
Adult - 2000.00LKR
Children - 1000.00LKR
Local
Adult - 500.00LKR
Chldren (Free)
Our Expectations during a Turtle Watch Evening
YYou can expect to be greeted by a local guide or a volunteer and outline the rules for the evening.
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You will wait at the visitor centre until one of our nest protectors spots a turtle on the beach.
These nest protectors monitor the beach throughout the night to ensure the safety of the turtles.
Once a turtle is sighted, the guide will lead you to the location.
Please note that Rekawa is a rural area, and most local people may not speak English. However, our guides have a reasonable command of English, and if a volunteer is present, they can assist with further explanations.
We also offer a summary of key information translated into several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Polish.
In the visitor centre, you will find extensive information about sea turtles, their behaviours, and the threats they face. Feel free to ask our guide or volunteers any questions you may have. While waiting for a turtle, you can watch a documentary about the project and sea turtles in Sri Lanka.
If no turtles are spotted by 11:30 PM, it is advisable to leave, as it is unlikely that any will appear after that time. Additionally, please keep in mind that after a turtle arrives, it typically takes about an hour before you will be able to see it, as we do not approach the turtle immediately.
Facilities
At the Visitors Center, there is a small gift shop regularly to empower and support the female part of the community. Besides selling postcards, we also regularly showcase and sell hand-made products and artwork made by women of Rekawa. All of the proceeds go directly to the Rekawa women.
Filtered water is available (though we recommend your own drinking water.)
There is a toilet on site (it is wise to bring your own toilet paper).
Our rules and helpful tips
Please keep in mind that this nature spectacle is very special. Turtles are a vulnerable (even endangered) species and we are guests on their beach – not the other way around.
Please follow any instruction of our guides and/or volunteers at all times.
Flash photography or bright lights are NOT ALLOWED AT ALL TIMES. Bright white light is very harsh to the senses of a turtle and might prevent other turtles from coming to the beach.
Do not use your own torches with white/yellow light. We only use red light near the turtles – the red part of the light spectrum is nearly invisible to turtles.
Please NEVER TOUCH turtles or hatchlings.
Please do not drink on the beach. We have a zero-tolerance policy on the consumption of alcohol.
Please do not smoke or use drugs on the beach.
Please take all your belongings (including trash) back with you to prevent pollution of the beach or the sea.
We stay together as a group during the time we are on the beach. Do not leave the group before notifying one of our guides.
Please keep your belongings close at all times. While the beach is safe, we are not responsible for the loss of bags, cameras or other possessions
Other suggestions:
Most of our nest protectors don’t speak English. Please be patient, listen closely and refer to the information sheets and posters in our Visitor Center.
Since nights might get (very) crowded, please approach our guides and/or volunteers proactively. They are always happy to answer your questions.
Please dress decently. Rekawa is a rural village and does not have a lot of tourism. Especially for women, it is highly recommended to cover their shoulders and knees.
During high tide, there is a chance of you getting wet feet. Be sure your shoes can get wet.
It is best to wear darker, non-reflective clothes to diminish the chance that a turtle notices you.
We normally don’t have a lot of sandflies or mosquitoes, but bring some insect repellent to prevent any bites.
During the rainy season, there is a chance of (heavy) rain. Please bring an umbrella or raincoat when you think it might be wise.
Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest and Help Save a Life!
Become a partner in protecting the future of sea turtles by adopting a nest today. Your contribution will directly support conservation efforts and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.
How It Works:
Adopt a Nest: For a minimum donation of $30, you can adopt a sea turtle nest and give it a name.
Personalized Nest Details: You’ll receive the exact GPS location of the nest you’re supporting, so you can follow its progress.
Custom Stake: Your adopted nest will be marked with a personalized stake featuring your chosen name.
Exclusive Updates: Stay informed with regular updates on the nest’s success, including photos of the nest and stake. We’ll also keep you updated through WhatsApp and email on the nest's progress and hatching results.
By adopting a nest, you're directly contributing to the conservation of sea turtles, helping to ensure that these ancient creatures have a safe environment to thrive.
Join us in this important mission—adopt a nest today and be a part of something extraordinary!
No, no need, we are open everyday and you can visit as without any registration.
2000 LKR/per person.
Just come with good mood and keep our rules.
We are open everyday! Tomorrow and after tomorrow also 😀
Read before visiting