Turtles Watching

Hambantota District in Southern Sri Lanka is a haven for turtle Nesting ,out of eight species of marine Turtles ,five species are nesting here, They are namely,

• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)  
• Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)  
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)  
• Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

But following species Cannot be seen in Sri Lanka

• Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus)  
• Black Turtle/East Pacific green turtle (Chelonia agassizii)  
• Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)

Research has shown that Hambanthota,Rekawa,Kosgoda areas are best turtle nesting rookery in sri Lanka with 600-900 nests deposited annually,

When a female has located the nesting beach she waits until night-time in waters close to the shore. Female turtles nest at night because it is cooler and in the darkness they are less conspicuous to large predators.

 TCP provide guide to walk to beach to see the Turtle nesting habit but cannot guarantee the availability, which Program will be started 8.00Pm that continue till 9.00Pm at the Rekawa Beach,