Being regarded as a tropical paradise, Sri Lanka is an island that that plays host to some of the rarest and astonishing natural spectacles. The equatorial location, the idyllic climatic conditions and its environs support a multitude of natural events that cannot happen anywhere else in the world. One such amazing event is the nesting of sea turtles. Though this is a rare sight to be seen up close, a site allows you to witness this event without disrupting the gentle creatures.
It all happens on a quaint beach located off the coast of Tangalle, known as the Rekawa Beach. It boasts a surreal ambience with stunning scenery and due to its ecological significance, a lot of locals do not frequent the beach as they know it would disturb the turtles. The Rekawa Beach is one of the few places on the island where you could see sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
All five species of sea turtles such as Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback Olive ridley and Green sea turtles can be spotted at the beach and the nesting happens only between late evening hours and Dawn. These feeble creatures are always under the watchful eyes of environmentalists and government officials of environment protection – the locals too aid in protecting these creatures. Once they lay their eggs, they are then collected and are taken to conservation centres where the eggs will be incubated and once they are hatched, the hatchlings are then released to the open seas.
Located a short drive away from many upscale accommodation options, you can easily visit here by a tuk-tuk from your hotel – It also takes only 20 minutes to reach from the Tangalle town. Since all the sea turtles who arrive at the beach are listed as endangered species the excursion to see these creatures are bound by strict regulations. That is, not more than 20 individuals are allowed to visit the beach during the nesting season and they are not allowed to get too close to the turtles as well. Visitors are asked to refrain from making loud noises and their mobile devices should be put on silent or they should be turned off. Also, they aren’t allowed to use bright lights or camera flashes. Though it is an interesting experience to savour, it is advised that you follow caution at all times so that you won’t disrupt the turtles and aid the increase in their numbers!
