Finding Turtles in Sri Lanka: Top Tips for Families
Turtles are one of the coolest things about Sri Lanka. I mean, who doesn’t love a good turtle encounter, right?
Sri Lanka’s got five of the seven sea turtle species, and if you’re lucky (and avoid the temptation to poke them like some other tourists), you can have some seriously magical moments watching these ancient creatures up close.
Here’s everything you need to know about spotting, respecting, and avoiding the rookie mistakes some people make with turtles in Sri Lanka.
Where to See Turtles in Sri Lanka
Turtles are pretty much around every corner on the coast, especially on the south and west beaches. Here’s where to get your turtle fix without disrupting their zen:
- Rekawa Beach – This lesser-known beach is a top spot for seeing nesting turtles without crowds of people vying for the best selfie. The Rekawa Turtle Watch project runs nighttime tours, so you can quietly watch the mama turtles do their thing.
- Mirissa Beach – Known for whale watching (check out our guide to whale watching in Mirissa!), Mirissa’s also perfect for seeing turtles, especially if you’re up for some snorkeling. We had a turtle literally pop up next to us in the surf.
- Hikkaduwa Turtle Beach – Hikkaduwa is turtle central, but let’s address the obvious: it’s also the place where tourists seem to lose all common sense. At Turtle Beach, you’ll see turtles, but unfortunately, you’ll also see people feeding them seaweed, chasing them, and even trying to “pet” them. Pro tip: don’t be that person. It’s better to watch from a distance and let them stay in their natural vibe.
- Pigeon Island National Park – Over on the east coast, this is THE spot for snorkeling with turtles in clear waters. Plus, there’s an entire reef ecosystem to explore. Early morning is your best bet for fewer people and more turtles.
Which Turtles Can You See in Sri Lanka?
There are five types on turtles in Sri Lanka making regular appearances along its coast:
- Green Turtle – The chillest and most common of the bunch.
- Olive Ridley – These are often seen nesting around the southern coast.
- Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Leatherback – Less common but still around if you’re lucky (or very patient).
When is the Best Time to See Turtles in sri lanka?
Nesting Season: November to March is prime nesting season, so if you’re hoping to see a turtle digging her nest, you’ll have the best luck on the south coast during these months.
Hatching Season: From February to May, baby turtles make their way out into the world. Hatchlings, of course, are completely adorable as they waddle their way to the ocean, but watching them also requires some self-control. Resist the urge to help them along; they need to learn this journey on their own.
Snorkeling: Year-round in places like Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot turtles paddling around.
Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka: Don’t Fall for the Tourist Traps
Sri Lanka is doing a lot to protect its turtles, but not every turtle hatchery is as legit as they look.
Some places take good care of the turtles and follow ethical practices, while others keep hatchlings in tanks or, worse, let tourists handle them.
To avoid these places, look for hatcheries that:
- Limit human interaction.
- Release hatchlings at sunset instead of holding them for “strength.”
- Don’t have adult turtles in tanks for tourists to pet.
Rekawa Turtle Watch is a great example of a conservation project that puts the turtles first. Here, you’ll be briefed on what NOT to do, which is just as important as what to do.
Swimming and Snorkeling with Turtles – Just Don’t Chase ‘Em!
Snorkeling with turtles in Sri Lanka can be amazing if done right.
Take Hikkaduwa for example—if you’re there early enough, you might have the beach to yourself (and the turtles). The turtles will often swim up close, but try to keep your distance and avoid the feeding frenzy that happens later in the day.
Watching turtles in the wild is a thousand times better than seeing them stressed out by a crowd of tourists trying to get up close and personal.
In Mirissa, we had one of the best snorkeling experiences, spotting turtles peacefully swimming alongside us. If you want an encounter that’s respectful and natural, this is the place to do it.
Ethical Turtle Watching with Kids: How Not to Ruin It for Everyone
Taking kids to see turtles in Sri Lanka is incredible, but a few ground rules make all the difference. Here are our top tips:
- Watch, Don’t Touch – Turtles are wild animals, not a petting zoo. If you’re snorkelling, encourage your kids to stay back and just enjoy watching.
- Don’t Feed Them – Feeding turtles can mess with their health and behavior. Let them forage naturally without the “help” of human snacks.
- Stay Quiet and Keep Lights Low – Turtles prefer the quiet, and artificial lights can mess with their navigation. When watching nesting turtles, keep the flash off and avoid bright torches.
- Let Hatchlings Find Their Way – It’s tempting to “help” hatchlings reach the ocean, but they need to do this on their own. It’s literally part of their survival instinct.
Why Some Turtle Hatcheries in Sri Lanka Do More Harm Than Good
In theory, turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka sound like a win-win—protecting eggs from poachers and predators until the hatchlings are strong enough to be released.
Many commercial hatcheries actually harm sea turtle conservation more than they help.
In short, while not-for-profit and conservation-focused hatcheries can make a positive impact, commercial hatcheries often prioritize tourism income over genuine turtle conservation. If you’re planning to visit a hatchery to see turtles in Sri Lanka, do your research and support those with ethical practices that truly benefit these remarkable creatures.
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Other Awesome Wildlife Spots for Animal-Loving Families
If you’ve come for turtles in Sri lanka but want more wildlife (and really, why wouldn’t you?), there is so much on offer. Check out these spots:
- Yala National Park – Where you can go on safari and spot elephants, leopards, and even the odd sloth bear. (Read more in our safari guide!)
- Whale Watching in Mirissa – Not far from turtle-watching, you can spot blue whales and dolphins on the same coast. (Check out our whale watching guide!)
- Pigeon Island – Perfect for snorkeling if you’re on the east coast and want to see turtles and maybe a reef shark or two.
FAQ: Turtles in Sri Lanka
Where’s the best beach to see turtles in Sri Lanka?
For family-friendly turtle watching, try Mirissa, Rekawa, or Hikkaduwa. Just remember to go early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
Can you swim with turtles in Sri Lanka?
Yes, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa are great for snorkeling with turtles, but be sure to keep a respectful distance.
Are there any ethical turtle hatcheries?
Yes, Rekawa Turtle Watch is highly regarded for its responsible practices. Always check reviews to make sure the hatchery isn’t exploiting the turtles for profit.
What’s the best time of year to see turtles in Sri Lanka?
November to March is best for nesting, while February to May is ideal for hatching. But really, you can see turtles year-round.
Is it okay for kids to see nesting turtles?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic learning experience, but make sure they understand the importance of keeping quiet and respecting the turtles’ space.
Final Thoughts: Turtle Watching in Sri Lanka for Families
Sri Lanka offers incredible opportunities to experience sea turtles in the wild, whether you’re snorkeling alongside them or quietly observing a nighttime nesting ritual.
Watching turtles in their natural habitat is one of the best wildlife encounters you can have as a family, and it’s even more rewarding when you know you’re doing it the right way. So pack the snorkels, grab the kids, and get ready for some unforgettable turtle time
Our favourite family travel planning tools
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
- Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility.
- Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
- ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
- Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
- 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
- TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget
