Rekawa: Where Turtles Come Ashore
Rekawa is not a beach for sunbathing or swimming laps — it's one of Sri Lanka's most important sea turtle nesting sites, a long, dark, largely undeveloped stretch of sand near Tangalle where five species of turtle come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Conservation groups have worked here for decades, turning what was once an egg-poaching hotspot into a well-managed, low-impact wildlife experience.
1. Night Turtle Watching
Best for: Wildlife lovers
Guided night walks, run by local conservation projects, take small groups onto the beach after dark to watch nesting turtles under strict, low-light conditions designed not to disturb them. Sightings aren't guaranteed on any given night, but Rekawa's nesting rates are among the highest in the country.
2. Rekawa Lagoon
Best for: Birdwatchers and boat trips
Just inland from the beach, Rekawa Lagoon is a mangrove-fringed wetland rich in birdlife, with boat trips available to explore its channels. It's a peaceful complement to the beach's after-dark wildlife focus.
3. A Genuinely Undeveloped Beach
Best for: Travellers wanting the coast without the crowds
Unlike much of the south coast, Rekawa has almost no beachfront development, kept deliberately low-key to protect the nesting turtles. By day it's simply a long, quiet, windswept stretch of sand with very few other visitors.
4. Side Trip to Tangalle
Best for: Combining wildlife with beach time
Tangalle, with its own beaches, coves and resort options, is only a short drive away, making it easy to base yourself there and treat Rekawa as an evening excursion.
Practical Tips
- Best season: Turtles nest year-round at Rekawa, though numbers vary by species and season — ask local guides for current activity.
- Getting there: About 3 hours from Colombo via the southern expressway; a short drive from Tangalle.
- Getting around: Rekawa is best visited with a local guide, particularly for night turtle walks.
- Respect the guidelines: No flash photography, white light or touching the turtles — follow your guide's instructions closely.
- Combine with: Tangalle, Goyambokka, and the Hoo-maniya Blowhole near Dickwella.
Where to Stay Near Rekawa
Rekawa itself has very little accommodation by design; most visitors base themselves in nearby Tangalle and visit for an evening turtle walk. Browse verified Tangalle-area stays on SLAccommodation within easy reach of Rekawa.
Quick Facts
| Region | South coast (near Tangalle) |
| Famous for | Sea turtle nesting, night beach walks, lagoon birdlife |
| Nearby | Tangalle, Rekawa Lagoon, Goyambokka |
| Best season | Year-round nesting; check with local guides |
| Distance from Colombo | ~195 km (~3 hrs) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see turtles at Rekawa? Yes — Rekawa is one of Sri Lanka's most significant turtle nesting beaches, with guided night walks offering a good chance of seeing nesting turtles, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Is Rekawa good for swimming? Not really — the beach is kept deliberately undeveloped to protect nesting turtles and isn't set up as a swimming destination the way Tangalle or Mirissa are.
How do you visit Rekawa's turtle nesting site? Through a local guide or conservation project running organised night walks, which follow strict rules on lighting and distance to avoid disturbing the turtles.
Where should I stay to visit Rekawa? Most travellers stay in nearby Tangalle, which has a wide choice of accommodation, and visit Rekawa specifically for an evening turtle-watching excursion.