Recommended turtle conservation sites in Sri Lanka
Thank you for choosing projects where you can watch turtles nesting naturally, rather than places that keep them in tanks.
Going On Holiday?
Do you want to see sea turtles?
In many places, newly hatched turtles are kept in small pools instead of being released into the ocean. In these pools, their muscles weaken, they cannot learn to swim, and they lose the instinct that would guide them back to their nesting beaches 20–30 years later.
Staff at these centers usually know this doesn't help protection — but it brings a lot of money from tourists through entrance fees and photos.
How to recognize a good rescue center
Look for a center that provides natural protection:
- No pools – or pools only for visibly injured adults, never hatchlings.
- Beaches and nesting females are protected from poachers.
- Staff relocate eggs – they never buy them.
- Hatchlings are released on the day of hatching, when sand is cool (at night or dusk).
- Staff keep a respectful distance during release; visitors are not allowed to touch turtles or use flash photography.
Be cautious of centers that:
- Keep hatchlings in tanks “for safety”.
- Allow tourists to handle turtles.
- Release hatchlings at the wrong time of day for photo opportunities.
Releasing hatchlings - a shocking difference
How to behave around sea turtles
In the water
- Enjoy the encounter without disturbing the turtle.
- Keep a safe distance (at least 2 meters).
- Allow the turtle to swim freely away.
- Don’t touch or feed the turtle.
- Don’t block its path to the surface.
- Don’t chase the turtle.
On the beach
- Respect nesting or hatching moments from a distance.
- Use only red light at night, shining from behind.
- Stay quiet and move slowly.
- Take photos only without flash.
- Don't touch adult turtles or hatchlings.
- Don't block the way of nesting females.
- Don't use white flashlights or flash photography.
1. Sea turtles are vital for ocean ecosystems.
They maintain healthy seagrass beds and keep coral reefs in balance.
2. Your money can make a difference.
Don’t waste your support on harmful practices. Choose the right way.
