See baby turtles at Rekawa reserve
Yala, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Jun
26°C – 31°C, very high temperatures with heavy rainfall; approximately 10 rainy days in the month, high crowds, peak season
26°C – 31°C, very high temperatures with heavy rainfall; approximately 10 rainy days in the month, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Beach access requires walking on uneven sand.
Beach access requires walking on uneven sand.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey but unique; worth it for the special experience.
Pricey but unique; worth it for the special experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Magical Moments
Couples found the experience incredibly romantic and awe-inspiring. A truly unique date night!
Well Organized
Guides were knowledgeable and respectful. The conservation efforts were commendable, couples loved it.
Unique Experience
Witnessing the turtles nest was unforgettable. Couples cherished the peaceful atmosphere and the memory.
Long Wait
Couples reported significant waiting times, which could be challenging for some.
Overcrowded Nights
Some couples felt the experience was slightly crowded, which detracted from the intimacy.
Pricey Tuk-Tuk
The cost of transport from Tangalle added to the overall expense, couples felt was high.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Friday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
25-32°C
Warm temperatures with moderate rain; mostly sunny.
Warm temperatures with moderate rain; mostly sunny.
Open
Turtle sightings are more frequent as nesting season begins.
Turtle sightings are more frequent as nesting season begins.
Recommended
December marks the beginning of the nesting season, increasing the chances of turtle sightings. However, it's also a peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds.
December marks the beginning of the nesting season, increasing the chances of turtle sightings. However, it's also a peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds.
January
LOW
24-30°C
Very high temperatures with moderate rainfall; approximately 5 rainy days in the month.
Very high temperatures with moderate rainfall; approximately 5 rainy days in the month.
Open
Turtle sightings are less frequent; typically 1-2 turtles per night.
Turtle sightings are less frequent; typically 1-2 turtles per night.
Recommended
January offers warm weather with moderate rainfall. Turtle sightings are less frequent, with 1-2 turtles per night. It's a quieter time with fewer tourists, making it suitable for those seeking a more private experience.
January offers warm weather with moderate rainfall. Turtle sightings are less frequent, with 1-2 turtles per night. It's a quieter time with fewer tourists, making it suitable for those seeking a more private experience.
February
MEDIUM
24-30°C
Very high temperatures with moderate rainfall; approximately 4 rainy days in the month.
Very high temperatures with moderate rainfall; approximately 4 rainy days in the month.
Open
Turtle sightings increase; more frequent than January.
Turtle sightings increase; more frequent than January.
Recommended
February sees warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Turtle sightings become more frequent compared to January. Tourist activity starts to pick up, offering a balanced experience between solitude and social interaction.
February sees warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Turtle sightings become more frequent compared to January. Tourist activity starts to pick up, offering a balanced experience between solitude and social interaction.
March
MEDIUM
25-31°C
Very high temperatures with moderate rainfall; approximately 6 rainy days in the month.
Very high temperatures with moderate rainfall; approximately 6 rainy days in the month.
Open
Turtle sightings are more common; several turtles per night.
Turtle sightings are more common; several turtles per night.
Recommended
March offers warm weather with moderate rainfall. Turtle sightings are more common, with several turtles appearing each night. Tourist numbers continue to rise, providing a lively atmosphere without being overcrowded.
March offers warm weather with moderate rainfall. Turtle sightings are more common, with several turtles appearing each night. Tourist numbers continue to rise, providing a lively atmosphere without being overcrowded.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Drive via Hambantota road from Tangalle, turn onto Rekawa Road from Netolpitiya junction. Parking is available along the roadside near the visitor center.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Tangalle for a direct ride to the reserve's entrance.
Bus
Take the Ranna-Tangalle bus (Route 445) from Tangalle bus stand and alight at the Rekawa stop. A 2km walk is required to reach the visitor center.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required