See baby turtles at Rekawa reserve
Yala, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
UnderratedYala, Sri Lanka
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.
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
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.
April
HIGH
26-31°C
Very high temperatures with heavy rainfall; approximately 10 rainy days in the month.
Very high temperatures with heavy rainfall; approximately 10 rainy days in the month.
Open
High turtle activity; 5-15 turtles per night.
High turtle activity; 5-15 turtles per night.
Recommended
April is characterized by warm temperatures and increased rainfall. It's the peak season for turtle sightings, with 5-15 turtles appearing each night. Tourist activity is high, leading to busier beaches and higher prices. Booking in advance is recommended.
April is characterized by warm temperatures and increased rainfall. It's the peak season for turtle sightings, with 5-15 turtles appearing each night. Tourist activity is high, leading to busier beaches and higher prices. Booking in advance is recommended.
May
HIGH
25-33°C
Warm temperatures with moderate rainfall.
Warm temperatures with moderate rainfall.
Open
No flash photography; guided tours only.
No flash photography; guided tours only.
Recommended
May is an excellent time to visit Rekawa for turtle watching, with warm weather and high nesting activity. Expect larger crowds and higher prices during this peak season.
May is an excellent time to visit Rekawa for turtle watching, with warm weather and high nesting activity. Expect larger crowds and higher prices during this peak season.
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
