As two months of exploring Sri Lanka was coming to a close we returned to Tangalle for a second time, on the hunt for less touristy spots. Our homestay host had previously shared stories of Rekawa’s wild coastline and evening turtle watch. In fact, Rekawa Beach is home to five species of sea turtle who lay their eggs on the large strip of sand.
Intrigued by the stories of turtle hatchlings we came back to Tangalle and headed off to explore Rekawa Beach. It’s not often a beach ‘wows’ us but this was something else. The swathe of sand was rugged, wild, untouched and endless. The beach was like no other we had seen during our time in Sri Lanka, and the best bit, we were the only people there!
Rekawa Turtle beach is unique due to the abundance of endangered sea turtles and is protected at various times during the day, it is also not a swimming beach which would normally put us off. But drawn in by our homestay host we went to explore and by god we were happy we did.
Below we share everything you need to know about visiting Rekawa Beach, including important information on how to see the turtles, when to visit, where to stay and our experience of visiting the best turtle beach in Sri Lanka!
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Where Is Rekawa Beach, Sri Lanka?
Tangalle marks the end of the popular south coast, meaning it’s quieter and less developed than places such as Hiriketiya and Weligama. But that is exactly what makes it wild and so good for wildlife encounters.
Rekawa Beach can be found a 20-minute drive away from Tangalle.
If you’re heading further east, don’t miss a stop in Arugam Bay, especially if you’re into surfing or laid-back coastal towns.
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How To Get To Rekawa Beach?
Once you’re in Tangalle it’s easy to get to Rekawa Beach. If, like us, you’ve hired a tuktuk (the best way to travel), then it’s a 20-minute drive down the main road before turning off and driving past a field to the turtle centre. We parked opposite on the grass, no one was around and we tucked ourselves out the way.
Or, you can hire a tuktuk taxi from Tangalle which may take less time thanks to the local driving skills!
Coming from elsewhere in Sri Lanka? Check out our complete guide to getting to Tangalle first.
Rekawa Beach Description
If you’re looking for a quiet paradise, then we may have found it. The dusty track leads you onto the large stretch of sand which separates the sea and the lagoon. Completely empty the beach felt vast and untouched, worlds away from other tourist spots we had been to.
We had picked up our morning roti from a local bakery in Tangalle town, we swear the rotis are spicier when you’re off-the-beaten-track and enjoyed breakfast sat in the shade of the palm trees watching the unforgiving waves crash up the shore with visions of baby turtles embarking on their first swim in our heads.
Why Rekawa Beach Is Sri Lanka’s Best Turtle Spot
Rekawa is known as turtle beach due to five different species of sea turtle using the sand as their nesting ground. These species are the Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Green Turtle, and Loggerhead Turtle.
Each night the beach is closed from 7pm – 6am to allow the turtles protection. During this time you can visit with a guide to watch a turtle lay its eggs or watch the new hatchlings make their way to the sea.
The beach has a small cafe and shop area (with proceeds going to the women in Rekawa), near the entrance to educate locals and tourists on the sea turtles, however, sadly when we visited it was still closed.
Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary
Rekawa Beach has a conservation project to help protect the turtles that were once exploited by locals selling the eggs. Now the locals are tour guides and teachers in the conservation project.
Rekawa Sanctuary has been legally protected since 2006, preventing illegal egg poaching and habitat destruction.
Rekawa Turtle Watch
Rekawa Turtle Watch is an experience that begins at the Turtle Conservation Project’s Visitor Centre at 8:30pm every night.
Local guides take visitors to witness the turtles laying eggs or if you’re lucky you may see the hatchlings, however this is less predictable.
Rekawa Turtle Watch is open every day, however the high season is from April to July. This is when you’re more likely to see a nesting turtle.
Rekawa Turtle Watch Cost
Foreign Adult: 2000LKR
Foreign Child: 1000LKR
Local Adult: 500LKR
Local Children: Free
Tip: Bring insect repellent for the sand flies
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When Do Turtles Hatch At Rekawa?
The peak nesting time is between April to July with the hatchling peak being June to September, although both can occur year-round.
The turtles are most active at night as this allows them to avoid predators and the heat.
Is Rekawa Turtle Beach Ethical?
Rekawa Turtle Beach claims they only permit natural hatchlings rather than releases and have strict rules for visitors to follow which include no flash photography, no touching and the use of red light.
Having restricted access only accessible with guides will provide the turtles some protection and the funds from the admission fee help fund conservation efforts.
Having read a few reviews online some people haven’t experienced ethical practices, which is a shame, however it does seem more sustainable than what is happening at Hikkaduwa Turtle Beach.
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Rekawa Lagoon
Rekawa Beach isn’t the only draw of the area. The mangroves around Rekawa Lagoon are bursting with wildlife.
You can embark on a kayaking tour to immerse yourself within nature, these are offered by Sooriya Resort & Spa and it is one of the best ways to appreciate the unique landscape at Rekawa Beach.
Rekawa Beach Hotels
We would recommend staying in Tangalle rather than actually at Rekawa Beach and driving yourself there just for the day. However if you’re looking for the best turtle experience, below are some of the best places to stay right on the turtle hatching beach:
Rekawa Turtle Gate Hotel $
This affordable guesthouse offers simple rooms that are just a short walk away from Rekawa Beach.
Anathyan beach $$
If you want a beachfront resort then Anathyan is a great choice. They offer rooms with sea views as well as boasting an infinity pool and open-air restaurant.
Buckingham Place $$$
Here you can choose between sea or lagoon views as well as which pool you want to swim in as it has two! If you’re seeking luxury, Buckingham Place awaits!
Best Places To Stay In Tangalle
$ Budget
Dilip’s House
Located just a 5-minute walk from Tangalle beach, Dilip’s homestay is the perfect budget option and one of the best cheap homestays in Tangalle. With comfortable rooms, a friendly host and delicious meals.
$$ Mid-Range
Hunguk Lanka Lagoon Villa
At Hunguk Lanka Lagoon you get a villa with a garden just 9-minutes walk from Tangalle Beach. Your villa also has a private entrance, en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning.
$$$ High-End
Anantara Peace Haven
On a cliff and nestled within a coconut plantation, you can find the luxury resort of Anantara Peace Haven. We’re sold on being welcomed by traditional raban drums and sent off by conch shell blowers but you also get individual plunge pools, a personal butler and a beautiful villa!
Spacing
Rekawa Turtle Beach Common Questions
Best Tangalle Tours
Final Thoughts on Rekawa Beach
Rekawa Turtle Beach is worth a visit if you’re in Tangalle. The contrast between other beaches we’d seen in Sri Lanka gave us insight into the varied environments found on the island. It also presents a more ethical way to view turtles than other areas we’d seen such as Hikkaduwa as well as a less touristy environment to enjoy.
