The BEST places you are guaranteed to see wild turtles in Sri Lanka.
Picture this: a magical twilight setting, the salty breeze whispering secrets of the sea, and the gentle gliding of real life mother-fudging wild 🐢 in the 🌊!!
I saw my first ever wild turtles in Sri Lanka, seeing these magical creatures in the wild for the first time in 2019 is something I’ll never forget. I was lucky enough to quite literally stumble upon some turtles hatching one evening on a deserted stretch of beach near Mirissa. I felt like I was dreaming or something, or at least like I’d stepped into some kind of Animal Planet documentary I used to binge watch as a kid.
Bucket list item: well and truly checked ✅
I can’t promise you’ll have the exact same experience in Sri Lanka that I did, but I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll see Turtles swimming wildly in the sea if you go to one of the locations listed in this blog post.
In this blog post we’ll cover:
The best places to see turtles on the South and East costs including where to see them hatch!
The ethics of turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka
Interacting with & feeding turtles
Where to see turtles in Sri Lanka | South Coast
Most guaranteed sighting: Dalawella Beach, near the Wijaya Beach Cafe
Nestled amongst the beaches on the the Southwest coast lies Dalawella Beach, a hidden gem I should probably gatekeep but I won’t. You’re welcome.
It's a scene straight out of a postcard, with palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze and more than one of the infamous Sri Lanka beach swings inviting you if you dare. Here you’ll find soft golden sands leading you down to the shore’s edge where you’ll meet a curiously calm patch of ocean.
What truly sets Dalawella Beach apart, and in particular the patch just along from the Wijaya Beach Cafe, is that it is encircled by a rocky-reef, meaning that the strong Indian Ocean waves that make this part of the coast a surfers paradise (but a little less pleasant for swimming) instead break about 100 metres from the shoreline and create this sort-of lagoon like patch of calm waters that you often struggle to find anywhere else along this part of the coastline.
And what makes this beach even better is that these calm and tranquil waters are home to a group of resident turtles!
Honestly, at one point I counted six in the water from the shore and they’re HUGE!
A couples things to note here:
These turtles are probably a bit too used to humans, they happily swim in, around and straight through groups of people in the sea hoping to find someone to feed them.
You can buy seaweed to feed the turtles on the beach for around Rs.500 (a little bit on the ethics of this later) so they’re very used to humans feeding them and will get very close.
They are big and we saw them knock over a few kids and even an adult or two so keep an eye out when you’re in the sea.
And finally, while you’re here, do check out the Wijaya beach cafe - we had some of the best food of our trip here. I can highly recommend the Tuna Wasabi wrap (it now lives in my brain rent free along with THE best and crispiest wedges I’ve ever had in my life) and the Sri Lankan tuna curry. Whether you want to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin from their rooftop seating (and sun loungers, which are just 🤌) or cool off in the shade in doors I promise you won’t forget spending some of your Rupees here.
So, to wrap it up:
Likelyhood of seeing turtles: 99.999%
Best time to see Turtles: September - April (but only because after April the beach starts to shrink as the seasons and tides change in Sri Lanka).
Top Tip: Go in the morning while the waters are at their calmest and to have the beach almost to yourself.
2. Best place for sundown sightings: Secret Beach, Mirissa
Famous for its sundowners, this secret but really, not-so-secret, beach is one you should absolutley try and see when you’re in Mirissa.
Maybe not QUITE this dramatic but, close.. 🥸
I’m not gonna lie, getting there can be a bit of a trek. We found ourselves dripping in sweat walking up and down some rather steep hills for about 30 minutes before we found the steps that took us down to the beach. Locals will direct you to a pretty treacherous cliff side walkway (I call it that in the loosest sense of the word, its much more of a vertical desire path) but if you keep going towards the Waveside Bistro, through the restaurant you’ll find some easy steps down to the beach which are accessible even when the restaurant is closed.
It’s here that I saw the turtles hatching in the sand and while that’s probably rare, we did see lots of smallish turtles swimming in the waves which was pure magic. Unfortuanely, you aren’t going to be able to swim here, it’s pretty rocky but seeing the shadows of turtles in the waves like something out of Moana is pretty special on its own.
So, to wrap it up:
Likelyhood of seeing turtles: maybe 65%, you gotta watch the waves.
Best time to see Turtles: September - March (I would avoid going from April onwards because of the tides)
Top Tip: For the least sweaty way to get there, get a TukTuk to the Waveside Bistro & take the steps down to the beach.
3. The best place in a big town: Mirissa Beach / Turtle Bay
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka during it’s peak season of December - April, Mirissa is bound to be on your list of places to stop.
Famous for it’s Bali-esq vibes, smoothie bowls and king coconuts galore and nightly beach parties, it’s a slice of touristic paradise that’s a nice respite from some of Sri Lanka’s more remote and quiet towns. It’s also a great place to see turtles!
You might catch a glimpse of these ancient creatures as you chill on the main beach, this whole coast line is famous for turtles nesting and hatching. But Mirissa beach is busy and loud and a surfers paradise so the turtles are fewer than they used to be here.
Instead, I’d recommend walking along the cost to the two little bays tucked in between Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill - one of them aptly named Turtle beach. You’ll have a good chance of spotting turtles in both of these bays, in fact this is where I had my very first wild turtle encounter 💕.
So, to wrap it up:
Likelyhood of seeing turtles: 80%
Best time to see Turtles: September - March (I would avoid going from April onwards because Mirissa beach gets super rough.
Top Tip: Go early for the calmest waters and safest encounters.
4. Best for Turtle Hatchings: Rekawa Beach, Tangalle
If watching baby turtles hatch is high on your bucket list, Rekawa Beach is the place to be. Located near Tangalle, this beach is part of a conservation project, so the experience feels more like stepping into a nature documentary than just a tourist attraction.
The vibe here is much calmer than Mirissa or Dalawella—think peaceful, moonlit nights and the soft sounds of waves. Turtle hatchings usually happen at night, and Rekawa is one of the few spots in Sri Lanka where you can witness it responsibly. The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project ensures the little hatchlings make it safely into the sea, and visitors are kept at a respectful distance.
They say patience is key here—turtles don’t exactly work on a set schedule—but when you see those tiny flippers paddling towards the surf? Pure magic.
So, to wrap it up:
Likelihood of seeing turtles: 70% for nesting and hatching turtles (nature’s unpredictable, but you’ve got a good chance).
Best time to visit: March to August for nesting season.
Top Tip: Check with locals or conservation guides to time your visit with hatching events.
Where to see turtles in Sri Lanka | East Coast
5. Best Spot on the East Coast: Pigeon Island, Trincomalee
The East Coast brings a whole new vibe to turtle spotting, and Pigeon Island National Park near Trincomalee is one of the top spots for snorkeling with sea turtles. This tiny coral island offers some of the best underwater experiences in the country, with crystal-clear waters and plenty of marine life—not to mention turtles casually cruising by.
You’ll need to hop on a boat from Nilaveli Beach to get to the island, but the trip is totally worth it. Apart from turtles, expect to see reef sharks, parrotfish, and even the occasional octopus (yes, it’s that cool). Since it’s a protected marine park, keep in mind that visitor numbers are limited to preserve the reefs—so book early if you want to get in on the action.
So, to wrap it up:
Likelihood of seeing turtles: 80%, especially if you’re snorkeling.
Best time to visit: May to October (the East Coast’s dry season = perfect snorkeling conditions).
Top Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear if you can! Rentals are available, but the quality can be a bit hit or miss.
6. Best Hidden Gem on the East Coast: Passikudah Bay
If you’re looking for calm waters and fewer crowds, Passikudah Bay is calling your name. Located a bit north of Batticaloa, this area is known for its shallow lagoon, making it one of the safest spots for swimming—and a favorite hangout for turtles. It’s the kind of place where you can casually snorkel right off the beach and bump into a turtle or two as you explore.
The water here is warm, clear, and perfect for floating while watching the turtles glide by beneath you. Plus, Passikudah isn’t just about turtles—there are beautiful coral reefs and plenty of colorful fish to see as well. Think of it as a laid-back, low-key adventure spot.
So, to wrap it up:
Likelihood of seeing turtles: 75%, especially during high tide when the turtles venture into the lagoon.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Top Tip: Stay until sunset for some of the most beautiful skies on the East Coast—it’s the perfect way to end a day of turtle spotting.
Why You Should Think Twice About Visiting Turtle Hatcheries
Look, I get it—turtle hatcheries sound like the perfect way to see these little guys up close and do some good. But the truth is, they’re not always the conservation heroes they appear to be. There are some things to consider before handing over your rupees:
1. Weakening Genetic Diversity
Hatcheries often release turtles that come from captive breeding programs, which means they don’t have the same genetic mix as wild turtles. A less diverse population means turtles are less resilient to changes in their environment, which isn’t exactly great news when climate change is messing with everything.
2. Messing with Natural Nesting Behaviors
By moving eggs from their natural nests to hatcheries, we risk throwing off the turtles' natural instincts. These nesting patterns have evolved over millions of years, and tinkering with them can mess with future generations in ways we don’t fully understand yet.
3. Turtles Relying on Humans
Turtles raised in hatcheries might get a little too used to humans helping them out. The problem? When they’re released into the wild, they might not have the natural instincts needed to survive long-term. Think of it like raising a kid who’s never made their own lunch—they’re gonna struggle when they move out.
4. “Feel-Good” Conservation Doesn’t Always Help
Hatcheries can create a false sense of accomplishment, making it seem like they’re doing enough to protect turtles. But the real work happens out in the wild—keeping beaches safe for nesting, reducing pollution, and protecting habitats. That’s where conservation efforts really need to shine.
5. It’s not guaranteed to be the feel good experience you’re expecting
In my time in Sri Lanka the only stories I heard about hatcheries were horror stories like travellers paying thousands of rupees to ‘release’ baby turtles in the day (they should be released at night) only to watch them burn up in the sun or be picked off by birds. These practices only continue because tourists take part.
Hatcheries aren’t all bad—they can help raise awareness. But the majority of them in Sri Lanka only exist because of tourism and turtles have been laying eggs and thriving off the coast of Sri Lanka for probably thousands of years - they don’t need hatcheries to survive and thrive. If you really want to make a difference, the best thing you can do is support efforts that protect turtles where they belong: in the wild.
A Note on Turtle Tourism
It’s truly incredible to get up close with these gentle giants, but remember that they’re still wild animals. While feeding them seaweed is a common activity, try not to touch the turtles or disrupt their natural behavior. These creatures face enough challenges with pollution, climate change, and fishing nets – so let’s be mindful guests in their home.
Is feeding turtles ok?
On many popular turtle spotting beaches in Sri Lanka, you’ll see locals selling seaweed for tourists to feed to turtles. I get it, it seems like an amazing experience and the turtles come SO CLOSE. We were so so tempted to buy some but ultimately after some research, we decided against it. Turtles aren’t a commodity, they’re wild animals and feeding them can have some negative knock on effects:
Dependency: When turtles get used to being fed by humans, they may stop foraging for their natural food. This can diminish their survival skills and make them less capable of finding food on their own, which is crucial for their long-term survival.
Ecosystem Disruption: Introducing additional food can alter the local food chain by attracting more turtles to one area, leading to increased competition for natural resources. This can also impact other species in the ecosystem, as the balance of predator and prey shifts.
Health Risks: If you’re going to feed them, make sure it’s the right food - Feeding turtles inappropriate or contaminated food—like bread or processed snacks—can cause serious health issues, including digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, or exposure to harmful bacteria. Wild turtles thrive on a natural diet of sea grasses, jellyfish, and other oceanic foods, and straying from that can be detrimental.
Behavioral Changes: Turtles that become accustomed to human interaction might start approaching people for food, leading to aggressive behaviors if they feel they’re not being fed. This can create a dangerous situation for both turtles and humans, as turtles may try to bite or become more bold in their interactions with people. We saw this one ourselves in on Dalawella beach - with really big turtles surrounding two women who decided to feed them, one of them getting bit as the turtles were fighting over the food.
Wrapping It Up 🌊🐢
So there you have it, folks! Sri Lanka is a turtle lover's paradise, with plenty of chances to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. From the stunning shores of Dalawella to the serene vibes of Rekawa, you're in for some unforgettable encounters. Just remember to respect their space, keep things chill, and avoid feeding them (they’re not on a human diet!).
Whether you're splashing in the waves or watching them hatch from the sand, these magical moments with wild turtles are sure to create memories that’ll stick with you long after your trip. So grab your gear, stay patient, and get ready for an epic adventure! 🏖️✨
Happy turtle watching, and may your travels be filled with all the sea turtle magic you can handle! 🌅💚
