Overview
The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is one of Sri Lanka’s most important sea turtle conservation projects, located on a sandy beach stretch in Kosgoda, between Bentota and Hikkaduwa. The hatchery was established by a local family dedicated to protecting the five species of sea turtles that nest on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast — the green turtle, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and olive ridley. Staff patrol the beach at night to collect freshly laid turtle eggs and relocate them to protected hatchery pits where they incubate safely away from predators and poachers. Once hatched, the baby turtles are held briefly before being released into the sea, usually at dawn or dusk. Visitors can watch the hatchery operations, see turtles at various life stages, and in some cases assist with the release of hatchlings — an unforgettable experience, particularly for children. The hatchery also rehabilitates injured adult turtles.
Highlights
- Active conservation project protecting five sea turtle species
- View turtle eggs in protected hatchery pits
- Baby turtle release into the Indian Ocean
- Injured adult turtles undergoing rehabilitation
- Educational talks on turtle biology and conservation
- Night patrols to witness nesting (seasonal)
- Family-friendly and deeply engaging experience
- One of the most established turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; hatchling releases are most frequent March–October (peak nesting season). Evening visits (4–6pm) for hatchling releases.
Activities
- Hatchery tour and educational talk
- Watching hatchling releases
- Night beach walk to observe nesting (by arrangement)
- Photography (with flash restrictions at night)
- Meeting the conservation team
Suitable For
Families with children, conservation enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, educational groups
Nearby Attractions
- Bentota Beach (15 min south)
- Hikkaduwa Beach (20 min south)
- Bentota River Safari (15 min south)
- Induruwa Beach (10 min north)
- Kosgoda Beach (adjacent)
Travel Tips
- Evening visits time well with hatchling releases — call ahead to confirm
- Flash photography is prohibited near nesting turtles and fresh hatchlings
- Small entrance fee goes directly to conservation work
- Combine with a Bentota beach day for a full day along this coast
- The hatchery team are passionate conservationists — engage with their story
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