Sri Lanka’s coastline is rich in marine life and home to five endangered sea turtle species. These turtles have lived in the oceans for millions of years, but today, they face serious threats. Pollution, habitat loss, and poaching endanger their survival. Turtle hatcheries across the island work hard to protect nesting sites, care for hatchlings, and educate people about conservation. In this guide, we explore Sri Lanka’s top turtle hatcheries, highlight their conservation work, and show how you can help protect these amazing creatures.
Why Do Turtle Hatcheries Matter?
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Sadly, pollution, habitat destruction, and predators threaten their survival. Hatcheries provide a safe place for eggs, protect hatchlings, and help increase their chances of survival.
Hatcheries do more than just rescue turtles. They also educate locals and tourists about conservation. By visiting, people learn about the threats turtles face and how they can help. Many hatcheries rely on ecotourism to fund their projects, which supports local communities by creating jobs and income.
These conservation efforts make a big difference. By protecting sea turtles today, hatcheries ensure that future generations will continue to see these incredible creatures in the wild. Every visitor, volunteer, and supporter plays a part in their survival.
Top Turtle Hatcheries in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to several turtle hatcheries dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. These hatcheries provide a safe space for eggs to hatch and help young turtles make their way into the ocean. They also educate visitors, conduct conservation programs, and support local communities through ecotourism. Below, we explore some of the most notable hatcheries in Sri Lanka and their efforts to safeguard these incredible marine creatures.
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is one of the oldest and most well-known turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka. The project sits on the southwestern coast of the country and has been running for more than 30 years. It has released over 500,000 baby turtles into the sea. The project also offers educational programmes and community outreach activities including beach cleanups and school visits.
Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project
The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project is a unique turtle hatchery located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. The project focuses on the conservation of the rare and endangered Olive Ridley turtle, which nests on the beach at Rekawa. The project also conducts research and monitoring programs to track the nesting and hatching patterns of sea turtles in the area.
Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery
The Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery sits in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is recognised for its conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices. The hatchery uses solar power and composting to minimise its environmental impact. It also provides a range of educational programmes and volunteer opportunities for visitors.
Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery – Hikkaduwa
The Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery is based in Hikkaduwa, a popular beach destination on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The hatchery works to conserve and protect five species of sea turtles and provides guided tours and volunteer opportunities.
Koggala Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery
The Koggala Sea Turtle Farm offers a fun and educational experience. Located in Koggala, Sri Lanka, the farm helps protect endangered sea turtles. Visitors can see the process of hatching and watch as the hatchlings are released into the ocean. The farm also teaches about marine life and the importance of protecting the environment. It’s a great place to learn about nature and enjoy the experience.
Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Project
The Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Project is on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. It works to protect sea turtles. The hatchery offers educational programs and volunteer opportunities for visitors. It also works with local schools and communities to teach the importance of sea turtle conservation.
Bentota Turtle Hatchery
The Bentota Turtle Hatchery is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.
Peraliya Turtle Hatchery
The Peraliya Turtle Hatchery is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is known for its conservation efforts and community outreach programs. The hatchery also operates a turtle rescue centre, where injured or sick turtles are treated and rehabilitated before being released back into the sea.
Induruwa Turtle Conservation Project
The Induruwa Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.
Ambalangoda Turtle Hatchery
The Ambalangoda Turtle Hatchery is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors and also operates a turtle rescue centre.
Weligama Turtle Hatchery
The Weligama Turtle Hatchery is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its conservation efforts and community outreach programs. The hatchery also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.
Devundara Turtle Conservation Project
The Devundara Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Association
The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The organization operates a turtle hatchery and offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.
Reptile Village Turtle Conservation Project
The Reptile Village Turtle Conservation Project is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors, as well as other conservation efforts for reptiles.
Beruwala Turtle Conservation Project
The Beruwala Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.
Kahanda Kanda Turtle Hatchery
The Kahanda Kanda Turtle Hatchery is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors and also operates a turtle rescue centre.
Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery
The Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors and also operates a turtle rescue centre.
Thalpe Turtle Conservation Project
The Thalpe Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.
How You Can Help?
Visiting these hatcheries directly supports their efforts. Many offer volunteer programs where you can contribute to turtle conservation. Choosing responsible tourism practices, like avoiding single-use plastics and respecting turtle nesting sites, also makes a difference.
Sea turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka play a vital role in protecting these endangered creatures. By supporting them, you help ensure the survival of sea turtles for future generations.
