Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center Hikkaduwa
A vital sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles, offering a chance to witness conservation in action.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Baby turtle releases often occur
Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center Hikkaduwa
Best Time
Baby turtle releases often occur
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles, offering a chance to witness conservation in action.
"An unforgettable experience helping to release baby turtles back into the ocean!"
🤝 Support Conservation
Consider releasing baby turtles or buying souvenirs to aid their vital work.
⏰ Check Release Times
Baby turtle releases are a highlight; inquire about daily schedules.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Release
Oceanfront
Participate in releasing tiny hatchlings into the ocean – an unforgettable, heartwarming experience.
Diverse Turtle Collection
Tanks
See various sea turtle species, from hatchlings to adults, including those undergoing rescue and rehabilitation.
Educational Insights
Exhibition Area
Learn about turtle conservation, threats, and the center's vital rescue and breeding programs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Turtle Encounters
Supporting Conservation Efforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Support Conservation
Consider releasing baby turtles or buying souvenirs to aid their vital work.
⏰ Check Release Times
Baby turtle releases are a highlight; inquire about daily schedules.
I got to help release baby green sea turtles in Sri Lanka today as a part of conservation efforts!
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced, with kids often free. Worth the small fee!
🗣️ Knowledgeable Staff
Engage with staff for detailed explanations in English and Sinhala.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Support Conservation
Consider releasing baby turtles or buying souvenirs to aid their vital work.
⏰ Check Release Times
Baby turtle releases are a highlight; inquire about daily schedules.
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced, with kids often free. Worth the small fee!
🗣️ Knowledgeable Staff
Engage with staff for detailed explanations in English and Sinhala.
📸 Capture the Moment
Great photo opportunities, especially during turtle releases.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center for its vital conservation work and the heartwarming experience of seeing turtles, especially baby ones. The opportunity to participate in a turtle release is a major highlight. While the enclosures are noted as small, the dedication of the staff and the educational value are highly appreciated.
"simple location. not that big. but they seem to take care of some interesting turtles. they provide a basic story of what they do. show around and explain the stories and their process. which wasn't bad. Quick explore. not a long one."
Buddhika Jayawardena
"Nice place. Small but 5 out of 7 sea turtles in world. There are sand bed that have eggs to be hatched. Seoerate tanks have live turtles includeing damaged one. Little girl in their explained well and answerd all questions well.she can both english and sinhla also and few more languges. Some suineors to sell.. ticket is 200LKR kids are free. Worth visit while u live."
thilina lewis
"Amazing place! You need to buy tickets to enter. They have a great collection of turtles and are dedicated to rescuing, caring for, feeding, and eventually releasing them back into the ocean. You can even support their cause by paying to release baby turtles — we released two, and it was an unforgettable experience. The young girl there is very knowledgeable about turtles and explains everything clearly in both Sinhala and English. A must-visit!"
Raveen Amarasinghe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The hatchery is easily accessible in Hikkaduwa, often found along the main coastal road. Many visitors arrive by tuk-tuk or taxi from nearby hotels. If you're coming from further afield, buses run along the coast, and you can ask your driver to stop near the center.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. It's often best to arrive by tuk-tuk or arrange for a drop-off, as these are common modes of transport in Hikkaduwa.
Yes, depending on your location on Hikkaduwa beach, it's often a pleasant walk. The center is situated along the coast, making it a convenient stop during a beach stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The center generally operates during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's advisable to check locally or arrive in the late afternoon to potentially catch a baby turtle release.
Admission is typically very affordable, with a small fee for adults and often free entry for children. This low cost makes it an accessible and worthwhile experience for most travelers.
Advance booking is usually not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for special events or if you plan to participate in a private release, it might be worth inquiring beforehand.
No, the center is family-friendly, and children are welcome. In fact, kids often find the experience particularly engaging, and they may even get free entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see various sea turtle species in different tanks, from tiny hatchlings to larger, older turtles, some of which are being rehabilitated. The center also has areas with eggs incubating.
Direct physical contact with the turtles is generally discouraged to protect their health and well-being. However, you can observe them closely in their enclosures.
Absolutely! Children are fascinated by the baby turtles and the opportunity to learn about marine life. The educational aspect is presented in an engaging way.
A visit is usually quite brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend observing and interacting with the staff.
While not formal tours, the staff, particularly a young girl mentioned in reviews, are very knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the exhibits, explaining the conservation process.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a great place to capture memorable moments, especially during turtle releases.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at the turtles, as it can disturb them.
The tanks with the turtles, especially the hatchlings, offer great photo opportunities. The beach area during a release is also a prime spot for memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive in the late afternoon for the best chance of seeing a release. The entry fee is minimal, making it an affordable activity. Ensure your children understand the importance of not touching the turtles and respecting their environment. The short duration of the visit also makes it ideal for younger attention spans.
🌍 Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Consider skipping expensive souvenirs and instead contribute directly by paying to release a baby turtle. This offers a more impactful way to support the center's work. The center is easily accessible via local transport like tuk-tuks, keeping your travel costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Conservation: Rescue and Rehabilitation
The center also actively works to protect turtle nests. They collect eggs from beaches where they are vulnerable to poaching or natural threats, such as erosion and predators. These eggs are then carefully incubated in a safe environment until they hatch. This proactive approach significantly increases the survival rate of young turtles, a critical factor in conservation efforts.
Many visitors are moved by the dedication of the staff and the tangible impact of their work. The opportunity to witness these efforts firsthand, and even contribute through donations or participating in a release, makes the visit both educational and emotionally resonant. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of marine conservation.
Participating in a Baby Turtle Release
When you participate, you'll typically be guided by the center's staff, who will explain the process and the importance of this step for the hatchlings. You'll get to hold a tiny turtle for a moment before gently placing it on the sand to make its journey to the sea. It’s a profound moment that connects you directly with nature and conservation efforts.
This experience is not just about the thrill; it's about understanding the life cycle of these incredible creatures and contributing to their survival. Many visitors describe it as an unforgettable highlight of their trip to Sri Lanka, a chance to make a positive impact, however small.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit