Rekawa Beach
About Rekawa
Rekawa is a remote, undeveloped stretch of sand about 8-10 km east of Tangalle, famous not for swimming but for what happens there after dark: sea turtles coming ashore to nest. It is one of Sri Lanka's most important nesting beaches, where the Turtle Conservation Project has protected nests since 1996 and helped see the beach declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2006. Five species nest here - green, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback - with green turtles the most common year-round. By day the beach is palm-lined, quiet and often almost empty, with strong waves and currents that make swimming unwise; by night, guided Turtle Watch visits from 8:30 pm use red light to watch nesting turtles without disturbing them. Facilities are minimal - no loungers, few restaurants - so most visitors come for the organised night visit or stay at a simple beach lodge.
- ✓One of Sri Lanka's most important sea turtle nesting beaches
- ✓Turtle Conservation Project protecting nests since 1996
- ✓Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2006
- ✓Five nesting species: green, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback
- ✓Guided night Turtle Watch from 8:30 pm using red light
- ✓Palm-lined and often deserted by day; strong waves - not a swimming beach
- ✓About 8-10 km east of Tangalle via Netolpitiya
Best time to visit
Nov–Apr (dry season for this coast)
| Month | Avg high | Rain days | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ~30°C | 3–5 | Excellent |
| Apr | ~32°C | 8–10 | Good (peak heat) |
| Jul | ~30°C | 15–20 | Rough / rainy |
| Oct | ~30°C | 14–18 | Transitional |
Weather
Forecasts are model-based; use the climate guidance above for season planning.
Surf conditions
FairWind blowing along the coast
Tide is an approximate rise/fall read (model sea-level, not tide-table times). Surf rating is a general swell/wind read, not break-specific.
Nearby
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Reviews
Rekawa is not a beach for swimming - it is a beach for the night, when green, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback turtles come ashore to nest under the stars. Come in the dry season (Nov-Apr) for weather, and for nesting expect the most activity roughly April-July. Watching a leatherback dig her nest in red torchlight is one of Sri Lanka's great wildlife moments.
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