Turtle Hatcheries

Sri Lanka burst with sea life. You can find five of the seven species of sea turtles. The best places to see turtles are Hikkaduwa, Marissa, and Trincomalee. There are many turtle hatcheries around these cities. The there main purpose is to protect the turtle eggs till they hatch and release them into the sea.

Among the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa, you will spot green turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, Hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles, and leatherback turtle species. November to May is the most popular time for a turtle to lay eggs. During this time more often than not you will find a turtle laying eggs. Turtle eggs and newborns come under threat both on land and water. There's only a few survive the journey.

There are many turtle hatcheries you can find and visit in Sri Lanka. Department of Wildlife has closed down most of the unauthorized turtle hatcheries. Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) is the only authorized organization to run turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka. However, several non-governmental organizations and individuals have also done this as a business venture to attract tourists.