Sri Lanka · TURTLE HATCHERY TOURS

The 15 Best Turtle Hatchery Visits in Sri Lanka

28 tours  ·  from $9

Five species nest on the south coast and the hatcheries sit between Kosgoda and Bentota. These 15 are compared on price, what the visit actually involves and the night walks at Rekawa where the turtles come ashore themselves.

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa - What the guide does in the water
Mirissa Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Mirissa, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

1.Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 268 reviews · from $25Our pick

Meet your guide at Araliya Restaurant in Mirissa, walk to the beach, and spend about an hour snorkeling from shore near Parrot Rock. Your private guide supplies equipment, helps less-confident swimmers, searches for turtles and reef life, and sends underwater photos and videos afterward. Punsara is one guide praised by name.

“The guide was very kind and helpful. It didn't take many minutes before he could show us the first turtle. We saw several turtles, both small and large. We were also offered to swim out to look at the fish in the coral reef, which we accepted. We ended up swimming in the middle of a large shoal of fish. Although the water was not completely clear, it was certainly an experience to recommend!”

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Mirissa: Snorkeling Experience with Turtles - The wildlife you might see
Mirissa Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Mirissa, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

Mirissa: Snorkeling Experience with Turtles

2.Snorkeling Experience with Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · 1 hour · from $29

Join Z R I Adventures for a one-hour snorkel near Mirissa, with gear, a boat ride, instruction, and optional tuk-tuk pickup. Guides such as Amil, Pasi, and Sandesh help beginners spot turtles, rays, moray eels, coral, and reef fish. Photos and videos are included, and groups are limited to eight.

“Really amazing and original experience. Worth it, and you can choose to prepare such a beautiful things that you cannot imagine. Just amazing☺️”

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Mirissa Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience with Turtles - The guides and the value of personal help
Mirissa Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Mirissa, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

Mirissa Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience with Turtles

3.Mirissa Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience with Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $24

Meet your personal instructor for a short lesson, then snorkel in Mirissa’s clear coastal waters with supplied gear in search of sea turtles, fish, and coral. Pickup and drop-off are included within the Mirissa area, along with water, fruit, biscuits, and a freshwater rinse. Nuwan is especially praised as an instructor, though guide assignment may vary.

“Great experience! The staffs were friendly and we had a wonderful time. I highly recommend doing it.”

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Galle Private Day Tours with Sea Turtles visit & Boat Safari - Madu River: the best part for wildlife
Boat Trips in Galle, Cruises & Boat Tours, Galle Tours, Private, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours in Galle

Galle Private Day Tours with Sea Turtles visit & Boat Safari

4.Galle Private Day Tours with Sea Turtles visit & Boat Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 69 reviews · 6 - 10 hours · from $45

Spend 6 to 10 hours exploring southern Sri Lanka by private air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Galle Fort, cruise Madu River, stop at a turtle conservation project and see turtles at the beach. Guides including Hasantha, Sakun, Nuwan and Rusiru are praised for safe driving, warm service and flexible sightseeing.

“I had a great time with the tour and we explored alot of places! Highly recommend”

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Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen - Bentota River Safari: the best part for many people
1-Day Tours, Galle Tours, Safari, Stilt Fishing Experiences, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours in Galle

Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen

5.Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $110

This private 8 to 10-hour day trip from Bentota and nearby coastal towns combines a 1.5-hour river safari, turtle conservation, mask carving, tsunami history, Galle Dutch Fort, and stilt fishermen. Your driver-guide may be Janith, Lahir, or Dinesh. Pickup, lunch, entry fees, water, and transport are included.

“A lovely trip for the whole day and Lahir from Bentota travel what a lovely guy. Temple; boat trip fishing from stilts good company to book through.”

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From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery - Madu River mangroves by boat
Colombo Tours, Madu River Boat Safaris, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery

6.From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 41 reviews · 10 hours · from $46

Travel from Colombo, Negombo, or Kalutara with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide, often Janaka, on a 10-hour private tour. Cruise through Madu River mangroves, visit a turtle hatchery, see stilt fishermen near Unawatuna, tour Galle Fort, and stop at a moonstone mine. Lunch and entrance fees are extra, including the boat charge.

“I recommend this tour! The guide was punctual and very polite. We visited all the attractions that were set in the plan. Additionally, we visited a restaurant with really good food!🐙”

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Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa - What the guide does in the water
Mirissa Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Mirissa, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

7.Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $35

Meet your pickup in Mirissa, collect your mask, snorkel, and fins, then head by boat to a turtle spot over coral reef. A swim guide accompanies you in the water and can adjust the outing to your wishes. The private format suits families and small groups, while weather and water clarity can affect what you see.

“This was an amazing experience, really enjoyable. You get close up to the turtles and the crew filmed us which was a good memory”

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From Kalutara: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery - Cinnamon Island and Temple Island add local texture
Bentota Tours, Madu River Boat Safaris, River Safaris in Bentota, Safari, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

From Kalutara: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

8.Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 16 reviews · 5.5 hours · from $80

You’ll travel by private vehicle from Kalutara, Wadduwa, or Waskaduwa to Madu Ganga for a boat safari through 915 hectares of wetlands. Visit Cinnamon and Temple Islands, try fish therapy, then learn about turtle conservation at Kosgoda. An English-speaking guide, refreshments, water, transport, boat fees, and entry are included.

“Many thanks for our guide , perfect driver, guide, knows srilanka community. Many thanks for our guide on the boat safari Okokokokokokokokokokokokoooooooookklllokk”

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Galle Day Trip - River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen - The Bentota River safari is the strongest reason to go
1-Day Tours, Galle Tours, Safari, Stilt Fishing Experiences, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours in Galle

Galle Day Trip – River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen

9.Galle Day Trip – River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 16 reviews · 9 - 11 hours · from $80

Travel by private vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide from Sri Lanka’s southern coast to Galle Fort, a turtle conservation project, Buddhist temple, mask factory, gem showroom, tsunami museum, and the Bentota River mangroves. The river safari is the wildlife highlight, with possible crocodiles, monkeys, fruit bats, monitor lizards, and snakes. Lunch, entry fees, water, and hotel pickup are included.

“Gutes Gefühl, viel gesehen, pünktlich, freundlich sicher! Fairer Preis für: Flusssafari, Maskenmuseum, Diamanteninfo in der Firma, Budda Besichtigung, Mittagessen, Stelzenfischer und Turtleauffangstation. Nettes Team, gerne wieder.”

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Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Mirissa (Pickup and Drop included) - What happens when you arrive on the beach
Mirissa Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Mirissa, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Mirissa (Pickup and Drop included)

10.Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Mirissa (Pickup and Drop included)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $45

Meet at 7:30 am for a guided snorkel outing in Mirissa. Aja leads you to a turtle area between the reefs, with gear, fins, wetsuit, towel, life jacket, tea, cookies, and select hotel pickup and drop-off included. Expect about three hours, including roughly two hours at the beach.

“We had a fantastic time. Saw loads of turtles and colourful fish. The guide was fabulous. Would highly recommend this experience.”

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From Bentota: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery - What you really see from the boat
Bentota Tours, Madu River Boat Safaris, River Safaris in Bentota, Safari, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

From Bentota: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

11.Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $65

Take a private half-day trip from Bentota, Beruwala, or Kosgoda to Madu Ganga’s coastal wetlands, then visit Cinnamon Island, Temple Island, and the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation and Research Centre. An English-speaking guide, private vehicle, boat fees, entry tickets, water, snacks, parking, fuel, and taxes are included.

“The tour company was good however the activity was not up to the expectations. It's more of a river boat ride than a river safari couldn't see any animals other than a few birds and monkeys.”

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Pigeon Island Snorkeling – Swim with Sharks & Turtles - The coral gardens and reef fish
Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Trincomalee, Tour Reviews, Trincomalee Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours

Pigeon Island Snorkeling – Swim with Sharks & Turtles

12.Pigeon Island Snorkeling – Swim with Sharks & Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · from $16

Meet Pigeon Island Tours in Nilaveli for a roughly three-hour boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park. Snorkel among coral, eels, parrotfish, butterflyfish, rays, turtles, and possible blacktip reef sharks. Equipment, a return boat, and safety gear are included, but the park ticket costs extra.

“Had a great experience with this tour. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking to explore the beautiful pigeon island”

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From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery - Madu River mangroves by boat
Colombo Tours, Madu River Boat Safaris, Tour Reviews, Turtle Hatchery Tours

From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery

13.From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 10 hours

Spend 10 hours with a private English-speaking driver-guide exploring Sri Lanka’s south coast. Cruise Madu River mangroves, visit a turtle conservation center, see a moonstone mine, and walk Galle Fort. Pickup is available from Colombo, Negombo, the airport, and nearby coastal towns. Boat and entrance fees cost extra.

“We’ve got an incredible day thanks to our guide/driver Janaka! Good, friendly and knowledgeable man! We had a fish massage on islands hopping, visited a cinnamon island and bought real cinnamon there (even saw how it’s done in nature), visited moonstone mine and saw a process of jewelry making; the idea behind turtle hatchery has really amazed me! Moreover, Galle fort it definitely worth all the way from Colombo to see it and catch all these places on your way!”

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Paradise Turtle Watching Tours - The 8:00 PM pickup from Tangalle
Galle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours in Galle

Paradise Turtle Watching Tours

14.Paradise Turtle Watching Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $9Best value

Join Sujith of Paradise Tuk Tuk Tours for a private night ride from Tangalle to Rekawa Turtle Watch. You leave at 8:00 PM, spend about three hours at this protected nesting beach, and return around midnight. The tuk-tuk ride is personal and flexible, but the separate turtle-watching ticket costs about $6.70 per person.

“Menand my mum went to this tour. We like tuk tuk driver (completely forgot his name). I liked that comparing to other drivers he speaks good english, so we could have nice conversations. He explained everything during tour, was always nRead more”

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Galle Day Tour with River Safari, Tea Plantation & Sea Turtle - Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project: a short but meaningful stop
Galle Tours, Safari, Tea Plantation Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours, Turtle Hatchery Tours in Galle

Galle Day Tour with River Safari, Tea Plantation & Sea Turtle

15.Galle Day Tour with River Safari, Tea Plantation & Sea Turtle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $135

Spend 8 to 12 hours with your own English-speaking driver-guide on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Visit Bentota’s mangroves by boat, learn about turtle conservation in Kosgoda, tour a tea plantation and factory, see a Buddhist temple, browse a mini gem museum, and walk Galle Dutch Fort. Pickup, lunch, water, fees, and drop-off are included.

“Fantastic day. We went on the 4am visit but the early start was worth it. We saw monkeys, elephants, lots of different types of birds, deer and water lizards. Amazing lunch.”

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New in Turtle Hatchery Tours

★ 5.0Galle Day Tour with Turtle Hatchery & River Boat SafariFrom $754 reviews
★ 5.0Galle Fort, Turtle, – Private Day Tour From Negombo or ColomboFrom $1144 reviews
★ 5.0Galle Fort & boat safari & Turtles Day TripFrom $896 reviews
★ 4.9Turtle hatchery, River safari, moon stone & GalleFrom $856 reviews
★ 5.0Hambantota Port: Galle Fort ,River Safari & Sea Turtle VisitFrom $994 reviews
★ 5.0Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle HatcheryFrom $1304 reviews
★ 4.7Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle HatcheryFrom $755 reviews

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