Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Open daily 9am-5pm
13A Galle Road, Mahapalena, Kosgoda, 80570

The basics

The Kosgoda project helps to conserve the dwindling wild populations of turtles—most notably Green Turtles—off Sri Lanka’s coast. Run by volunteers, it centers on a hatchery where rescued eggs can hatch before being released into the ocean at night. Volunteers also protect nearby nesting sites and care for any injured or weak turtles temporarily kept back from release.

Travelers pay an entry fee and are shown the hatchery, tanks, and turtles by project volunteers. Many people opt to visit as part of a wider tour: the project features on various day trips to Galle from Colombo, as well as coastal tours from Galle, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa; and on multi-day Sri Lanka tours. Those traveling independently can also prebook entry tickets online to save precious vacation time.

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Things to know before you go

  • The Kosgoda project is recommended for wildlife lovers of all ages.
  • Visitors should refrain from touching the turtles except under the supervision of a project volunteer.
  • The sanctuary is not wheelchair-accessible.
  • Visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the project’s work.
  • A restroom and a small parking lot are available on site.
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How to get there

The Kosgoda project is at 13/A Galle Road (A2) in Kosgoda, midway between Galle and Colombo. The easiest way to get here is on a tour. Otherwise, regular buses run to Kosgoda from Galle, Bentota, or Hikkaduwa and stop about a 15-minute walk away at Maha Indurawa. If you’re driving yourself, follow the Colombo-Galle A2 until you see the project sign in Kosgoda.

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When to get there

The project is open every day. If you want to visit at the quietest times, aim for the early morning, before any tour groups arrive. Visitors can watch baby turtles being released into the sea every evening, sea and weather conditions permitting.

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The Plight of Sri Lanka’s Sea Turtles

Sri Lanka’s sea turtle numbers are falling fast due to predators, poachers, litter, and rising ocean temperatures. The family-run Kosgoda project operates by buying eggs from fishermen to prevent them from being sold on, and by rescuing them from sites vulnerable to predators. The project relies solely on contributions, which is why visitors are asked to make a small donation.

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