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.