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Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery, Kosgoda

Learn About Sea Turtle Protection, Rescue and Rehabilitation

Kosgoda is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known turtle-nesting areas. For our conservation-centre visit, BBC takes guests specifically to the Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery, a small local project close to the beach. The visit gives you an introduction to sea turtle nesting, protected egg incubation, hatchlings and the care of injured or non-releasable turtles. A BBC team member accompanies you throughout the excursion.

Close-up of a sea turtle facing the camera, showing its dark patterned shell and foreflippers underwater.
Two young girls lean over a pond under a wooden shelter, watching the rippling water and dark shapes on the surface.

Discover the hatchery

After a short drive from BBC to Kosgoda, staff from the hatchery guide you through the centre and explain the life cycle of the turtles found along Sri Lanka’s coast.

You can see the protected nesting area where eggs are monitored until hatching, learn how nests are safeguarded and understand why the beaches around Kosgoda are so important for sea turtles.

The centre also cares for turtles of different ages, including rescued or injured animals that require rehabilitation. Their individual stories help explain some of the threats sea turtles face in the ocean and along the coast.

Five sea turtle species

Five species of marine turtle are recorded in Sri Lanka: Green Turtle, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback. Kosgoda is one of the places where visitors can learn about these species and the differences between them.

What you see varies naturally with the season and the animals currently under the project’s care. Hatchlings, eggs or particular species are therefore never guaranteed.

Close-up of a small sea turtle being gently held by a person’s hands, facing the camera.
Several baby turtles swimming underwater in murky green water, close-up of their shells.

Conservation & rehabilitation

The project protects vulnerable nests, monitors incubation and cares for turtles that need help. Some animals can eventually return to the ocean, while others may require longer-term care because of injury or health problems.

The visit helps you understand threats such as plastic, fishing and habitat disturbance, and learn about nesting, eggs, hatchlings and the turtle life cycle.

See the turtles in motion

This BBC video shows a sea turtle swimming at the hatchery.

Why this activity is special

Visit the Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, discover the five sea turtle species recorded in Sri Lanka and see rescued and rehabilitating turtles currently in care. Guided explanations by the hatchery team bring nesting, eggs, hatchlings and the turtle life cycle into focus.

It is a short and easy excursion close to BBC, with a BBC team member accompanying you throughout. Conservation education and responsible observation are central to the experience.

A memorable beach experience

The family photographs and beach-release video in this section document an actual earlier BBC family visit on Kosgoda Beach. They share a memorable moment from that visit, rather than activities promised as part of every excursion.

If hatchlings are ready for release during your visit, you may be able to see this part of the conservation work. Releases depend entirely on hatching times, animal welfare and current conditions and cannot be scheduled or guaranteed.

Guests are not promised the opportunity to handle turtles or participate in releases. The photographed activities are not necessarily available on every visit.

Sunny beach with gentle waves, pale sand, and palm trees on the right sweeping into the distance
Three people on a sandy beach near the water: two children play at the edge while an adult stands with a paddle nearby among palm trees.
Photographer on the left filming a family on a sandy beach as waves wash onto shore. Man and a young girl kneel at the wet shoreline, looking at something in their hands as small waves wash in.
Two young girls lean over a concrete pond, guiding a small turtle into the water with their hands nearby.

Responsible visits

We recommend observing the turtles calmly and following the hatchery team’s instructions. Animal handling is not the purpose of the visit; the most valuable part is learning how the project protects, monitors and rehabilitates sea turtles.

The BBC family photographs on this page record an earlier experience. They do not promise animal handling or release participation on your visit.

A close and educational introduction to the sea turtles of Sri Lanka — from protected nests and hatchlings to rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.

Plan your visit

Duration

Approx. 1.5–2 hours total.

Travel time

Approx. 10–15 minutes each way from BBC.

Time at centre

Approx. 1–1.5 hours.

Location

Galbokka, Kosgoda.

Centre tour

Guided by a member of the hatchery team.

BBC guidance

Always accompanied by a BBC team member.

Transport

BBC tuk-tuk with a BBC team member.

Difficulty

Very easy.

What to bring

Camera or phone; light, comfortable clothing; drinking water; sun protection for daytime visits; some cash for the entrance fee or an optional donation.

Price & what is included

LKR 3,300

Per group of 1–2 guests.

Included
BBC tuk-tuk transport and a BBC team member with you throughout the trip.

Hatchery entrance ticket: paid separately.
The entrance ticket is not included in the BBC group rate.

Purchases, tips and donations are not included.

How to join this activity

Simply speak to our reception or any BBC team member. We arrange transport and timing and accompany you to the Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda.

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