Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (Bentota) FAQs In 2024

What is Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery?

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a sea turtle conservation project located in the southwestern coastal town of Kosgoda, Sri Lanka. Established to protect endangered sea turtles and ensure their survival, the hatchery provides a sanctuary where eggs are hatched safely, and hatchlings are cared for until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.

The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery was founded in 1981 by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka in response to the declining numbers of marine turtles.

Visitors to Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery can typically see five species of sea turtles: the Green Turtle, the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Loggerhead, and the Olive Ridley, all of which are known to visit Sri Lankan beaches to lay their eggs.

The hatchery plays a critical role in turtle conservation by providing a safe environment for hatching eggs, nurturing sick or injured adult turtles back to health, and educating the public on the importance of protecting these endangered species. Without such interventions, the survival rates of hatchlings in the wild would be drastically lower due to threats like poaching and natural predators.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between January and April when the likelihood of seeing a large number of hatchlings is higher. Visitors may want to check with the hatchery for information about the hatching seasons, which can vary slightly each year.

Yes, guided tours are available at the hatchery. Trained staff provide informative tours explaining the process of conservation, the life cycle of sea turtles, and visitors can witness various stages of the turtles' development, from eggs to hatchlings, and sometimes even the release of the turtles into the ocean.

Yes, tourists can participate in the release of turtles, especially during the hatching season. This experience is often described as a highlight by visitors and also helps support the hatchery's conservation efforts. It is recommended to contact the hatchery ahead of time to check the schedule and availability for this unique experience.

Yes, there is a small entrance fee for visiting the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. The fee contributes to the maintenance of the hatchery and the care of the turtles. Please contact the hatchery directly for the latest entrance fees and opening hours.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is approximately 11 kilometers north of Bentota, and it usually takes around 20 minutes to reach by car or tuk-tuk.

Yes, there are a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses available in and around Kosgoda close to the turtle hatchery. Some visitors may choose to stay in nearby Bentota, which offers a wider range of hotels and resorts along the beach.

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