Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: turtles (108) turtle (31) visit (21) care (16) baby (15) ocean (15) great (14) release (13) good (13) life (11)
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  • 4/5 Vishnu K. 2 months ago on Google • 179 reviews New
    Nice place if you are an interested in sea life and nature. You get to see different varieties of turtles, fish etc. it’s a decent visit. The entry ticket is INR 500 per head. Don’t buy outside at the souvenir shops as they are too costly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Irushika P. 4 years ago on Google
    Greate experiance in Ahungalla sea turtle conservation. One of the most exciting places I have ever been. Wonderful entrance also there have. It is home to Huge number of turtle. There you can see different kinds of sea turtles with different ages. Staff is very friendly and they are providing detailed information. You can touch turtles here and can release them also. 🐢💚
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ryan A. 4 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    There are a lot of Turtle Conservation / Hatcheries in the vicinity and along this coastal road, but this one has been touted as 'the best'. Its a good little setup. Entry fee is $25 USD per person if you would like to release a baby turtle into the ocean. There are several tanks with baby turtles and also some with injured turtles being taken care of. Overall a good place to spend approx. 45mins and learn about turtles and enjoy the experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Saliya Muthuwaruna de S. 8 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    It was really great to see these turtles and some other sea creatures including baby sharks, star fish, sea snakes and some other fishs. They will guild and explain you everything about these animals with no additional cost which was cool. You can even touch some of them with care. The entrance and the location has been built in a attractive ways to match with the animals. Great place for kids. They have ample of parking there. Ticket for adults was 300/- and free for kids. For foreigners 3000/-
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Milind S. 4 years ago on Google
    Visited the hatchery as we were travelling with kids. The hatchery basically keeps injured turtles and also hatches eggs of turtles to prevent them from being eaten by sharks. The place as it was informed to us has been started with generous intentions and all the amount charged towards entrance fees is used for the same cause. The hatchery has some small pools where various turtles are kept for hatching or for treatment and later on released in the ocean. All this was very well explained to us by the staff. It turned out to be a good informative visit. Though we were not fully satisfied with the justifications given by the staff about the finances and crualty to the species.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 jayas sri chamila s. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Quality experience with Family. Well organized place. Still few constructions on going. Entrance fee for Adults Ra. 500 PP. Lot of sharks in single location. Enough parking slots but parking bit disturb view of some arrangements.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Durga G. 3 months ago on Google • 87 reviews New
    Must visit this place. Lady at that place is very polite and delivered all information about turtles. Very well maintained. Kids loved to see different kinds of turtles.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nazeeha N. 4 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    There are several turtle conservation centres along the way, and thisnone takes a special place. We can see several types of sea turtles recovering from injuries and also learn about how they lay and hatch thier eggs. They said turtles usually hatch in the month of March and they allow people to observe and safely put the baby turtles into the sea for a special charge. There was a guide and he explained every single thing in great detail. The architecture is impressive and very suitable for all types of audience. There were washrooms available, which is a high requirement to keep ourselves clean after touching any kind of animal. Ticket prices are very cheap too. There is also a small beach on the side, where you can enjoy with no crowd at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prashan E. 8 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    We went with a couple of colleagues to this place, and it's truly worth the money. There are plenty of things to see and learn that are related to turtles. Their guides explain the full story about the turtles and the varieties of turtles. If you happen to be passing through Ahungalla, I highly recommend visiting this place to gain insights into turtles and their world.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Manica T. 2 months ago on Google • 137 reviews New
    It is located in Ahungulla, on the way to Bentota. It is run through NGO and by the ticket money provided by the tourists. It has a parking place and toilet facility. Tourists are given a guided walk to this hatchery. They conserve the hurt and wounded turtles and when they are healthy, they put them back in the ocean. They also hatch the eggs of turtles like olive ridley, hawksbill. They also have an aquarium featuring sharks and sting rays to name a few. Overall a must visit place. Well maintained.

  • 3/5 Vinita B. 5 years ago on Google
    This place claims to preserve the very endangered species of turtles .The project undertaken by them is approx. in 1 acre land . They preserve turtle eggs for roughly 45-55 days before they are hatched. After that the turtles are kept for 4-5 days and then send back to the sea to live a free life . They are also taking care of handicapped turtles - the ones who have lost their arms etc. and unable to take care of themselves. They show us about 5 varieties of turtles found in the Indian Ocean . Apart from that land turtles , star fishes and sharks can also be seen here . Children will love to see these species . There is lot’s of place for improvement . Good going . Entrance charges are R/s 1000 in Lanka currency .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Baany S. 4 years ago on Google
    Well explained and looking after the turtles very catrfully A good place to understand the importance of sea turtles and value of the nature Very rare varieties you can see and white turtles also can find in this location Very important notice -: What I learnt from this visit As we don't protect our oceans these turtles are being distributed living in the sea area . Some turtles has eaten polythene and they can dive in their life time and they are just floating in the tank which is very sad to watch .it seems there is no way that polythene can be taken out from their stomach . They are beutiful and nature friendly but some are hunting for this variety big time and illegally exporting to overseas I saw one white turtle which you find very rare and a result of fungal infection or genetically disorder kind of reason as explained by the care takers . What I have observed is that is due to fungal infection to its shell and colors changes to light white or grey mixed white . That also defend the oceans and environmental factors We must all help to protects these valuable sea turtles !!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sophie T. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited this place today to see if this place is any different from other hatcheries we’ve been to in Sri Lanka as it has nice reviews and looks more modern than the majority of them around. Unfortunately it’s just another massive tourist trap that is exploiting animals for profit. I respect that they help to save the turtle eggs and release babies back into the ocean. But other than that what I saw completely broke my heart. There is one completely disfigured turtle living in a tiny pool unable to move, if the owners of the hatchery are reading this, please put the poor animal to sleep don’t let it suffer like that for another decade! It’s just not humane to keep a creature alive in this condition. There were two beautiful albino turtles that were hatched there at the centre about two years ago and they will spend another 20 years living in a tiny swimming pool amusing the tourists because it can’t be released back to the ocean as they won’t survive for long, but is the kind of life they’re currently having worth it? A question to think about. For additional 1000 rupees I was allowed to release a baby turtle into the ocean which was my dream. Although it was middle of the day and I asked if it was a good idea since turtles are typically being released in the evening, I was ensured that it’s totally fine. As the baby reached the water about one minute later we saw an eagle diving into the waves trying to grab the baby!!! Thank f***k it didn’t succeed but this left me traumatised for life. P.S. Instead of building the biggest turtle statue you could create better living conditions for those disabled turtles, something closer to their natural habitat instead of the pool perhaps? Think about it please.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nishara P. 4 years ago on Google
    Must visit place in Ahungalla. There you can see different kinds of sea turtles with different ages. Some of them are wounded and they are treating them. Staff is very friendly and they are providing detailed information. You can touch little turtles here and can release them also.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Randika D. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the most exciting places i have ever been. Wonderful entrance and a variety of fish and turtle s to observe. There are many wounded turtle can be seen here. And there are tanks displaying baby 🦈 sharks and some prawns. Great place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anirudha K. 6 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    A Conservation centre for Turtles, where many turtles are conserved. Some which need treatment are taken care of. Also, they hatch the eggs and safely release them to the sea. You also get to see a small aquarium with some varieties of fishes etc.

  • 5/5 Mathangan S. 8 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Great experience! Well maintained and fantastic architecture. They have different varieties and vulnerable turtle species. You get to see various species of fish as well. Lots of information about the turtles, from the eggs to those with skin conditions. The fishermen are paid to bring eggs to the centre so that they can be incubated under no threat. There were albino turtles, who would have been very noticeable out in the ocean. There were turtles being treated for skin conditions, which when cured, would be set out into the ocean again. Sadly there were turtles who were pull of plastics and so could not sink into the water, they only floated. There are many such centres in Sri Lanka and are doing a great job in the conservation of turtles. Entry ticket: 300 LKR

  • 5/5 Trilok B. 4 years ago on Google
    A government run turtle organization charges as per nationality. They take care of injured turtles and leave it back to ocean once it is cured.

  • 4/5 Ranil S. 3 years ago on Google
    Entrance fee is 100 rupees per adult. Location shown in Google maps is correct but cannot see clearly due to name board faded. It's right behind the police station. Place is not very big but good place to visit with children

  • 5/5 Binuj U. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best sea turtle hatchery i have been to. As I am temporarily residing i use to take my kid and this place and the staff is helpful beyond limits. A wide variety of turtles can be seen and also reed sharks are in situ. Further renovation with creative ideas are visible which will give kids more happy time. The owner shehan, is a kind and caring person with excellent customer service. Must visit place! Evenings they release baby turtles to the sea. Contact them and book a visit

  • 5/5 Milan D. 2 years ago on Google
    You can see and touch different types of turtles in the pools. The facility is still under construction and expansion. I recommend you to visit this place.

  • 5/5 Supun Amarasekera (. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best sea turtle conservation centers in Sri Lanka. Our guide was very friendly and humble. Explained everything we need to know about sea turtles and allowed us to release some baby turtles to the sea. Awesome experience .

  • 5/5 Danu S. 2 years ago on Google
    Basically this place can be call "The place of protect Our Naational Turtle s"........In here main object is protect the sea turtles and Treating sin of a turtles..They are trying to recover the turtle which identified going to death turtls..Ahugalla is a main point of buying and protected the turtle..We are very happy to be here part of donated people.. Please go there and donate some things to protect our sea turtles..they are treated well that like thears children... 🐢 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

  • 4/5 Nicolas C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit, many turtles, it seems that they take good care of them

  • 5/5 Surabhi W. 2 years ago on Google
    It is one of the most pleasant and satisfying things I’ve visited in a long time. The turtles are so cute. The guide showed and explained us everything so neatly and patiently. Hats off to their selfless work in saving these little sea animals. Absolutely loved the place

  • 4/5 Krishantha L. 4 years ago on Google
    Turtles can be seen,but in an artificial environment.

  • 4/5 Naveen K. 2 years ago on Google
    It is turtle conservation place and hatchery where they keep the eggs in process of near natural hatchery process. They also keep injured turtles here to treat them and after the treatment if the turtle can survive in sea then they put them back in sea.

  • 5/5 Supun W. 1 year ago on Google
    Recommended place to visit to see the outstanding project of conserving turtles and endangered sea creatures. Pleasant environment and educative experience.

  • 5/5 Dimuthu C. 1 year ago on Google
    Enjoyed the experience. You can watch turtles and many types of fish varieties there. Ticket prices at the time were Rs 300.00 per adult and Rs 150.00 per child

  • 5/5 Kalumuni G. 1 year ago on Google
    That was awesome... there were so many kind of turtles. I went there with my school kids. Very interesting place. Though we didn't see how the turtles come to this world it was really interesting and the person who was there at the time explained everything very well briefly. So it didn't feel like boring.

  • 5/5 Sathya M. 1 year ago on Google
    Good place to visit. Guide was quite helpful too. Didn't not get to see a hatching but they explain and show turtles at different life stages. Takes care of injured turtles as well. Has a donations box if you would like to donate to the cause.

  • 5/5 Tharaka A. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place to visit ...ticket prices are reasonabl..Guide is really friendly...They take care of injured turtles and you can donate if you like ....

  • 5/5 Nishan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Saff was really helpful and explained us all about turtles and volunteered to take pictures for us. They have a good collection of turtles and contained with harm free environment.

  • 5/5 Emil J. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to support, and to view different species of sea turtles. They do a good job conserving and rehabilitating endangered turtles. The guide will show you around the facility explaining exactly that they do. You can even release some of your own baby turtles into the ocean for a fee.

  • 5/5 Travis D. 1 year ago on Google
    A fantastic initiative that is focused on protecting and nurturing various species of turtles. We visited as a group and had our own English speaking guide who gave us information about the different turtles and how humanity is causing their demise by polluting the oceans with plastic. The turtles are also getting caught in fishing nets which causes a lot of bodily harm. Some turtles are missing certain body parts and won't be able to be released back into the wild but this hatchery provides a safe haven for them to at least live the rest of their lives. The entire aim of this place is to heal those that are injured and to hatch new turtles in a safe environment in order to release them back into the wild. I think it's great and I enjoyed my time here. You can also purchase a baby turtle and release it yourself into the ocean.

  • 5/5 fernando m. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a good educational tour of this place by a guide. Loads of other sea creatures to see apart from Turtles. Donate some money for the Turtle fund and you would be able to release some baby ones to the sea

  • 5/5 Srija B. 1 year ago on Google
    This place has many variety of turtles and the people working there are very knowledgeable. 🐢 They will take you through all the life stages of a turtle and will show you the different kinds etc. We had a quick stop there but it was very fun and educational. Apart from entry fee, this place is run on donations, so make sure you carry some extra cash on you! You can also experience releasing turtles into the ocean and I bet that’ll be awesome!

  • 5/5 Ioana I. 10 months ago on Google
    I had an amazing visit, the reservation is small and organized, 10$ entrance, every other week they have baby sea turtles that you can release in the ocean for a small fee and it's a really special experience. Mr. Jayantha was the gentleman who gave me the tour and he is a very sweet man and really loves his job and his turtles. You can also donate for their cause.

  • 5/5 Samith P. 10 months ago on Google
    A must visit place if you’re interested in turtle conservation. Kids also will love it.

  • 3/5 sagar v. 11 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit and good to see that they are taking care of all those turtles,but from the point of view of a tourism this place is not that well maintained ! The guide was in some hurry and was rushing through the whole place without giving us any time to actually enjoy the place only to stop at the store and the donation box at the end of the tour to sell their articles and exhibits.

  • 3/5 Silvie K. 5 months ago on Google
    It is just okay... Very commercial. The aquariums are beautiful, though. They'll ask for us dollars, so if you have local currency, use it. You can also pay by card. 6k in Rupees for 2 pax.

  • 4/5 Muthuraja N. 7 months ago on Google
    This is a great spot for turtle enthusiasts visiting, as English explanations are available, and a knowledgeable guide accompanies each group of visitors. The facility is clean and well-maintained, despite its smaller size.

  • 5/5 Ravi L. 8 months ago on Google
    Experiencing the Ahungalla Sea Turtles Conservation Project in Bentota, Sri Lanka, was an absolute delight. The atmosphere is both engaging and informative, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. With an affordable entry fee of approximately $15 per person, this conservation center is a treasure trove of learning and noble efforts. Upon arrival, one is greeted by a vibrant and cheerful ambiance that sets the tone for a truly remarkable experience. The project's primary focus on protecting and conserving turtle species is evident from the moment you step in. The center houses an array of small turtles along with a few magnificent giants, each contributing to the unique tapestry of marine life conservation. What truly stands out is their dedication to rehabilitating injured and sick turtles, ensuring their full recovery before releasing them back into the ocean. It's a heartwarming sight to witness these resilient creatures embark on their journey to freedom. Among the inhabitants are venerable turtles boasting over 50 years of age, showcasing the center's commitment to preserving these majestic beings across generations. Additionally, a rare golden turtle graces the premises, adding an extra layer of wonder. The educational aspect is equally enthralling. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the turtles' natural habitat, behaviors, and dietary patterns, allowing visitors to truly grasp the intricacies of these wonderful creatures. From hatchlings as young as 5 days to the grandeur of the aged turtles, the spectrum of life stages is beautifully represented. In summation, the Ahungalla Sea Turtles Conservation Project offers an unforgettable experience that combines fun, education, and a profound sense of purpose. If you find yourself in Bentota, make sure to include this destination in your itinerary. Your visit not only enriches your understanding of marine life but also contributes to the commendable efforts aimed at sustaining our precious turtle species.

  • 5/5 Thilini P. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice place with a small sea aquarium, lovely and disabled turtles... supportive staff. It is a welfare service centre for turtles.

  • 5/5 sahan nilmina J. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a lovely place

  • 5/5 Nirnai N. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing. One of the best for sea turtles excavation, with very knowledgeable guides. They give you to touch or hold the turtles too.

  • 3/5 Math T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) One of the many shelters for sea turtles (Original) Een van de vele opvang plaatsen voor zeeschildpadden

  • 1/5 Gautam K. 4 years ago on Google
    Waste of money

  • 5/5 Shammi S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is the perfect place to see the turtles (Original) කැස්බෑවන් දැක බලා ගැනීම සඳහා වඩාත් සුදුසු ස්ථානයයි

  • 5/5 Janaka B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A place to conserve turtles costs a lot of money. The ticket to see these people for 100 rupees will give life to many more turtles. (Original) කැස්බෑවන් සංරක්ෂණය කරන තැනක් සෑහෙන මුදලක් වියදම් කරනවා මෙයාලා පූළුවන් අය බලන්න යන්න ටිකට්පත රුපියල් 100 එක තවත් කැස්බෑවන් රැසකට ජීවය දේවි

  • 5/5 Chamod L. 3 years ago on Google
    👍😀

  • 5/5 Pushpitha M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place

  • 3/5 Chandimal R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Ticket eka 100. Ecahara balanna deyak nam na. Habai karana wade nam watinawa .. (Original) Ticket eka 100. Ecahara balanna deyak nam na. Habai karana wade nam watinawa..

  • 5/5 SHC de s. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place for visit !!!!!!!!!!!

  • 4/5 Tom H. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting place, a must see

  • 5/5 Kevin V. 3 years ago on Google
    Decent clean place, friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Anuradhi R. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place.. But if you wish to take small ones on to your hands this is not the place... You can see them with eyes not touch them with hands😊

  • 5/5 FNR C. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to watch sea turtles,Enterance ticket Rs. 100

  • 4/5 kausik s. 3 years ago on Google
    Have turtles of different species. Turtles are sometimes injured at sea by propeller blades of launch/ vessels/ ship. They treat and rehabilitate injured turtles. Nice job is being done here.

  • 3/5 Madhura M. 3 years ago on Google
    Why are the big turtles kept in captivity? There is just a guy to give a ticket and you just look at bunch of tiny and large turtles in tanks ....

  • 5/5 Ruchi K. 4 years ago on Google
    They are doing a great job towards turtle conservation

  • 4/5 高柏偉 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to see the sea turtles

  • 5/5 Muneesh K. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice experience. The staff is very friendly and responsive. They are doing a noble job but the tickets are a little on higher side..LKR 500 per person.

  • 3/5 Aniket G. 4 years ago on Google
    Not a must visit place. I visited the place on 29.01.2020. There is an entry fees of 1000 LKR per person. They have few aquariums with some sharks and lobster. And have collection of 10 - 15 turtles of 5-6 varient. Turtles come and give eggs which are hatch here. The newly born are kept here for 1 - 2days nd then sent to the sea. So nothing special to see.

  • 4/5 Jayant D. 4 years ago on Google
    When i reached, the turrle eggs had just hatched. Good place to visit

  • 5/5 Wild Life With S. 4 years ago on Google
    doing a great service to protect turtle's,

  • 5/5 Devang V. 5 years ago on Google
    Really great initiative. Very informative and enthusiastic host. Especially great place for children to learn and see live marine species up close!

  • 5/5 Andres K. 4 years ago on Google
    Keep up the good work, saving these great sea creatures.

  • 5/5 charmaine c. 4 years ago on Google
    Sea turtles are saved and left into the sea once they're able to manage on their own. The sick turtles are looked after at this place and proper care is taken to ensure that they're fed well and made to recover.

  • 4/5 Margarita D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) For children it will be interesting. If you take a tour and, by the way, call in there, then excellent. It’s not worth going there purposefully. (Original) Для деток будет интересно. Если брать тур и между прочим туда заехать, то отлично. Целенаправленно туда идти не стоит.

  • 5/5 Jagdish Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Turtle rehabilitation and care center. Nice facility and good work.

  • 3/5 Hafsa 4 years ago on Google
    A great job by government for protecting and conserving turtles.Turtles who lost their arms due to fishing nets are being taken care of as they cannot survive in ocean

  • 5/5 Julietta S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 5/5 Gagandeep K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place & great people

  • 5/5 Milada K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) They are pleased to take care of sick turtles and then return them back to nature (Original) Potěší že se zde starají mimo jiné o nemocné želvy a pak je vrátí opět do prirody

  • 4/5 Naveen P R. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to see turtle breeding and taking care of that

  • 5/5 hector R. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place but a bit expensive

  • 3/5 Math T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Place one of the turtle shelter (Original) Een van de schilpad opvang plaatsen

  • 5/5 Сеня �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Cool place (Original) Классное место

  • 5/5 Александр �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Cool place, I advise!) (Original) Классное место, советую!)

  • 5/5 Anik G. 4 years ago on Google
    Feeling bad for the injured turtles

  • 4/5 Vaibhav B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nicely maintained turtle hatchery. Its a private organisation trying to save turtles. They survive through entry tickets and donations. You can see a lot of new born turtles and hatching area. They have also rescued a lot of wounded or handicapped turtles from the sea area. As per the guide, they pay the fisherman for such wounded turtles and they bring it here for its treatment. Some turtles are 70-80 years old.

  • 3/5 Vincent P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Quite fast (15 minutes), we were offered to touch baby turtles for 6000 rupees (30 euros), not great knowing that it is normally prohibited (Original) Assez rapide (15 minutes), on nous a proposé de toucher des bébés tortues pour 6000 roupies (30 euros), pas terrible sachant que c'est interdit normalement

  • 5/5 Amarendra Nath S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place for turtles but high price


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