The waters around Sri Lanka's south and east coasts are home to coral gardens, sea turtles, rays, and a reef ecosystem that took thousands of years to build.
They can be damaged in an afternoon by the wrong choices. Here's what actually makes a difference — not the performative version, the practical one.
The Sunscreen Problem
Oxybenzone and octinoxate — the active ingredients in most standard sunscreens — are toxic to coral. They bleach coral polyps even at tiny concentrations. Many Sri Lanka dive sites have visible bleaching.
Switch to mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide before you get in the water. Brands like Stream2Sea, Raw Elements, and Badger are widely available online before you travel. In Sri Lanka, reef-safe options are rare in most pharmacies — bring your own.
Snorkelling Without Causing Damage
Don't stand on coral. Ever. Even "dead-looking" coral is often dormant, not dead, and a single boot placement breaks decades of growth.
Don't touch anything — including "just to steady yourself." The oils and bacteria from human hands stress coral polyps.
If you're not a confident swimmer, use a life vest — not your feet on the reef floor — to stay stable.
The Turtle Nesting Beaches
Rekawa, Kosgoda, and several beaches on the south coast are active turtle nesting sites. Leatherback, loggerhead, and green turtles all nest here between November and April.
Rules that matter: No torch lights on nesting beaches at night. No flash photography. Give nesting turtles a wide berth — they're easily disturbed and may abandon a nest if stressed. Visit only with a responsible guide who understands these rules and enforces them.
We visit Rekawa with guests regularly. We brief everyone before we get to the beach. It's a privilege, not a tourist attraction.
The Simple Rule
Take nothing from the ocean. Not shells, not coral fragments, not sea glass from reef areas. These form part of an ecosystem. The memory of seeing them is enough. The photo is enough. Leave the place intact for the next visitor.