The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) alongside the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Unawatuna Tourism Guild officially unveiled the 'Unawatuna Coral & Sea Turtle Eco-Experience' along the sheltered bay of Unawatuna in Galle today, October 2, 2026.

Unawatuna's natural semi-circular bay and offshore Bonavista coral reef shelter one of the highest concentrations of marine biodiversity along the southern coast, serving as a prime foraging haven for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Under the newly established eco-tourism framework, certified local boat operators have equipped glass-bottom boats with quiet electric outboard motors that glide silently across shallow lagoon waters without emitting exhaust fumes or disturbing grazing marine wildlife.

Trained marine naturalists accompany each excursion, providing educational commentary on live Acropora coral propagation projects, reef fish species like parrotfish and butterflyfish, and the vital role of seagrass beds in ocean carbon capture. The conservation zone has also introduced designated snorkeling corridors demarcated by floating eco-buoys, restricting motorized watercraft from entering shallow reef zones and preventing anchor damage to fragile branching corals.

Local guild president H. K. Chaminda stated that transitioning local boatmen into certified marine eco-guides fosters local stewardship over the bay's natural resources. Early reservations from international eco-travelers demonstrate strong enthusiasm for educational marine excursions, proving that protecting delicate coral ecosystems and majestic sea turtles directly drives sustainable local prosperity.