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Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Save Endangered Sea Turtles

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help with the protection and survival of endangered sea turtles at Galbokka Beach, Sri Lanka.
  • Take part in an unforgettable hands-on experience, participating in a nighttime sea turtle patrol.
  • Work with Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead & Hawksbill Sea Turtles

Highlights

  • Help with the protection and survival of endangered sea turtles at Galbokka Beach, Sri Lanka.
  • Take part in an unforgettable hands-on experience, participating in a nighttime sea turtle patrol.
  • Work with Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead & Hawksbill Sea Turtles
  • Live and work with fellow volunteers, all passionate about marine conservation

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help with the protection and survival of endangered sea turtles at Galbokka Beach, Sri Lanka.

    You’ll pack in a huge number of activities during your stay in Sri Lanka. Expect to do all of the following:

    • Work with turtle eggs and hatchlings
    • Take part in beach conservation and night patrols
    • Run community awareness and education programs

    Here is a breakdown of the work you will do:

    Work with ...

    About the program

    You’ll pack in a huge number of activities during your stay in Sri Lanka. Expect to do all of the following:

    • Work with turtle eggs and hatchlings
    • Take part in beach conservation and night patrols
    • Run community awareness and education programs

    Here is a breakdown of the work you will do:

    Work with turtle hatchlings

    Your main role will be to help with the protection of turtle hatchlings.  You’ll do all of the following:

    • Help bury the sea turtle eggs in a safe, dedicated area to rescue them from poachers.
    • Conduct daily checks on the eggs to check their hatching time and help the emerging baby turtles.
    • Wash the sea turtle tanks and refill them with seawater.
    • Prepare food to feed the turtles.
    • Take care of cleaning, feeding and helping turtle hatchlings.
    • Hand feed any injured turtles.
    We work with a variety of species in Sri Lanka, including Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead & Hawksbill Sea Turtles.

    Beach Conservation and night patrols

    You’ll patrol the beach during the day to look for any pieces of fishing nets, which cause a large number of deaths in sea turtles.

    However, it’s at night where the real fun begins! You’ll take part in an unforgettable hands-on experience - joining a sea turtle patrol. On this tour you will go for a night time walk on the beach of Galbokka to look for endangered sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.

    It’s crucial to get to the eggs during the night, before poachers and predators.  That way, we can ensure their survival. 

    Community awareness and education

    A big part of the work we do involves educational work in the local community.  This is very important, because everyone has to play their part if we’re going to preserve the local ecosystem.

    You’ll work together with our local experts to make creative presentations for people of all ages.  This will cover why coastal conservation is so important and why we need to secure turtle eggs from poachers.

    Typical day

    You’ll wake up in the home of your host family and enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan style breakfast which will fuel you for the day ahead. We’ll then pick you up and take you to the nearby conservation centre.

    Each day is different on the project, with the work changing depending on the season.  ...

    Typical day

    You’ll wake up in the home of your host family and enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan style breakfast which will fuel you for the day ahead. We’ll then pick you up and take you to the nearby conservation centre.

    Each day is different on the project, with the work changing depending on the season.  However, your supervisor will design a schedule each week to make the most of your time.

    A typical day will start early, with volunteers and staff gathering at the centre to agree on the plan for the day.

    You might start your morning with a beach patrol.  You’ll walk together across the sandy local beaches, collecting any litter that could be dangerous for animals.

    After lunch at the centre, you’ll spend time tending to the turtle hatchlings. This could include cleaning out their tanks or even feeding them.

    You may also need to rest up ahead of a nighttime beach patrol. Here you’ll all go together, looking for nests of newly-laid turtle eggs.  You’ll transport them safely back to the centre, where you can prepare them for eventual release back into the ocean.

    Once you’re done for the day, you’re free to relax and explore. We run regular social events for our volunteers, which is a wonderful way to make new friends and get to know the local staff. You can find out more about the local way of life, spending the evening with your host family. Try out the nearby restaurants, spend some time on the beach, or check out the tourist sites and local landmarks.

    Free-time activities

    Sri Lanka is well-known for its diverse landscapes. From beaches to tropical jungles, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country.

    The buzzing Pettah Market is a must-see. You can chat to friendly vendors, buy handmade products, and enjoy the electric atmosphere around you. For cultural ...

    Free-time activities

    Sri Lanka is well-known for its diverse landscapes. From beaches to tropical jungles, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country.

    The buzzing Pettah Market is a must-see. You can chat to friendly vendors, buy handmade products, and enjoy the electric atmosphere around you. For cultural enrichment, you can spend an afternoon in the National Museum of Colombo. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is also a highlight, with its vast collection of artefacts.

    The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. You can also venture inland to hike in the hills, swim in the cool waterfalls, and visit traditional hill towns.

    Sri Lanka's national parks include safari parks where you can spot wildlife like leopards and elephants. Or spend an early morning bird-watching in one of the wetland sanctuaries. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.

    You’ll be sharing this unique experience with many other volunteers. This means you can travel solo or spend your free time with the friends you make during your trip. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Inclusions:

    Accommodation & Amenities
    Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

    24/7 Support
    Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

    Transportation
    To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

    Certification
    Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

    Pre-departure Support
    Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

    Socials & Fun
    Regularly organized social events with other participants.

    Activities, Training & Equipment
    All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

    Meals
    All breakfast, lunch, and dinners, and always fresh drinking water.


    Exclusions:
    Flights
    Travel & Medical Insurance
    Visa costs

    Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

    Airport pick up and drop off in Sri Lanka included in the fee. 

    Accommodation

    Experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and settle into your home away from home. We provide everything you need for a comfortable and enriching stay, including a cosy bed, three delicious meals a day filled with local flavors, and access to clean drinking water.

    You’ll be welcomed into the home of a carefully vetted Sri Lankan family, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. We’ll take care of your daily transport to and from your placement, making your experience even smoother.

    Your host family home will be a safe and comfortable space, and if you share a room, it will be with someone of the same gender and similar age. This allows you to connect with fellow travellers, share your experiences, and create lasting memories.

    Food & Beverages

    3  meals a day and drinking water for the program duration, weekends included. 

    Can cater for: Vegans, vegetarians, pescitarians, halaal, kosher.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Sri Lanka. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Sri Lanka provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Sri Lanka you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Flexible dates available all throughout the year 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,500 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.9
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    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Sri Lanka > Balapitiya

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    60
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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