Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation for Teens

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 15 - 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 night time sea turtle patrol.
  • Experience amazing weekend adventures and day tours to see the surrounding area of this magical island. You’ll see the most popular tourist destinations such as Kandy, Sigiriya and Galle.

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 night time sea turtle patrol.
  • Experience amazing weekend adventures and day tours to see the surrounding area of this magical island. You’ll see the most popular tourist destinations such as Kandy, Sigiriya and Galle.
  • Live in a host house with other teenagers equally passionate about conservation and the environment.
  • Learn about Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and cook meals together with local families.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 15+
    Singles
    Groups

    About the program

    Help with the protection and survival of endangered sea turtles and preserve the local ecosystem

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

    Work to protect and release 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 ...

    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 to protect and release 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.
    • Beach Conservation and night patrols

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

    Then in the evening, 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.

    Community awareness and education
    You’ll get involved in educational work with 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.

    Explore the surrounding region on a weekend trip
    All our High School Special projects involve a weekend trip included in the price. You’ll travel together with your fellow teenagers and our local staff.  This will give you the chance to explore an incredible part of the world, and take a well-earned break at the midway point of your trip.

    During the weekend you will travel to central part of the country.  This will include travelling to Kandy, where you’ll see the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and the last kingdom of Sri Lanka.  You’ll watch a traditional dance, visit a tea factory, spice garden and a traditional wood carving factory.

    Take part in evening activities with fellow volunteers
    After action-packed days there will still be time to fit in plenty of evening activities!  You’ll take part in a Sri Lankan Cooking lesson and watch a movie.  You’ll also get the chance to visit local tourist attractions.  You’ll visit the ancient Galle Fort, after which you can watch the sunset and do a bit of shopping at the market area  You’ll also visit Kalutara Temple – one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.

    Dates available: 

    • 21 June 2026 to 04 July 2026 - 2 Weeks
    • 12 July 2026 to 25 July 2026 - 2 Weeks
    • 02 August 2026 to 15 August 2026 - 2 Weeks

    Typical day

    Each day on the Sea Turtle Conservation High School Special is a rich blend of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.

    Morning:
    You’ll begin your day with hands-on conservation activities at the Turtle Conservation Center. From feeding hatchlings and injured turtles to ...

    Typical day

    Each day on the Sea Turtle Conservation High School Special is a rich blend of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.

    Morning:
    You’ll begin your day with hands-on conservation activities at the Turtle Conservation Center. From feeding hatchlings and injured turtles to cleaning tanks and preparing food, every task connects you directly to the vital mission of protecting endangered marine life. On some days, you might take part in community initiatives like teaching local students about ocean protection or supporting hygiene awareness programs.

    Afternoon:
    Your afternoons are filled with a variety of immersive experiences. You might enjoy traditional games on the beach, engage in a mural painting session to inspire environmental action, or explore Sri Lanka’s serene landscapes—such as a river safari through mangroves or visits to cultural landmarks like the Kandy Temple and Galle Fort. You’ll also have time to prepare educational activities and reflect on your impact.

    Evening:
    Evenings are for bonding and reflection. You’ll share delicious Sri Lankan meals with your host family, participate in group feedback sessions or board games, and unwind after a full day of service and exploration. Occasionally, your evenings might feature special events like cultural dance shows or sunset turtle hatchling releases on the beach.

    Free-time activities

    After action-packed days, there will still be time to fit in plenty of evening activities! You’ll take part in a Sri Lankan cooking lesson and watch a movie. You’ll also get the chance to visit local tourist attractions. You’ll visit the ancient Galle Fort, after which you can watch the sunset ...

    Free-time activities

    After action-packed days, there will still be time to fit in plenty of evening activities! You’ll take part in a Sri Lankan cooking lesson and watch a movie. You’ll also get the chance to visit local tourist attractions. You’ll visit the ancient Galle Fort, after which you can watch the sunset and do a bit of shopping at the market area. You’ll also visit Kalutara Temple – one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 15 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 15 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Parental Consent form

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Inclusions

    Excursions, Socials & Fun
    Excursions to famous sights and cultural exploration throughout the programme.

    24/7 Support
    Full supervision from arrival to departure, and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

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

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

    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.

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

    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.

    Exclusions

    Flights
    Travel & Medical Insurance
    Visa costs

    Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

    Airport pick up and drop off in the arrival aiport is included.

    Accommodation

    Experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and settle in with a host family, or live in a comfortable guesthouse with other travellers. Either way, you’ll have everything you need for an enriching stay, including a cosy bed, three meals a day, and clean drinking water.

    You’ll be welcomed into the home of a carefully vetted family, offering the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Or, you’ll stay in a well-located guesthouse with the amenities you expect, giving you the chance to socialise with others from around the world.

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

    Food & Beverages

    3 meals a day 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

    29 March 2026 to 11 April 2026 - 2 Weeks
    21 June 2026 to 04 July 2026 - 2 Weeks
    12 July 2026 to 25 July 2026 - 2 Weeks
    02 August 2026 to 15 August 2026 - 2 Weeks
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,573 per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 15 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 2 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
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2020
    I loved the trip we had to Suva with Nafice on the weekend where we went on a tour around the city and then went to the waterfalls. I ...
    Adriano Cantelmi

    Shark Conservation

    2020
    The most enjoyable experience in Nepal was the Chitwan safari on one of our leisure activities that went for the weekend. In CMC hosptial ...
    Phoebe Coupland

    Medical Intern

    2020
    I enjoyed the safari in the national park, i also enjoyed working in the hospital (especially maternity and operating thertre) an ...
    Alice Hayes

    Medical Intern

    2019
    I learned a lot about medicine and I loved the cultural activities! I also really liked the outreaches and the trainings for the children. I ...
    Ainsley Hutchison

    Medicine Internship

    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
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Bethany
      Good response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Bethany
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details