Why This Project Matters
Sea turtles have been part of Sri Lanka's coastal waters for millions of years, yet today all species found here are threatened. Plastic pollution, damaged nesting beaches, and injuries from fishing gear mean that only a fraction of hatchlings ever reach the ocean. Along the south coast, a rescue centre works against these odds, caring for injured and sick turtles, protecting nests, and releasing hatchlings safely into the sea.
Volunteers are part of this daily effort, supporting the local team both at the turtle centre and along the coastline, where marine conservation work has a visible effect.
Your Project: Sea Turtle Conservation and Marine Protection in Sri Lanka
This project combines everyday care for sea turtles with practical marine and nature conservation. Much of your time is spent at the turtle rescue centre, where injured and sick turtles stay until they have fully recovered. Some residents can no longer survive in the ocean on their own and remain at the centre permanently. No previous experience is required. What matters is commitment, reliability, and a genuine interest in animals and the environment.
At the Turtle Centre: You'll help feed and care for the turtles, clean and prepare the tanks, and support the rehabilitation of injured animals. The centre also receives regular visits from tourists who want to learn more about sea turtles, giving you the chance to share what you know about marine conservation.
Marine and Nature Conservation: Alongside your work with the turtles, you'll get involved where the effect is immediately visible: planting mangrove seedlings, building artificial coral structures, and joining beach and river clean ups, sometimes by canoe. Collected plastic is turned into eco bricks, glass bottles are upcycled into new projects, and you'll support sustainability workshops and organic farming, where fruit and vegetables are grown for local use.
Nesting Season: Between December and April, the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. During this period, night patrols become part of the work, walking the beach through the night with the other volunteers to guard the nests until the hatchlings emerge.
Location: The project takes place near Galle, on Sri Lanka's south coast. Transfers between the wayers Home and the project are included in your program.
As with all our animal projects, our animal welfare guidelines apply throughout. Contact with the turtles takes place only where genuinely necessary, such as during rehabilitation, cleaning, or release.
Who You Will Be Working With
You'll work alongside the local project team, who remain responsible for the animals at all times and guide your work day to day. Your main local contacts, Falik and Rishad, are both native Sri Lankans who speak good English and support you throughout your stay. You will not be working alone: other wayers volunteers live with you at the exclusive wayers Home and are shuttled to and from the project together with you.
What We Expect From You
No previous experience or formal qualification is required. What matters is initiative and care: getting involved, taking on tasks rather than waiting to be assigned them, and treating the animals, the local team, and the environment with respect. Reliability and punctuality are essential, as the turtles depend on consistent daily care.
Working conditions and standards may differ from what you are used to at home, and tasks vary with the season, so not every activity can be guaranteed. An open, flexible attitude toward these differences will help you get the most out of your time here.
What You Can Expect From Us
Before departure, we prepare you through an online seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, and the opportunity to connect with fellow participants. On arrival, you receive a thorough introduction covering your project, the local context, safety, and everyday practicalities.
Throughout your stay, a designated contact person at the project is available for any questions regarding your work there, while our wayers team supports you locally and is reachable at any time. Daily transport to and from your placement, accommodation, and three meals a day are all organized for you. In addition, a 24 hour emergency line staffed in Germany and in Sri Lanka remains available for the entire duration of your stay.
Life at the wayers Home
You'll live at the wayers Home, set among palm trees directly by the sea, with a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. You'll share the house with other international volunteers, and once a week a yoga session on the rooftop terrace is included. Three meals a day are provided, from traditional Sri Lankan curries and tropical fruit to western dishes such as pasta or pancakes, with Ceylon tea and fruit smoothies among the local favourites.
Surroundings: The historic old town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 15 minutes away by tuk tuk, with its narrow lanes, restaurants, and sunset views from the fort walls. The beach is a five minute walk from the house, ideal for a swim or for learning to surf.
Travel with Confidence
As a German tour operator with over 22 years of experience and more than 70,000 participants sent abroad, wayers supports you with visa guidance, insurance information, and a personal welcome on arrival, backed by a 24/7 emergency line in Germany and on the ground.
