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Fine 4.08rating (18)

Sea Turtle Caretaker

location
1 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Share in a once in lifetime experience, assisting with the release of the baby turtles back into the ocean
  • Volunteer to make a difference and support the sea turtle ecosystem in a positive manner
  • Engage with tourists that visit the sanctuary, providing tours and information

Highlights

  • Share in a once in lifetime experience, assisting with the release of the baby turtles back into the ocean
  • Volunteer to make a difference and support the sea turtle ecosystem in a positive manner
  • Engage with tourists that visit the sanctuary, providing tours and information
  • Volunteer and help injured see turtles to recover; rehabilitate and care for them
  • Play an active role in beach cleaning and promote responsible tourism

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    The main focus of this project is to protect the turtle and turtle eggs as well as baby turtle and subsequently increase their population.

    Healthy oceans need see turtles. Sea turtles are a keystone species which means they are an important part of their environment and influence other species around them. If a keystone species is removed from a habitat, the natural order can be disrupted, which impacts other wildlife and fauna in ...

    About the program

    Healthy oceans need see turtles. Sea turtles are a keystone species which means they are an important part of their environment and influence other species around them. If a keystone species is removed from a habitat, the natural order can be disrupted, which impacts other wildlife and fauna in different ways. This project works towards preventing the extinction of sea turtles and critically endangered species. You will help in the rehabilitation and release of the turtles that are usually victims of commercial fishing. Apart from taking care of injured and sick sea turtles, You will also be engaged in protecting nests and rescuing eggs, so that they can be hatched without any danger. daily work involves cleaning the beach and general area and getting to know about different kinds of turtles. 

    The main focus of this project is to protect the turtle eggs as well as the baby turtles, and subsequently increase their population. This includes preserving the eggs from predators and poachers, providing a safe haven for hatching to occur caring for the baby, sick and injured turtles, feeding them daily and releasing the healthy ones into the ocean when ready.

    Despite it's important for successful turtle conservation initiative, there are a number of issue related to engaging local communities in turtle conservation efforts. The issue include lack of motivation among local communities, lack of resources for engagement initiatives, lack of cultural understanding among organizations working with local communities. Lack of motivation among local communities can steam from several factors including lack of knowledge about available resources or lack of recognition or financial incentives. To address this issue it is important to provide educational materials and resources as well as recognition for community members who are contributing to conserving turtles. Community engagement is essential to successful turtle conservation as communities are typically responsible for their local environments and have an intimate knowledge of the impact of human activities on turtle habitat and population It is to explore the importance of community engagement in turtle conservation, along with strategies for successful engagement and awareness-rising and that must be addressed in order to facilitate effective community based conservation initiatives. 

    The sea turtle conservation project runs to protect, research and monitor olive riddle green and hawks bill sea turtle through activities like monitoring nesting turtles, carrying out night surveys and protecting eggs in the hatchery before releasing baby turtles into the ocean. 
    And volunteer role on this project as:
    • assist in the conservation of turtles by directly taking care of them and their environment 
    • Create more awareness among fishermen and local people regarding turtle conservation
    • Help release hatch lings back into the ocean 
    • Clean the tanks and center, prepare food, feed the turtles and clean them
    • You will protect nests and rescue eggs

    This turtle conservation project is in Ambalangoda or Kosgoda and volunteer can work in this place for turtle conservation and volunteers are accommodate in a volunteer house, host family or home stay. Volunteers can expect to shared the room with other volunteers of the same gender. Home stay accommodation is popular option for couples or small group volunteers. This option can be arrange with our local team and volunteers are working with local community. The local team will arrange the project with local community in the Ambalangoda or Kosgoda. The local community are expecting from the volunteers with lifelong friendship and helping to the community to protect turtles and tell other about this project. 

    Volunteers can have lot of benefit from this project such as: volunteers can get work experience in their desire industry and build a network of professionals working in your desire industry, personal satisfaction, resume material, lot of exercises and making new friends from around the world and great stories to tell. There are no any recommended to bring special equipment. 


    Typical day

    To begin with the participants will work with the staff from the project, but once they are confident, they will be given the chance to work alone. You will spend your days on the beach caring for the sea turtles that have been rescued and are now living in the project site – typical duties ...

    Typical day

    To begin with the participants will work with the staff from the project, but once they are confident, they will be given the chance to work alone. You will spend your days on the beach caring for the sea turtles that have been rescued and are now living in the project site – typical duties include:

    Volunteer day schedule:

    7:30 am breakfast at the homestay / hotel

    8:30 am leaving to the project 

    8:30 am to 12:00pm volunteer work

    12:30 lunch 

    2:00 pm to 3:00 pm break 

    3:00 pm afternoon activities 

    7:30 pm Dinner 


    Free-time activities

    NVDP Volunteers are based in Ambalangoda, which is a lively oceanside town situated on the south west coast. Volunteer can explore their free time including water sport a jet ski ride, water sofa ride, banana boat ride, Donut ride and a 30 min boat ride in a back waters through the cool mangrovers ...

    Free-time activities

    NVDP Volunteers are based in Ambalangoda, which is a lively oceanside town situated on the south west coast. Volunteer can explore their free time including water sport a jet ski ride, water sofa ride, banana boat ride, Donut ride and a 30 min boat ride in a back waters through the cool mangrovers with air rushing by you, engine roaring and water splashing around you as you have the most exciting experience. 


    Madu river boat safari, The Madu River is a shallow water body is south west Sri Lanka, which enters the sea of Balapitiya. The Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya sect had its first upasampada (higher ordination ceremony) on a fleet of boats anchored upon it in 1803. The Buddhist Kothduwa temple is situated on  an isolated island in the lake. Together with the smaller Ramdombe lake, to which it is connected by two narrow channels, it forms the Madu Ganga wetland. 

    Gallefort Tour, The Galle fort, or such for as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portuguese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the last 16th century, Were quite basic. However, the fort underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it one of the most important archeological, architectural and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. According to a statement by UNESCO the site was recognized as a World heritage site for it's unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and south Asian traditions from the 16th to 19th centuries which is the criterion number four for such recognition.

    Mask factory and Moonstone Mine: Sri Lanka is famous for it's gems, one of which is the moonstone. This pale blue, almost transparent, stone is a type of feldspar known as adularia-the way the stone shimmers when it moves is known as adularescene. At meetiyagoda you can see how the stone are actually mined. The miners climb down a 10 meter deep shaft on a frame made of strong coconut wood. A machine pumps out water, but all the digging is done by hand.

    Spice garden and tea factory: Surrounded by nature at it's very best, you will learn everything you need to know about tea, while witnessing the step by step process or manufacturing followed by tea tasting where you will get to experience different flavors of tea while gazing at the panoramic view. Spice garden tour you will get to see many species of Sri Lanka, as Sri Lankan spices is well known around the world. 

    Snorkeling: Hikkaduwa is pretty little town of the sun and waves on the southern end of Sri Lanka. The place is renowned for it's coral reefs, beautiful beaches and surf able waves.. Snorkeling is the best way to view underwater life in the shallow seas of Sri Lanka.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Conservation, open mined, flexible

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program fees include: 

    • Airport transfer (pick up )
    • Project orientation 
    • Comfortable and safe Accommodation 
    • Project transportation when necessary
    • Project Contribution 
    • Food (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
    • 24/7 local support
    • Travel guidance throughout the project period 
    • Certification on completion of the project 

    Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

    We will well organize airport pick up by personal car either comfortable transportation to our hostel or home stay. On receipt of your flight details, NVDP Volunteer will organize an airport pick up and drop off to your accommodation in  Ambalangoda or kosgoda. This is covered by your program fee and as such there will be no charge and we will endeavor to be on time. We cannot be held accountable for problems such as traffic jams but we will do our best to meet you punctually. Also please note that we are not allowed into the Arrivals Hall of the airport so we will meet you just outside the main EXIT Hall with a name plate with NVDP Volunteer logo. The area is not big and it should be easy to find each other. 

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will live at the host family or volunteer house near the project. Accommodation is basic but comfortable. The accommodation are more simple and with the western style toilets and hot showers in the winter we request to volunteer can not expect the luxury accommodation in the project.

    Food & Beverages

    We only provide food when they are in the accommodation. Three meal of day with tea and coffee. We do not provide hard drink and no allowed to hard drink at the accommodation site. Food is very simple and extremely delicious. Food during your placement is included in the program fee. You should receive three meals a day throughout in the placement, which will be of a Sri Lankan standard, usually  rice and curry vegetable curry, pickle etc. If you wish to supplement your diet with other food, these expenses are yours. We will only cover food and accommodation for the period agreed for your placement and only at your placement.


    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

    The program orientation can happen any of your suitable date. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of NVDP Volunteer Sri Lanka team and transported to the hotel or home stay in  Ambalagoda or Kosgoda Sri Lanka. Your accommodation is covered by your program fees and includes the night before your program Orientation. If you are traveling in Sri Lanka prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Ambalangoda on the day before your program orientation.

    Orientation is hosted by NVDP Volunteer Sri Lanka team in  Ambalangoda and runs for 1 or 2 days. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and cover everything you need to know your volunteer program in Sri Lanka. 
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $543 per week 1 - 6 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 6 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

    4.08
    18 reviews

    2025
    Unvergessliche Woche im Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Kosgoda– dank Sherman perfekt betreut Wir haben eine Woche als Volunteers im ...
    patrick budde

    Sea Turtle Caretaker

    2025
    The project was completely different then it is written in the projectdescription and told to me. 1. It was ment, that working hours are ...

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Sri Lanka > Ambalangoda

    Meet your project coordinator

    Manju
    18
    reviews
    4.08
    Fine
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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