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Fantastic 4.54rating (29)
  • Life Below Water

Support the Sea Turtle Ecosystem

location
1 - 16 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Volunteer to make a difference & support the sea turtle ecosystem in a positive manner
  • Play an active role in beach cleaning and promote responsible tourism
  • Experience the thrill of wildlife adventure at any of the several national reserves, including, Sinharaja forest reserve, Bundala National park, Minneriya National park, and more

Highlights

  • Volunteer to make a difference & support the sea turtle ecosystem in a positive manner
  • Play an active role in beach cleaning and promote responsible tourism
  • Experience the thrill of wildlife adventure at any of the several national reserves, including, Sinharaja forest reserve, Bundala National park, Minneriya National park, and more
  • Gain first-hand work experience and bond with people from different parts of the world
  • Stay in a volunteer house and meet other participants from around the world
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

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

    If you have always wanted to play an active role in conservation programs, then now is your chance to be a volunteer and contribute meaningfully towards the wellbeing of the Sea Turtles thriving in the south-western coasts of Sri Lanka. In the recent past, excessive commercial fishing and poaching ...

    About the program

    If you have always wanted to play an active role in conservation programs, then now is your chance to be a volunteer and contribute meaningfully towards the wellbeing of the Sea Turtles thriving in the south-western coasts of Sri Lanka. In the recent past, excessive commercial fishing and poaching of turtle eggs by humans and predators (dogs, monitor lizards, etc.) have resulted in their numbers dwindling significantly and thus, these turtles are considered to be an endangered species. 

    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 hatchings to occur, caring for the baby, sick and injured turtles, feeding them daily and releasing the healthy ones into the ocean when ready.

    Being a volunteer, you'll support the hatcheries through conservation efforts which are valuable for their sustainability, and also goes a long way in helping them financially as we pay these hatcheries a placement fee for each volunteer we send to them, which allows them to generate additional income. You'll also get to teach the local communities about the prospects of nature conservation and how to keep the environment healthy.

    Typical day

    Saturday: Arrival +House Tour + Initial Training session  (as long as the participants come by afternoon or else its done on Sunday).
    Sunday: Neighbourhood familiarization tour 
    Mon to Fri: Volunteer work
    Breakfast - 06:30 am - 8:30am 
    Thursday and Friday  9-12 pm Beach Cleaning or Community ...

    Typical day

    Saturday: Arrival +House Tour + Initial Training session  (as long as the participants come by afternoon or else its done on Sunday).
    Sunday: Neighbourhood familiarization tour 
    Mon to Fri: Volunteer work
    Breakfast - 06:30 am - 8:30am 
    Thursday and Friday  9-12 pm Beach Cleaning or Community programs
    Lunch -  between 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
    Monday to Wednesday 1-4 pm: Turtle Hatchery
    Dinner - 06:30 pm -7:45 pm

    Note: The schedule may vary depending on the particular project and local circumstances.

    Free-time activities

    The following are popular weekend (or even daily) activities which our volunteers love to do around the area (at an additional charge):

    • Surfing lessons
    • Elephant safari
    • Whale watching (during the season)
    • Rainforest hiking
    • Beach hopping
    • Local cooking class
    • Galle Walking Tour
    • Local spice market visit
    • Galle Fort ...

    Free-time activities

    The following are popular weekend (or even daily) activities which our volunteers love to do around the area (at an additional charge):

    • Surfing lessons
    • Elephant safari
    • Whale watching (during the season)
    • Rainforest hiking
    • Beach hopping
    • Local cooking class
    • Galle Walking Tour
    • Local spice market visit
    • Galle Fort visit

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and should be prepared to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants in the program should have a keen interest and love for conservation work. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
    • Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    • ​Dedicated volunteer housing with WiFi (shared rooms)
    • Orientation and training on arrival
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner all days
    • Guaranteed project placement
    • Local transportation to projects in private AC van or tuk tuk
    • Experienced bilingual operations team on the ground
    • Dedicated staff support from 6 am to 8 pm every day
    • 24/7 local emergency support
    • Weekly yoga class on rooftop terrace
    • Weekly movie nights on large screen projector
    • Monthly bike tour around paddy fields and local villages
    • Monthly special BBQ dinner
    • Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
    • Private Room Upgrades (Available at an extra cost)
    • Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

    Accommodation

    Volunteers joining the programs in Galle, Sri Lanka, will get to stay in the quaint Unawatuna neighborhood, overlooking the famous Unawatuna Beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The volunteer house has 11 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.Most of these rooms have ocean views! There's a private 40-foot outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery. The house also has 3 kitchens as well as 3 living/common rooms (one each per floor), a prominent dining area, and a private outdoor garden with seating/lounging areas.

    The office is located on the ground floor of the house near the main entrance – this is where the local team operate from every day. The house is located in a peaceful, nature-filled neighborhood adjacent to a small Buddhist temple (nestled away from the main tourist areas). To ensure the safety and security of the participants, there are CCTV cameras installed, and an in-house security guard for night-time surveillance. Hot water and high-speed Wi-Fi are there and you can opt for air-conditioning and laundry facilities at an additional charge.

    Other than that, we'll also be glad to provide single/double/family private room upgrades. The beach is just about 5 minutes walk from the stay and you can reach the Galle Fort in about 15 minutes.

    Volunteers who request a private room will be accommodated either at a hotel near the volunteer house or within the volunteer house depending on availability.

    Food & Beverages

    We provide 3 freshly cooked meals per day all week long (Monday to Sunday): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Fresh ingredients are purchased from local markets to prepare these meals. We have two lady chefs (a head chef and an assistant) from our community who come daily to cook fresh, homely and tasty local meals for the volunteers.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    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

    Participants can arrive on any Saturday. Pickup and transfer from Colombo Airport can be arranged at extra charges.
    The arrival dates are as follows :
    2026

    • Jan - 03,10,17,24,31
    • Feb -  07,14,21,28
    • March - 07,14,21,28
    • Apr - 04,11,18,25
    • May - 02,09,16,23,30
    • June - 06,13,20,27
    • July - 04,11,18,25
    • Aug - 01,08,15,22,29
    • Sept - 05,12,19,26
    • Oct - 03,10,17,24,31
    • Nov - 07,14,21,28
    • Dec- 05,12,19,26
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $631 per week 1 - 16 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 16 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
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Sri Lanka > Galle

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sahil
    29
    reviews
    4.54
    Fantastic
    2007
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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