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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Turtle Rehabilitation and Care

location
3 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help protect endangered sea turtles, right on the beach in Ambalangoda
  • Help with the rehabilitation of wounded turtles whether by humans or rubbish in the ocean
  • Look after and care for the injured turtles, with the hope to release them back into the wild

Highlights

  • Help protect endangered sea turtles, right on the beach in Ambalangoda
  • Help with the rehabilitation of wounded turtles whether by humans or rubbish in the ocean
  • Look after and care for the injured turtles, with the hope to release them back into the wild
  • Clean the turtles tanks & feed them
  • Learn how to collect turtle population statistics, identify turtle species, collect eggs & monitor nests
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    50+

    About the program

    Situated right on the beach, assist at the turtle conservation centre by caring for, cleaning and protecting these incredible animals. Help educate the local community!

    This project is situated on a beach in Ambalangoda, a small town in the South of Sri Lanka. This conservation project is one of only 9 wounded turtle conservations in the country. Our project is certified by the Sri Lankan government and offers volunteers the chance to help with this valued and ...

    About the program

    This project is situated on a beach in Ambalangoda, a small town in the South of Sri Lanka. This conservation project is one of only 9 wounded turtle conservations in the country. Our project is certified by the Sri Lankan government and offers volunteers the chance to help with this valued and endangered species.

    PLEASE NOTE: A mandatory culture week in Kandy is required for the first week of this program. The transfer from Kandy to the Turtle project in Ambalangoda is not covered in the program fee. Sri Lanka Culture Week is mandatory for all participants joining the Turtle Conservation program. Culture Week will be held in Kandy in your first week. After completing the culture week, you will transfer to Ambalangoda to start your turtle conservation project. Please note the transfer from Kandy to Ambalangoda is not included in the program. Affordable public transportation options are available in the country. If you need a taxi, please consult your local team to arrange it locally.

    ***Please note that we do not recommend participants to go to bars/pubs on the beach. And the local team will not be responsible for any incidents occurring due to the participants’ interactions with locals and other tourists in these places.***

    You will focus on the rehabilitation of wounded turtles whether by humans, rubbish or other waste. There are many turtles along the coasts of Sri Lanka that are found hurt and without the ability to survive on their own.

    Out of 7 species of turtles that live in the world, 5 of those species live in the Indian Ocean. You will be helping to care for 4 different species of turtles– Loggerhead (the rarest), Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley. There are around 33 disabled or wounded turtles living in the centre, as well as being able to hatch hundreds of turtle eggs in a separate centre, which will be released to the ocean. With your help, the project aims to give these incredible animals an opportunity to survive in a safe and healthy environment. Sea Turtles are known to live for around 150 years.

    Location
    Ambalangoda is a coastal fishing town located in the Galle District, in Southern Sri Lanka. This small town has a very local feel, with markets, supermarkets, banks and several shops to eat out at. Ambalangoda is known as a Buddhist town, with most of the locals following this religion. It has some pretty golden beaches that are not frequently visited by tourists, giving it a real authentic feel. The area is also known for puppet shows, moonstone, antique furniture and devil dancing.

    Project Tasks
    • Assist in the conservation of turtles by directly taking care of them and their environment
    • Create more awareness amongst fishermen and local people regarding turtle conservation
    • Help release hatchlings back into the ocean
    • Clean the tanks & centre, prepare food, feed the turtles and clean them

    Typical day

    Volunteer for 4-6 hours a day.

    First week - Culture week

    Monday to Friday
    The activities will vary according to beach weather conditions and the number of volunteers on the project. Your daily activities will be cleaning the turtles and their tanks at the turtle conservation centre. It’s vital for ...

    Typical day

    Volunteer for 4-6 hours a day.

    First week - Culture week

    Monday to Friday
    The activities will vary according to beach weather conditions and the number of volunteers on the project. Your daily activities will be cleaning the turtles and their tanks at the turtle conservation centre. It’s vital for the turtle’s health to have a clean and hygienic environment. This project will teach you valuable advice on how to care for the turtles and identify each species.

    Typical activities during the week would include:
    • Feeding the turtles (every other day)
    • Cleaning the tanks
    • Cleaning the turtles
    • Cleaning the beach from rubbish
    • Helping with the weekly release of over 100 turtle hatchlings into the ocean (depending on weather and season).
    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 

    Free-time activities

    Here are a few things you can do in Sri Lanka!

    Royal Botanical Gardens
    The Botanic Gardens are situated around 5. km to the West of Kandy. Once being only for the Kandyan royalty, they are now open to the public to wander around at their leisure. There’s 60 hectares of beautiful garden to explore, ...

    Free-time activities

    Here are a few things you can do in Sri Lanka!

    Royal Botanical Gardens
    The Botanic Gardens are situated around 5. km to the West of Kandy. Once being only for the Kandyan royalty, they are now open to the public to wander around at their leisure. There’s 60 hectares of beautiful garden to explore, where you will see a huge Javan fig tree, pretty orchids and even monkeys!

    Knuckles mountain range
    This stunning mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts many walking trails. You will find small villages, beautiful waterfalls, numerous native wildlife and rice fields. This is the perfect place for people who love the outdoors and adventurous hiking trails.

    Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
    Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient rock is situated around 91km North from Kandy and is very popular with tourists, who can climb up to the top for some seriously stunning views. Along the way you will see antient rock carvings and paintings on the walls of this sacred rock. It will take roughly just over an hour to climb up.

    Yala National Park
    Located on the South coast of Sri Lanka, this stunning park hosts one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Not only that, you can also spot elephants, monkeys, birds, buffalo and more. There are numerous tours in Yala, from day tours to over several days of safari.

    Adam’s Peak
    Around 91km South of Kandy you can climb to the top of this sacred sight, just as the locals do for pilgrimage. It’s a bit of a trek up in the dark but totally worth it to see the sun coming up over the clouds, mountains and lush forest. You will be greeted by stunning views to reward your efforts!

    Hortons Plains National Park
    You can trek through this beautiful national park to ‘World’s End’, a 9.5km round loop trail, taking around 3 hours. This is a pretty easy walk, but you will be greeted with amazing views out over the countryside and above the clouds! It’s best to visit here early (before 10am) as the clouds can roll in after that and block the incredible views.

    Udawatta Kele Reserve
    Situated near the Kandy lake, this nature reserve is complete with monkeys and birds- fantastic for wildlife and nature lovers. Here you will find wooded forests, over 400 species of plants and 70 bird species. You can trek through the forest for a relaxing break away from the city.

    Tea Plantations
    Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are both popular places to visit a tea plantation, for a refreshing taste of some of Sri Lanka’s best fresh tea! Not only do they produce great tea, the landscape is stunningly green, with endless hills rolling off into the distance.

    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, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Accommodation
    3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    1 day orientation
    Daily transportation to project
    In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    Fundraising support
    University course credits (where applicable)
    Certificate of Completion


    Private Room Upgrade: $200 per/week

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB). You must arrive between the hours 05:00 to 21:00 on Sunday.

    If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

    From the airport to the Kandy accommodation, it takes around 3-4 hours by road and to the Ambalangoda accommodation, around 3 hours.  

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is included for the duration of your volunteer program. The volunteer house is conveniently located in Ambalangoda, which is just a few metres from the ocean! It’s a 10 min walk to the nearest supermarket and ATM in the town centre. You’ll share rooms with 4-10 other volunteers of the same gender with a shared toilet per room. A fridge, safety deposit boxes (bring own padlock), lockable rooms, showers, bed linen and fan are included with volunteers expected to bring their own towel. Laundry facilities are available at a small fee. The centres do not have Wi-Fi. Most volunteers will purchase a local data plan and connect this to their personal devices.

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


    Food & Beverages

    3 meals per day are provided during weekdays and 2 meals per day on weekends. Safe filtered drinking water is provided along with tea and coffee. You can expect meals with rice, coconut, spices, roti, lots of vegetables & sparing amounts of meat. 

    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

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

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

    Program Fees

    $1,532 per week 3 - 4 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    3 - 4 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Sri Lanka > Ambalangoda

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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