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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer on the beautiful southern coast of Sri Lanka? Our Travel Roots Sea Turtle Conservation Program offers an immersive experience where you play a vital role in protecting some of the world’s most endangered sea turtles, including olive ridley, green, and hawksbill species.
As a volunteer, you’ll assist with monitoring nesting beaches, relocating vulnerable eggs to protected hatcheries, and caring for injured turtles recovering in the rehabilitation centre.
You’ll also join night patrols during nesting season, walking the moonlit beaches to observe and safeguard nesting females and assist hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Beyond hands-on conservation, volunteers contribute to community education efforts, helping raise awareness about marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices among local communities and schools.
This program not only gives you practical conservation skills but also connects you deeply with Sri Lanka’s vibrant coastal culture and stunning natural environment.
By volunteering on our Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Sri Lanka, you will:
• Protect endangered sea turtles through hands-on hatchery and beachwork
• Participate in night patrols to monitor nesting turtles and assist hatchlings
• Gain practical experience in marine wildlife rehabilitation and conservation
• Help educate local communities about the importance of marine protection
• Live and work in a vibrant coastal village with rich cultural traditions
• Explore Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, wildlife, and tropical landscapes during your days offWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer
Each day is full of meaningful, hands-on conservation work and opportunities to connect with the coastal environment and community. While every day varies depending on the season and turtle activity, a typical day might look like this:
6:30 AM – Morning hatchery checks
Start your day by inspecting the protected nests in the hatchery — checking moisture levels, temperature, and signs of hatching activity. You’ll carefully document progress and maintain nest safety.8:00 AM – Turtle tank maintenance
Assist with cleaning and feeding any injured or recovering turtles housed at the rehabilitation centre, ensuring their environment is clean and comfortable.10:00 AM – Beach clean-up and patrol preparation
Join the team in clearing debris from nesting beaches and preparing for upcoming patrols, ensuring a safe environment for turtles to nest.12:00 PM – Lunch and rest
Take a well-earned break, enjoy fresh local meals, and recharge.2:00 PM – Community outreach preparation
Help prepare educational materials or assist in school visits that raise awareness about marine conservation among local children and fishermen.5:00 PM – Night patrol briefing
During nesting season (November–April), gather for a briefing before setting out to patrol the beaches at night, looking for nesting turtles or hatchling activity.7:00 PM – Night beach patrol
Walk along the beach with the team, spotting nesting females and carefully protecting nests, or assisting hatchlings on their journey to the ocean.9:00 PM – End of patrol and return
Finish the patrol and return to the volunteer accommodation for rest and reflection.Days Off
Volunteers get regular days off to relax on Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, explore nearby towns, or join organised tours to wildlife parks and cultural sites.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Choosing to volunteer with our Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Sri Lanka means becoming a vital part of the efforts to save endangered sea turtles from the threats of poaching, habitat loss, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Every nest you help protect and every hatchling you assist to reach the ocean directly supports the survival of species like the olive ridley, green, and hawksbill turtles, which face critical endangerment.
Your hands-on work in the hatchery and on the beaches helps increase hatchling survival rates and fosters safer coastal environments. Beyond the turtles themselves, your involvement raises awareness among local communities, encouraging sustainable practices that benefit marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Through your volunteering, you become a voice for these ancient marine creatures, contributing to global conservation efforts and making a tangible difference. The skills you gain, the connections you build, and the memories you make will stay with you long after you leave Sri Lanka.
Your Home in Sri Lanka
Volunteers stay in a comfortable, shared volunteer house located near the beach and conservation site, providing easy access to the hatchery and nesting areas.
Sleeping Arrangements
You will be accommodated in shared dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and fans to keep cool in the tropical climate. Some rooms may share bathrooms, and mosquito nets are provided to ensure a good night’s sleep.What’s Provided
• Fresh bed linens and towels
• Mosquito nets
• Access to laundry facilities
• Reliable Wi-Fi connection in communal areas
• Secure storage for personal belongingsShared Living Space
The volunteer house features communal kitchens, dining areas, and social spaces where volunteers gather to relax, share stories, and plan excursions.Meals & Nutrition
Three nutritious meals per day are provided, typically featuring Sri Lankan cuisine with rice, fresh vegetables, lentils, and occasionally fish or eggs. Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Fresh drinking water, tea, and coffee are also available.Sustainable Living
The accommodation supports eco-conscious living with waste recycling, composting systems, and water-saving initiatives, reflecting the program’s commitment to environmental responsibility.History
Our partner has been dedicated to sea turtle conservation along Sri Lanka’s southern coast since the early 2000s. Founded to combat the alarming decline in sea turtle populations due to poaching, habitat loss, and fishing-related injuries, the centre operates a protected hatchery, rehabilitation facility, and runs community outreach programs. Over the years, the organisation has successfully protected thousands of turtle nests and rehabilitated dozens of injured turtles, contributing to the recovery of key species like the olive ridley and hawksbill turtles.
Mission & Vision
The mission is to safeguard endangered sea turtles by protecting nesting habitats, rescuing and rehabilitating injured individuals, and empowering local communities to become active conservation partners. The vision is a sustainable future where sea turtles thrive along Sri Lanka’s coasts, supported by informed communities and a healthy marine ecosystem.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (EUR)
1 week €380
2 weeks €750
3 weeks €1125
4 weeks €1500
5 weeks €1875
6 weeks €2250
7 weeks €2625
8 weeks €3000
Payment Terms
• Full payment due 30 days before program start.
• Applications within 30 days of arrival require full payment within 48 hours.What’s Included
✅ Accommodation in shared volunteer housing near the beach
✅ Three nutritious meals per day, including local Sri Lankan cuisine
✅ Airport pickup and drop-off (Colombo International Airport)
✅ Comprehensive orientation and ongoing conservation training
✅ All materials, equipment, and supervision for daily conservation activities
✅ Participation in beach patrols, hatchery work, turtle rehabilitation and so much more.
✅ Community outreach and educational program involvement
✅ 24/7 onsite support and emergency assistance
✅ Access to communal Wi-Fi and volunteer social spaces
✅ Certificate of completion upon program end
✅ 100% cancellation money-back guaranteeYour Investment in Conservation & Yourself
Joining our Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Sri Lanka is more than a volunteering experience — it’s a meaningful investment in the survival of endangered marine species and the health of fragile coastal ecosystems. Your program fees directly fund the protection of turtle nests, rehabilitation of injured turtles, and education of local communities, creating sustainable impact on the ground.
Beyond your tangible contributions to conservation, this journey offers you the chance to develop real-world skills in wildlife care, environmental education, and community engagement. You’ll build lasting relationships with local conservationists and fellow volunteers, grow personally through cultural immersion, and create memories that will inspire your lifelong commitment to protecting our planet’s precious biodiversity.
By choosing to volunteer here, you become part of a global movement working toward a future where sea turtles can thrive — and your passion and dedication will ripple out far beyond the shores of Sri Lanka.
Where You'll Be – Sri Lanka’s Stunning Southern Coast
Your volunteering adventure takes place along the idyllic southern coastline of Sri Lanka, known for its golden sandy beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and vibrant fishing villages. The conservation centre is typically situated near tranquil coastal towns such as Ambalangoda or Balapitiya, offering a peaceful yet culturally rich environment.
You’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Indian Ocean — the gentle crashing of waves, the calls of native birds, and the shimmering waters where sea turtles come ashore to nest. Nearby, you’ll find vibrant local markets, colourful temples, and welcoming communities eager to share their traditions and cuisine.
Sri Lanka – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka is a jewel of biodiversity and culture, boasting stunning landscapes from pristine beaches to misty mountains and ancient rainforests. The island is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and of course, the magnificent sea turtles that nest on its shores.
With a tropical climate featuring warm temperatures year-round and a mix of monsoon seasons, Sri Lanka offers an inviting environment for outdoor volunteering and exploration. The country’s rich cultural heritage spans thousands of years, with UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional festivals, and a blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and colonial influences.
Volunteering here means immersing yourself in a place where nature and culture intertwine, providing an unforgettable backdrop for your conservation journey.
Free time Activities
& Tours
Free Time Activities & Tours
While volunteering on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind during your free time:
Beach Days at Ambalangoda & Balapitiya – Relax on golden sandy beaches, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or simply soak up the tropical sun.
Visit the Madu River Wetlands – Take a boat tour through lush mangrove forests, spotting diverse birdlife and aquatic creatures in a serene environment.
Explore Galle Fort – Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site’s historic Dutch colonial architecture, quaint cafes, artisan shops, and stunning ocean views.
Wildlife Excursions – Join tours to nearby national parks like Yala or Udawalawe to see elephants, leopards, and other iconic wildlife.
Cultural Experiences – Attend traditional Sri Lankan dance performances, visit local temples, or participate in cooking classes to learn authentic recipes.
Surfing & Water Sports – Try your hand at surfing or snorkeling along Sri Lanka’s famous southern beaches.
Local Markets & Food Tastings – Wander bustling markets to sample tropical fruits, street food, and local delicacies.
Day Trips to Scenic Attractions – Explore waterfalls, tea plantations, and mountain towns such as Ella for breathtaking views and hiking trails.
These activities offer a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, enriching your volunteer experience with unforgettable memories.
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