Turtle Conservation Volunteer Project in Sri Lanka

Overview

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 have resulted in their numbers dwindling significantly and thus, these turtles are considered to be an endangered species.

The main aim of the project is to monitor local sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites. It aims to make the public more aware of how endangered these beautiful creatures are and just how important it is to help protect them before it is too late.

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.

Volunteers in the program get involved in different variety of tasks such as :–

Checking salinity, PH value of water, checking temperature of the sand; Feeding the turtle
Cleaning the center
Beach cleaning
Mangrove plantation

Apart from the volunteer work activities, participants take part in activities and tours to explore Sri Lanka.Volunteers enjoy tour of Galle Fort, take a train ride to Colombo and enjoy a tour of the city, go to Madu river safari(1.5 hours); Visit Hungalle beach and see sunset, visit Kande viharaya temple and enjoy a beach barbeque.

The program is located in Kosgoda, which is a small town in the Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It is situated on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 50 km north of Galle and 76 km south of Colombo. The town is known for its turtle nesting areas, where five (green, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback turtles) of the seven species of marine turtles' nest on the local beaches.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday - Welcome to Sri Lanka! You can arrive anytime between 7 am and 7 pm, and our project coordinator will be there. You'll be then transferred to Kosgoda by car/van.

Day 2 - Monday

09:30am – 10:30am – Meet in Hotel Lobby, orientation and local language info
10:30-11:30am – Presentation about turtle conservation
11:30-12:30pm – Inroduction tour in the conservation center
12:30-13:30 pm – Lunch
13:30-14:30 pm – Pick up at 2pm to see stick fisherman, Tour of Galle Fort
18:30-19:30 pm – Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday

8:00-9:00 am – Breakfast and pick up at 9am
9:30-10:30 am – Check salinity, PH value of water and check temperature of the sand; Feed turtle; clean the center
10:30-11:30 am – Clean the information board of the nest; Beaching cleaning; plant mangrove (specific work will be arranged bythe manager)
11:30-12:30 pm – Continue
12:30-13:30 pm – Lunch
13:30-14:30 pm – Pick up at 3pm, go to Madu river safari(1.5 hours); Visit Hungalle beach and see sunset
18:30-19:30 pm – Dinner
Night Around 9pm (maybe more late) – go to beach for turtle patrol

Day 4 - Wednesday

8:00-9:00 am Breakfast and pick up at 9am
9:30-10:30 am Check salinity, PH value of water and check temperature of the sand; Feed turtle; clean the center
10:30-11:30 am Clean the information board of the nest; Beaching cleaning; plant mangrove (specific work will be arranged bythe manager)
11:30-12:30 pm – Continue
12:30-13:30 pm – Lunch
13:30-14:30 pm – Pick up at 1:15pm take train at 1:50pm at Aluthgama station. 2 hours train to Colombo; Simple city tour at Colombo (Galle face, Parliament building)
18:30-19:30 pm – Dinner

Day 5 – Thursday

8:00-9:00 am – Breakfast and pick up at 9am
9:30-10:30 am – Check salinity, PH value of water and check temperature of the sand; Feed turtle; clean the center
10:30-11:30 am – Clean the information board of the nest; Beaching cleaning; plant mangrove (specific work will be arranged bythe manager)
11:30-12:30 pm – Continue work
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14:30 Pick up at 2pm go to visit Kande viharaya temple
18:30-19:30 Beach BBQ and give certificate

Day 6 – Friday

8:00-9:00 am – Breakfast and pick up at 9am
9:30-10:30 am – Check salinity, PH value of water and check temperature of the sand; Feed turtle; clean the center
10:30-11:30 am – Clean the information board of the nest; Beaching cleaning; plant mangrove (specific work will be arranged bythe manager)
11:30-12:30 pm – Continue work
12:30-13:30 pm – Lunch
18:30-19:30 pm – Dinner

Day 7 – Saturday
After breakfast check out and continue your travels or continue the program for another week.

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 16 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. 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 report. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.This project is also suitable for families. Children aged 5 years and above can actively participate in the project with their parent(s) or guardian(s).

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Living

At Volunteering Solutions, we ensure that all our international volunteers are provided the utmost comfort so that they can have a home away from home experience while working with us. We ensure that your stay, meals and other personal requirements are looked after well.

Airport Pickup
Volunteers are picked up from the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport Airport by the program coordinator himself who will then transfer you to the accommodation in Kosgoda. For any participants requiring the transfers at any other times or any other location, extra charges shall be applicable.

Accommodation

Volunteers are provided accommodation at a hotel in Kosgoda. Residents at the hotel enjoy some of the best amenities such as a swimming pool with stunning views of garden. All rooms are on double or triple sharing basis with other volunteers of same gender. Accommodation is very comfortable and not far from Kosgoda beach.

Orientation

A detailed program Orientation will be provided before you start your volunteering program. The Turtle Hatchery Staff will be actively involved in providing guidance and direction during the time our volunteers spend there.

Meals

All meals are included from Mon – Friday. Only breakfast is provided on Sat and Sunday. Breakfast is provided in the hotel and for other meals volunteers are usually taken to other restaurants to savour Sri Lankan cuisine.

During Free Time

Although the trip itinerary is very extensive, however during any free time volunteers head out to the beach, just relax at the hotel or can head out to Galle Fort area and explore the historic area.

Dates

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
1 Week	$500
2 Weeks	$799

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying for ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport pick up
Accommodation in Hotel on shared basis with other volunteers
All 3 meals from Monday to Friday breakfast at the hotel
Local transportation to project and tours
Project fees and management fees
All project activities and coordination
Trips and sightseeing as per the itinerary
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What is not Included ?

Visa Fee
International Airfare
Vaccinations
Any personal expenses
Return Airport Drop
Additional Local Excursions and Trips

FAQ's

Health and Safety

Do I need to buy a health insurance?: Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
Are there any other things that I need to be careful about?: Considering the fact that Sri Lanka is a tropical country, the weather is mostly hot and humid. For people traveling from European and North American countries, it might seem to extremely hot during the days and sultry at night. We would advise you to consume a lot of water and protect yourself from the sun in whichever way possible. Carry an umbrella.

You can consult your doctor once, before traveling to Sri Lanka.
How safe is Sri Lanka in general ?: Sri Lanka is one of the popular tropical destination in Asia and attracts travelers from all around the world. The locals are friendly and helpful as well, however, it is recommended to consult your in-country coordinators before you step out alone or go to any other locations in Sri Lanka. Also, it is recommended to be with your group whenever you venture out or stay out late in the night. It is strongly recommended to follow the safety rules and regulations provided by the in-country coordinator.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Sri Lanka. However, we recommend you take general vaccinations such as:

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid

Application and Program Details

Can I volunteer as part of a group?: We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.

In our experience of more than 12+ years, we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments. However, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?: Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can alter at times.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be activated.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
When do I need to arrive in Sri Lanka for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the country ?: All volunteers need to arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the starting date of their project. Volunteers are picked from the airport by the local coordinator or representative and are transferred to their accommodations. Accommodation will be provided in the volunteer house located near your placements.

A short orientation is given after arrival about the city and placements. The volunteers are also taken for a short tour of Colombo before they start with their program. However, the tour depends on the arrival time of your flight.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Sri Lankan volunteer programs?: Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Sri Lankan volunteer projects:

The minimum age requirement for the programs in Sri Lanka is 17 years.

Volunteers participating in the Medical Program should be at least 18-year-old.

Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. They should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

The participant must be in good health.
Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?: If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time ( from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.

For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next VolSol program.

Flights and Visa

Will Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?: Volunteers traveling to Sri Lanka need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival or on their arrival in Sri Lanka. You can then obtain a Visa on Arrival in Sri Lanka for 30 days.

Volunteers can apply for ETA online and the approval of the same will be communicated via email.

Volunteers can be provided with the supporting documents if needed. More information will be provided once you enroll for the program.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Sri Lanka ?: The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo is well connected with all major airports across the globe and flights are easily available. The recommended airlines are:

Srilankan Airlines

Air India

Mihin Lanka

Spicejet

Emirates

There are frequent in-country flights from Colombo to Galle and Kegalle as well.

Accommodation and Living

Which all places can I explore during my trip?: Places like Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Rumassala Mountain, and Galle fort are major attractions in Galle, and Kegalle is a city of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Volunteers are free to plan quick getaways and explore Sri Lanka during the weekends.You can also relax at the beachside and enjoy the taste of the delicious seafood.
How do I get to the accommodation and the program location?: Your coordinator will meet you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation and introduce you to our team and other volunteers. You will then be provided with the orientation covering areas like culture, customs, safety, locations, placement, greetings, local transportation etc.

On the first day of work, the coordinator will guide you to your project site.
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Volunteers joining the programs in Galle, Sri Lanka, get to stay in the quaint Unawatuna neighborhood, overlooking the famous Unawatuna Beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Participants stay in one of the two volunteer homes located in close proximity to each other. The larger volunteer house has 13 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 also provide single/double/family private room upgrades at extra charges. The beach is just about 5 minutes walk from the stay and you can reach the Galle Fort in about 15 minutes.

If you have special dietary requirements, please mention the same in your application form.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?: Your program fee covers your accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, pre-departure booklet, and 24x7 in country staff support. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, the internet, shopping, sightseeing, return airport drop, weekend tours etc. You should carry around $50 - $60 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.
Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program ?: Depending on your project placement, you will get free evenings and weekends to explore in and around the city. You can utilize the evening time to visit local markets and other places around your project location. Make the most of your weekends by exploring Sri Lanka to the fullest.

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the ‘Add-on Tours’ section in your ‘My Account’. Your in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in Sri Lanka.
Where can I change my money in Sri Lanka ? Are there ATMs in Sri Lankan cities?: You can change money at any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around the city (Galle, Kandy, Ambalangoda and Kegalle) as well.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Sri Lankan alumni as well as other former and current volunteers ?: We encourage volunteers to connect with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer section on our website