Sea Turtle Volunteer in Sri Lanka: Wildlife Volunteering
Join our fantastic wildlife volunteering project to save the sea turtles in Sri Lanka. Since the sea turtle conservation techniques are very well developed in Sri Lanka, you will learn a lot from the local stuff.
During your stay, you will travel to Turtle farm together with our coordinator everyday morning.Typically you will start your volunteer work from 8:00 AM and help the farm staff cleaning the turtle tanks and filling them with fresh sea water. Moreover, you will help feeding the turtles or cleaning the beach. Your daily work usually ends 11:30 AM.
On special months and dates, you may even participate while releasing baby turtles to the ocean.
Itinerary for Sea Turtle Volunteers
Arrival on Saturday or Sunday
You will need to notify us of your arrival time at least one week in advance. Many international airlines offer direct flights to Sri Lanka. If you are not arriving in the scheduled date, you need to provide us the address where you are going to be hosted so we can pick you up on the program start date. We prefer to pick you up at Colombo. If you are staying outside Colombo please let us know in advance for arranging the pick up without any hassle.
Once you have arrived at the airport or bus station our team will be waiting for you with an Iko Poran Welcome Sign or a paper with your name on it. They will take you to the accommodation to meet the host family and to rest after a long flight, and/or to begin familiarizing yourself with the neighborhood.
The sea turtle project takes place in Galle (Badulla) away from Colombo or Bandaraike Katunayake International airport. Therefore, we would be happy to provide the first day of accommodation at our center in Wattala (next city from airport / Colombo) for you to relax and feel comfortable before going to the project by expressway bus, which takes 1 ½ hour. A member of our staff will be waiting you at the bus station. Formal orientation will begin on your arrival. You will meet the country coordinator at the orientation session.
Orientation Session and Arrival on the Project Site on Monday
The Orientation session begins after breakfast around 08:00 at your accommodation. Your coordinator will explain the details of your program as well as the schedule for the weeks ahead. The coordinator will take you the program location introducing the staff at turtle conservation farm. Then, after lunch we will take you for a short tour of the city so you can feel comfortable when you explore it in the afternoons or weekends /weekends
Start working on Sea Turtle Conservation from Tuesday thru Friday
Project hours are typically 08:00 am – 11:30am. The volunteers will help the farm staff cleaning the turtle tanks / feeding food for the turtles/ filling tanks with sea water / fishing day / beach cleaning activity and various community outreach activities.
Releasing baby turtles will take place on special months only. It varies according to the nesting season.
You will travel to Turtle farm together with our coordinator everyday morning. It takes around 30-40 min by a private coach.
Upon arrival you will follow the instructions of local staff and develop the activities listed above. The sea turtle conservation techniques are very well developed in Sri Lanka. Tourism is an additional source of income for the turtle farms. The farms receive many tourists on daily basis.
If you are willing to work long hours please talk with our local coordinator so he can format your daily work plan.
Enjoy your free Weekend
For those continuing their program for subsequent weeks, Saturday and Sunday will be free to relax and explore the beauty of project location and nearby touristic cities. If this is your final week at the program it will finish on Friday and Saturday morning you will be departing to the airport or bus station. It is your responsibility to organize the transport back to airport by yourself. If you want help arranging transport back to the airport please talk with our staff. They would definitely happy to assist you!!
Location of the sea Turtle Conservation Program in Galle
Iko Poran Sri Lanka turtle farm is located in Galle. You need to have plenty of enthusiasm and confidence. Your role at turtle farm is greatly appreciated by us! It is hard work, but do not worry; our dedicated staff at turtle farm would help you in many ways.
Working and living in Galle is an incredible life experience. You will see the real life of the Sri Lankans, will be part of their traditions and will taste the local cuisine at the home stay. Take your free time to visit the museums, archaeological sites, take incredible pictures in this beautiful Island.
What to do in your free time in Sri Lanka
They say there is no other country in the world like Sri Lanka. A smiling sun all year round, golden beaches, ancient cities, exciting safaris, colorful culture, adventure sport and lovely people… where else can you get all these in one place?
Found at the tip of India, this little exotic island is abundant with marvelous discoveries for any tourist. Be it a journey of exploring the wilderness, an Ayurveda wellness holiday, a relaxing get-away in the sun, or even that quick business trip, there is something for everyone.
A wonderful mix of modern towns and rural villages, there are 5 star hotels and boutique villas spotted around the country as the Sri Lankan tourist sector is booming following the end of the civil war in 2009.
Start Dates & Duration
Our volunteer programs in Sri Lanka start every 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, but we are flexible and may receive you in other days, if necessary.
The Child Development and the Art programs are not running in the months of April, August & December.
You may join the Childcare Orphanage program on those months. Other projects are available throughout the year
You can choose to volunteer from 1 to 12 weeks.
Location Badulla
Galle – Badulla
Fees
- The program fee is paid directly to the host organization.
- All of the projects incur a registration fee of U$ 149 on top of the program fee.
What is included in the program fee?
- Pre-arrival assistance
- Airport pickup
- Orientation about project, country, and rules
- Accommodation (tri/dual sharing in a service apartment or with a welcoming host family)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner). Authentic Sri Lankan Meals
- Project transportation
- English speaking project manager to assist
- In-country 24/7 emergency support if necessary
- Travel support in Sri Lanka
- Certificate of Volunteering
What is not included in the volunteer in Sri Lanka program fee?
- Airfare
- Visa
- All personal expenses
- Other tours and leisure activities
There are no hidden costs. These are the most affordable volunteer programs in Sri Lanka.
Iko Poran is an NGO based in a developing country. We are dedicated to helping you help others, at the lowest possible price.
We are interested in making volunteering abroad more accessible so that more people can help do really important work.
Participants in our cheap volunteer programs in Sri Lanka normally find US$ 50 to be sufficient for weekly expenses in the country.
The program fee should be paid directly to the host country and it is due 30 days before the project start date.
Accommodation & Meals
We offer two different options for accommodation: In Watalla volunteers stay in tri/dual sharing room in a volunteer apartment while in Galle and Badulla volunteers will be placed within very welcoming host families.
Both are great options and we’re sure you will have a fantastic time!
All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Volunteers joining the meditation program stay at the Buddhist monastery.
Requirements
Volunteers work 4 to 6 hours daily, Monday to Friday.
You must be at least 18 years old at the start date of your program.
All volunteers must have adequate travel insurance.
Language Requirements
At least intermediate English is required in all the projects to volunteer in Sri Lanka.
Safety
As a volunteer in Sri Lanka, you will have competent support and advice from the local team and project leaders.
There will always be a member of the local team working with you at the projects.
The local coordinators will give you all the information to have a safe and unforgettable experience as a volunteer in Sri Lanka.
More volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka
Find the overview about all volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Whether you are heading for an educational career or work with therapy, you can care for the children at a daycare in Sri Lanka or do some valuable work with therapy at a special school for blind and deaf children.
The volunteer project at the dance academy also aims to benefit these disabled children.
Moreover medical students can participate in a pre-medical internship at the modern hospital of Colombo, or gain valuable experience with clinical psychology.
Last but not least you may be fascinated with the religion of Sri Lank and join a meditation workshop at a Buddhist Monastery.
Wildlife Volunteering in more countries
If you love animals, check out also our wildlife volunteering program in Costa Rica, where you can save baby sea turtles.
We offer plenty animal conservation programs in several countries, like South Africa, India or volunteering with elephants in Thailand.
Volunteering Overseas
Find the overview of all our cheap volunteer abroad programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.