Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka, Ambalangoda

• Be part of a certified project to rehabilitate turtles
• Visit the beautiful island of Sri Lanka
• Increase awareness of the conservation of sea turtles
• Take care of Loggerheads, Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley

To book an activity with us we require you to participate for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you would need to book a quantity of two for this activity, unless you choose a separate activity to go with it. See the ‘Related trips…’ section for more options.

Note that it is mandatory to book the ‘Culture Week’ as part of this trip. Please ask us for more details or search in the ‘Related trips…’ section.

Program Description
Our program is certified by the Sri Lankan government as the only disabled turtle conservation project in the country. The program focuses on the rehabilitation of wounded sea turtles by humans, garbage or trash. Sea turtles are found hurt on the beaches in Sri Lanka who are not able to survive on their own in the ocean. Our project rescues these turtles and takes them to the care of our centre under special supervision.

There are 7 species of turtles that live in the world and out of that 5 species of turtles live in the Indian Ocean. Our program breeds and cares for 4 different species of turtles that live in the Indian Ocean: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley. There are 42 disabled turtles living in the centre and in a separate centre we hatch hundreds of turtle eggs to be released to the ocean when they hatch. The purpose of this organisation is not for commercial interest but to give these marine animals an opportunity to survive in a safe and healthy environment.

The aim of this project is to conserve turtles by directly taking care of the turtles, enhancing awareness among fishermen and the communities regarding turtle conservation and increasing the number of turtles in the ocean by releasing baby hatchlings to the sea. Participants with open injuries in their hands should not work with turtles as infections may occur. The coordinators have a lot of experience in caring for these animals, so we ask to follow every instruction knowing it is in the turtle’s best interest.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check

It is required that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details).

Start dates are every week of the year with your activities starting on a Monday. We therefore request you arrive the Sunday between 5:00 and 21:00 to receive a free airport pick-up and transfer. Early or late arrivals will incur an additional charge.

Your trip will finish on the Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.

• The activities change according to the beach weather conditions and the number of participants but spending time with these marvellous creatures is the main aim of our participants’ involvement.
• This program requires your dedication and support. Cleaning of the turtles and their tanks at the turtle conservation centre are the main things you have to do. That is because it is vital to have a clean and hygienic centre for these animals.
• Typical activities during the week would include:
  • Feeding the turtles (every other day)
  • Cleaning the tanks
  • Cleaning the turtles
  • Cleaning the beach
• Helping with the weekly release of over 100 new-born turtles into the ocean (depends on the weather and season).
• This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Accommodation
Volunteer camp with shared rooms (4-10 people per room); Basic but comfortable with a refrigerator to store beverages.

Food
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Sri Lankan food.

Airport Transfer
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early/late. You be supported at the end of your trip in your onward travel.

Training
A full orientation and project induction takes place. You will also receive full training relevant to your volunteer role.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring further donation, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Spending money
• In country travel
• Laundry service
• Extra activities not on itinerary
• Departure transfer

Preferred Duration
This programme is a minimum of one week long. There is generally no preferred duration but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit.

Pre-requisites
No prior experience or qualifications are required and it is important that you can speak English. All participants require a CRB/DBS check to take part in the project activities.

Ideal for
Volunteer Holidays and Placements in Asia; Community Work and Activity Breaks in Sri Lanka, Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in Indonesia, Student Summer Holidays in Sri Lanka, cultural experience Sri Lanka