The beaches of southwest Sri Lanka have served as a sanctuary for sea turtles for centuries and are an ideal destination for responsible travel. Unfortunately, many factors have led to a significant decrease in turtle numbers over the past few decades. As a result, the turtle has become an endangered species in this part of the world, which has prompted the development of sustainable tourism.
To combat this risk, the Sri Lankan government has encouraged the opening of several turtle farms.
The primary objective of these centers is to ensure the well-being of sea turtles and to increase their population through protective measures. These measures include:
Volunteer assistance is essential for the sustainability of these farms and to help raise awareness among local populations about the importance of turtle protection.
“Family” projects are suitable for children from 4 years old. Our advisors will make personalized recommendations based on the age of your children, the destination, and the type of mission.
As in other parts of Asia, the survival of these farms depends on tourism activity: if they can generate revenue through visits, conservation efforts will continue. Despite interactions with the animals, this is the only available option. Without these “hatcheries,” the turtles would have disappeared due to intense poaching, egg consumption, and increasing predators.
Regulations issued by the Ministry of Fisheries allow hatcheries to keep animals and eggs until they are released. To protect the eggs, hatchery owners collect and store them until they hatch. It is worth noting that tourists must pay to participate in releasing turtles into the sea. This practice raises ethical questions, although all hatcheries in Sri Lanka follow this method, as no significant evolution has taken place in their release practices.
Working days on the project: Monday to Friday (weekends off).
This may vary from time to time depending on local conditions, but the project is generally structured as follows:
– For 2-3 days a week, participants work in the breeding center for about 3 hours a day. Typical tasks include cleaning the tanks and the general area, feeding and cleaning the turtles, administering medication to sick and injured turtles according to the team’s guidelines, filling tanks with seawater to recreate their natural environment, and other specific tasks if necessary.
– One day a week is dedicated to cleaning the beaches in the Galle area to preserve the local marine ecosystem. This is done with the support of the Galle municipality (local authorities) who manage the waste we collect.
– 1-2 days a week are dedicated to raising awareness among local communities. This work involves preparing presentations and visiting rural schools to educate children about turtles and their role in the ecosystem.
– During the nesting season (November to May), night camps are organized where groups watch over the beach in hopes of seeing turtles come to lay their eggs.
The conservation center is located about 1 hour’s drive from the volunteer house.
In addition to your project, those interested can choose to take a week-long tour to explore the best of Sri Lanka’s beauty and diversity. From Galle to Sigiriya, passing through Kandy and Ella, you will discover the regions of the south, center, and west of this magnificent tropical island.
Please contact us for departure dates and pricing.
This responsible travel experience is perfectly suited for families with young children. It offers a fun and playful way to introduce younger ones to the world of eco-volunteering and sustainable projects.
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1190 € |
3 weeks | 1440 € |
4 weeks | 1690 € |
5 weeks | 1940 € |
6 weeks | 2190 € |
7 weeks | 2440 € |
8 weeks | 2690 € |
9 weeks | 2940 € |
10 weeks | 3190 € |
11 weeks | 3440 € |
12 weeks | 3690 € |
A supplement of €200 applies to participants aged under 18. For more information, meet on the youth area.
You will be staying in one of the two volunteer houses, located in the Unawatuna district, just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Galle and a 5-minute walk from the beach.
The houses have several bedrooms (separated by gender) sleeping between 4 and 6 people, each with en-suite facilities. Each house also includes an outdoor area, offering a peaceful place to relax, socialise or simply enjoy the region’s pleasant climate. Meals are also included in the project.
Volunteers will be allocated according to the availability of each house.
For couples, families or those preferring a single, double or family room, additional options are available at an extra cost. For more information on rates and conditions, please contact us directly.
For the days at the breeding center and for beach cleaning (4 to 5 days), it is recommended to wear comfortable and casual clothing (t-shirts, shorts, sandals, flip-flops, hats, sunscreen, etc.) as participants will be outside for long periods. For the community awareness day (once a week), it is advisable to dress more formally, especially if entering a school. It is mandatory to wear aprons (provided by the NGO) during teaching sessions in schools.
