Sea turtle conservation volunteer in Sri Lanka

You’ll be staying at Unawatuna, 15 minutes by car from Galle city centre and a 5-minute walk from the beach. The volunteer house has several shared rooms (non-mixed, 4 to 6 people per room) with bathrooms and an outdoor space to relax.

Private, double, and family rooms are available at an extra cost. Contact us for rates.

Meals

3 freshly cooked meals per day included (breakfast + lunch + dinner).

Supervision

À l’arrivée, une formation d’orientation complète est organisée : sécurité, culture locale, visite de Galle. Le coordinateur de projet vous accompagne tout au long de la mission : il présente les activités, guide, soutient et supervise.

Local transport to and from the project is included every day. The main turtle conservation centre is 60–70 minutes from the volunteer house; other project activities are 15–40 minutes away.

Support and orientation

On arrival, volunteers receive a full orientation programme covering health and safety, local culture, and an area tour around Galle. The project coordinator introduces all activities, provides ongoing guidance, and is available throughout your stay.

Nearest airport

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

In addition to your project, those who wish can choose to take part in a one-week tour to explore the very best of Sri Lanka’s beauty and diversity. From Galle to Sigiriya, via Kandy and Ella, you will discover the southern, central, and western regions of this magnificent tropical island.

Please contact us to find out the departure dates and price.

Freepackers is the exclusive partner in France for this project in Sri Lanka. We guarantee ethical projects with quality supervision, carefully selected and monitored through regular on-site visits. Donations are fully and directly reinvested in local associations, ensuring real and transparent local impact.

At least 50% of your time is spent directly with sea turtles. The rest is split between broader marine conservation activities and community engagement. Working days are Monday to Friday, and weekends are free.

• Daily turtle care: feeding, cleaning, and maintaining facilities
• Monitoring nesting sites and tracking hatching progress
• Supporting the safe release of hatchlings into the ocean
• Learning about threats to turtle populations and conservation practices

• Supporting coral reef restoration initiatives
• Assisting in reef and coastal ecosystem protection efforts

• Regular beach clean-ups to reduce plastic pollution
• Sorting waste for recycling and proper disposal
• Helping maintain clean and safe coastal environments

• Canoe-based clean-ups on rivers and lagoons in the area
• Removing plastic and waste from waterways that flow into the ocean

• Mangrove restoration and coastal habitat protection
• Tree planting and reforestation initiatives
• Making eco-bricks as a hands-on way to reduce plastic waste

• Taking part in environmental education programmes in local schools
• Raising awareness about marine conservation and sustainable practices
• Engaging with local communities to promote eco-friendly habits

During the main nesting season, volunteer groups spend nights on nesting beaches to observe and document mother turtles laying eggs, and to safeguard nests for safe relocation. It is one of the most striking experiences the programme has to offer.

“This responsible travel experience is perfectly suited to families with young children. It is a fun and engaging way to introduce younger children to the world of eco-volunteering and sustainable projects.”

Light, comfortable clothing that covers well: Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country and locals tend to dress conservatively. Quick-dry fabrics are recommended for water-based activities such as river clean-ups. Comfortable shoes or sandals for most days. Sunscreen is essential as most work is outdoors. For school visits: long trousers and a t-shirt covering knees and shoulders.

• Minimum age: 16 years old to travel alone; in a family, children take part accompanied by their parents
• English: basic level required (understanding instructions, interacting with the local team)
• Documents to provide: up-to-date CV or résumé + cover letter describing your background and motivation
• No specific technical skills required, a willingness to get involved is enough

We encourage you to combine our dog, turtle and environmental projects in Sri Lanka. The needs are constant, your help is valuable, and this option lets you vary your tasks while giving more impact to your commitment.