Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka - Affordable Adventures

Sea Turtle Conservation: a Gap Year to Remember Forever

Marine Biologists have been running a conservation project in Sri Lanka for over 20 years. Their aim is to protect an endangered species of sea turtle that lay their eggs on tropical beaches in southern Sri Lanka. If you are fascinated by marine life, and biology, or simply looking for a unique gap year experience, the spectacular beaches of this tropical paradise will provide a stunning location for your conservation work.

The Project

Volunteers from all backgrounds are invited to join the conservation efforts taking place at the Bentota conservation centre in Sri Lanka. As a volunteer at the sea turtle sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to collect, incubate, and hatch turtle eggs; feed and treat injured turtles; and release captive sea turtles back into the wild.

After a period of getting to know the staff and understand the project, you’ll be offered the chance to work alone, and assigned a specific area of focus within the conservation effort. This is a unique chance to spend a memorable gap year doing something to help the environment and protecting one of the earth’s oldest creatures.

You’ll learn about a range of local marine life and help the staff to keep the beaches clean and safe for this endangered species. Volunteers who stay for more than one month will get the opportunity to find out about the Tsunami Tree Plantation that is also operating in the area.

Cost

€350 per week - all-inclusive

Schedule

Volunteers will be working at the project centre in Bentota from Monday to Friday. You day begins at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Your exact schedule and activities are arranged once you are familiar with our team and the project objectives.

The conservation centre will be closed during weekends, and you will be free to spend your time however you wish.

Volunteers can stay with this project for as little as one week, or as long as six months.

Accommodation

You’ll stay with the team at the conservation centre during the week, where breakfast and dinner will be provided every day. Your project co-ordinator will be available 24 hours a day, and telephone and internet services will be available for you to use.

The nearest city is Ambalangoda, which is 10 kilometres away.

During weekends, the centre is closed, which means that accommodation and food will not be available to you at these times.