Sri Lanka – Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation

Galle is a beautiful area in southern Sri Lanka that is surrounded by lush greenery and is in close proximity to world-class beaches! Many of the nearby beaches are prime surfing spots and others are more relaxing. There is even a turtle lagoon nearby. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient religious buildings, museums and more. Galle is also quite trendy, and is home to cafes, exclusive shops and boutique hotels. The volunteer villa is less than 100 metres from Unawatuna Beach, which is one of the most prominent beaches in all of Sri Lanka. Surfing, diving, snorkelling, beaching, etc, are all available in proximity.

Sea turtles in Sri Lanka are an endangered species. The species is threatened by human poachers as well as predators. The Sri Lankan government has approved the creation of hatcheries in order to protect this species.

Volunteers on this program spend 60% of their time working in the hatchery and the other 40% on activities such as beach cleanups and creating awareness within the local community. During hatching season (December-May) there are two night patrol camps each month where participants camp out on the beach and protect the nests. Please note that this schedule may change at any time.

Typical hatchery tasks include:

• Cleaning the turtles, the tanks and the general hatchery area
• Feeding the turtles
• Preserving turtle eggs by burying them in a protected area
• Filling the tanks with fresh sea water to mimic their natural environment
• Rehabilitating injured and sick turtles
• Releasing healthy baby turtles in the ocean
• Special projects from time to time such as awareness campaigns, mangrove panting, etc.

Cultural Note: Due to cultural norms of Sri Lanka, participants are required to remove any body piercings and cover all visible tattoos while at the project site.

Internet: Each volunteer may use up to 5 GB of WiFi in the volunteer house during their stay.

Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee.

 Accommodations:

• Main Volunteer House: The main volunteer house is the hub for all volunteer programs and activities. This main house offers single-gender rooms in a volunteer villa overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean. The villa has 11 bedrooms with fans, 11 bathrooms and showers with hot water. Rooms are shared with a maximum of 4 volunteers per room. There is also a private pool on site for all volunteers to make use. The house has eco-friendly features including solar heating panels. There may be up to 52 volunteers in the house at a time. Private rooms (single or double) and AC rooms are available for an extra fee.
• During the busy months: The main Volunteer House may be fully booked. In these cases, volunteers will be accommodated at one of our partner Guesthouses within walking distance: Summer Garden Beachfront Guesthouse & Blue Eyes Inn. Both guest houses are close to the Main House (less than 100 metres away), and all volunteers will have the same access to the main volunteer house as normal for meals, free time, common areas, pool, roof top etc. Your accommodation assignment will be confirmed at the time your volunteer placement is approved.

Food: Three meals per day will be prepared by house chefs, using local, fresh ingredients. All meals for volunteers regardless of which accommodations assigned to your placement, are served at the main house. Tropical fruit is available during every meal and there is a salad bar set up during most lunches and dinners. Vegan, nut-free, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Tea, coffee and filtered water are available throughout the day.

• Only fully vaccinated participants can enter Sri Lanka (2 weeks after the recommended dose).
• Online ETA entry visa. We will send you the full instructions following the application.
• Minimum age of 18. Also suitable for 16- and 17-year-olds with parental consent.
• Police clearance form
• Proficiency in English

As a volunteer, you will enjoy weekly evening yoga sessions, weekly movie nights, monthly bike tours, monthly special Sri Lankan BBQ and Buddhist temple visit! The volunteer villa is less than 100 metres from Unawatuna Beach, which is one of the most prominent beaches in all of Sri Lanka. Surfing, diving, snorkelling, beaching, etc, are all available in proximity. Additional travel adventures are available for an additional fee, see below:

Adventure Tour (Highly Recommended):
Extend your stay in Sri Lanka by participating in a seven-day Adventure Tour! This adventure tour includes a game drive, visits to waterfalls, a long train ride across beautiful tea gardens and local villages, an overnight stay at a riverside eco-lodge, visits to Sri Lanka’s most famous Buddhist temple in the historic city of Kandy, a village walk, a visit to Sigiriya Lion Rock, spend time in a local market and a trip to Negombo Beach!

Additional Recommendations:

• Wildlife safari at Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park (instead of elephant safari)
• Rainforest hike to Sinharaja Forest Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Surfing lessons at nearby beaches
• Scuba diving (PADI certification available)
• Whale watching (during the season)
• Cooking classes
• Galle Fort visit (a UNESCO World Heritage site)