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Marine Conservation in Southern Sri Lanka

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The experience

Protect Sri Lanka's marine ecosystems on Galle's stunning coast! Rescue endangered sea turtles, conduct beach cleanups, restore mangrove forests, and lead community awareness programs. Document conservation work through photography and video for social media. Participate in turtle releases, coastal planting, and habitat restoration while creating compelling content. Make real environmental impact.

What you offer

12 hours of help per week

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 45 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project

Description: The volunteer fee covers your accommodation, meals, training, and directly supports our Marine conservation efforts.

What you get

3 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Restaurants: Get discounts at nearby restaurants.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Dance classes: Take free dance classes at our place.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English

Between 18 and 60 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside Sri Lanka

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Join our hands-on marine conservation project on Sri Lanka's stunning southern coast. Protect endangered sea turtles, restore vital habitats, and create compelling content that inspires global ocean protection.

What You'll Do
Sea Turtle Rescue & Care

Rehabilitate injured and sick turtles
Assist with feeding and medical treatments
Participate in heartwarming beach releases
Learn about five endangered species

Habitat Restoration

Lead beach cleanup campaigns
Plant and restore mangrove forests
Protect coral reefs and coastal ecosystems
Remove marine debris

Community Education

Deliver environmental programs in local schools
Engage fishing communities in conservation
Lead public awareness campaigns
Build sustainable mindsets

Content Creation

Capture professional conservation photography and video
Create engaging social media content
Document rescue stories and releases
Build your meaningful portfolio

Why Join?
Galle's coastline is critical habitat for endangered marine life facing threats from pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. Your work directly saves turtles, restores ecosystems, educates communities, and inspires global action through powerful storytelling.

Perfect For
Photographers, videographers, and content creators
Marine biology and environmental students
Social media managers and digital storytellers
Ocean advocates and nature enthusiasts
Anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences

Activities & Shift

Work Commitment: 3 hours per day, 4 days per week
Your Free Time: 3 days per week completely free, plus remaining hours each work day

This flexible schedule allows you to:

Explore Galle Fort and its historic charm
Visit nearby beaches and surf spots
Take day trips to wildlife reserves and national parks
Experience local culture, markets, and cuisine
Practice yoga, meditation, or wellness activities
Travel to other parts of Sri Lanka
Simply relax and enjoy coastal living

Rules

To maintain a safe, professional, and respectful environment for everyone, all participants must agree to:
Prohibited Activities:

No smoking on center premises
No consumption of alcohol during program hours or on center premises
Absolutely no illegal drugs or substances
No behavior that endangers turtles, staff, or other participants

Required Conduct:

Respect all team members, staff, and fellow participants
Honor and respect Sri Lankan culture, customs, and traditions
Dress modestly and appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites
Be punctual and reliable during scheduled work hours
Follow all safety protocols and instructions from staff
Maintain professional behavior when representing the center
Treat all animals with care and compassion
Keep the center clean and organized

Cultural Sensitivity:

Remove shoes when entering homes and religious buildings
Dress conservatively (cover shoulders and knees)
Ask permission before photographing people
Respect local customs and Buddhist practices
Be mindful of noise levels in residential areas
Learn basic Sinhala greetings and phrases