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Published 12/19/25 9:41AM

Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Galle, Sri Lanka

United Volunteer
On-site, Volunteer must be in or near Galle, Southern, Sri Lanka
I Want to Help

    • Details

    Start Date:
    January 1, 2026, 8:00 AM GMT+5:30
    End Date:
    January 1, 2028, 5:00 PM GMT+5:30
    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime), Weekends (daytime)
    Time Commitment:
    Part time (10-30 hrs/wk)
    Commitment Details:
    Typically 1-4 weeks (longer stays welcome)
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    10
    Cost:
    Fee Required: $300
    Cause Areas:
    Animals, Climate Change, Community Development, Environment & Sustainability, Volunteering
    Benefits:
    Training Provided, Housing Available, Language / Cultural Support Available, Academic Credit Available
    Good For:
    Kids, Teens, Public Groups, Age 55+, International Volunteers, Private Corporate Groups
    Participation Requirements:
    Attend Orientation
    Other Requirements:
    Team player with collaborative attitude Respectful of local customs and culture Reliable and committed to scheduled shifts Willing to work irregular hours and weekends Physically capable of bending, lifting, and extended periods of standing

    Description

    Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Galle, Sri Lanka

    Join a vital sea turtle conservation effort along Sri Lanka's southern coast, working hands-on to protect endangered marine species at a dedicated turtle hatchery and rehabilitation center.

    Key Responsibilities

    Daily Hatchery Operations

    • Carefully relocate eggs to protected hatchery enclosures to prevent predation and poaching
    • Monitor incubation conditions including temperature and moisture levels
    • Release hatchlings into the ocean during optimal times (typically early morning or evening)
    • Maintain detailed records of nests, hatch rates, and release data

    Turtle Care & Rehabilitation

    • Feed and care for injured or recovering turtles in rehabilitation tanks
    • Assist with cleaning and maintaining turtle pools and facilities
    • Help treat minor injuries under supervision of experienced staff
    • Monitor the health and behavior of resident turtles

    Education & Outreach

    • Guide visitors through the facility and explain conservation efforts
    • Engage with local communities about the importance of turtle protection
    • Participate in educational programs at schools or community centers
    • Help create awareness materials and social media content

    Facility Maintenance

    • Clean and organize hatchery areas, tanks, and equipment
    • Assist with general facility upkeep and repairs
    • Help maintain beach access paths and patrol areas

    Qualifications & Requirements

    Essential

    • Minimum age: 18 years old
    • Good physical fitness (beach patrols involve walking on sand at night)
    • Ability to work in hot, humid tropical conditions
    • Comfortable working with marine animals
    • Basic English communication skills
    • Genuine passion for wildlife conservation and marine biology

    Desirable

    • Background in marine biology, zoology, environmental science, or related fields
    • Previous volunteer experience with animals or conservation projects
    • Swimming ability
    • Knowledge of sea turtle species and conservation challenges
    • Flexibility and adaptability to changing schedules
    • Patience and attention to detail for monitoring work

    Personal Attributes

    • Team player with collaborative attitude
    • Respectful of local customs and culture
    • Reliable and committed to scheduled shifts
    • Willing to work irregular hours includi

    Location

    On-site

    Bluewave sea Turtle conservation

    Galle, Sri Lanka
    Galle , Sri Lanka

    Please fill out this form

    Instructions:

    Submit the Following:

    1. Passport photo page (clear scan, valid for 6+ months)
    2. CV/Resume (1-2 pages: education, relevant experience, contact details)
    3. Brief motivation statement (why you want to volunteer)

    Email to: [program email] | Subject: "Turtle Volunteer - [Your Name]"

    PROGRAM RULES

    • Arrive on time for all shifts
    • No alcohol before/during work
    • Follow staff instructions at all times
    • Handle turtles/eggs only when supervised
    • Never use flash photography around turtles
    • Complete your committed volunteer period
    • Report injuries or suspicious activity immediately
    • Work in pairs during beach patrols

    CULTURAL GUIDELINES

    Respect Local Customs

    • Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered in public)
    • Remove shoes entering temples and homes
    • Use right hand for eating and giving items
    • Ask permission before photographing people or religious sites
    • Public affection is inappropriate
    • Buddha statues are sacred - never pose disrespectfully

    Basic Phrases

    • "Ayubowan" (hello)
    • "Bohoma sthuthi" (thank you)
    • "Karunakara" (please)

    WORK INSTRUCTIONS

    Hatchery Duties (Daily)

    • Monitor nests for hatching signs (45-60 days)
    • Check temperature and moisture
    • Release hatchlings at dawn/dusk at water's edge
    • Let them crawl naturally to ocean
    • Record all releases

    Tank Care (Daily)

    • Feed resident turtles twice daily
    • Clean tanks and change water
    • Remove waste
    • Observe turtle health and behavior

    Visitor Education

    • Conduct facility tours
    • Explain conservation efforts
    • Answer questions professionally

    DRESS CODE

    For Hatchery Work:

    • Comfortable clothes that can get wet/sandy
    • Water shoes or sandals
    • Quick-dry materials
    • Project t-shirt (provided)

    General:

    • Modest clothing always (covered shoulders/knees)
    • No revealing outfits
    • Swimwear only at beach

    WHAT TO BRING

    Essential Documents

    • Passport (+ copies)
    • Travel insurance
    • Sri Lankan visa (e-Visa)
    • Flight confirmations
    • Emergency contacts
    • Prescriptions/medical info

    Clothing & Gear

    • Lightweight breathable clothes (7-10 days)
    • Rain jacket (monsoon: May-Sept)
    • Swimsuit
    • Sun hat and sunglasses
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Closed-toe water shoes
    • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
    • Insect repellent (DEET)
    • Toiletries and medications
    • Quick-dry towel
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Headlamp/flashlight (red light)
    • Daypack

    Recommended

    • Waterproof camera case
    • Notebook and pens
    • First aid kit basics
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Dry bags for electronics
    • Plug adapter (Type D, M, G)
    • Power bank

    Leave at Home

    • Expensive jewelry
    • Excessive cash
    • Single-use plastics
    • Unnecessary valuables
    All fields are required
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