Where
Kandy / Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 2 weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone curious about local traditions and keen to look after animals in a hands-on way
Project details
A week in Kandy to settle in, then Ambalangoda for sea turtle conservation
The project came about from the need to look after injured sea turtles, often hit by fishing nets, plastic and other human pressures. In Ambalangoda, a government-certified centre works every day to rehabilitate them and release hatchlings back into the sea.
Before heading to the coast, you'll spend a week in Kandy at our community centre, getting to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This first week is designed to settle you in, give you practical tools and make the rest of the experience richer and more grounded.
As a volunteer, you'll help with turtle care, keeping the centres clean and supporting hatchling releases. Simple but essential work that keeps the project running and supports conservation of threatened species. It's a way to live close to nature and at the same time get a clearer sense of Sri Lanka's environmental and social challenges.
Before heading to the coast, you'll spend a week in Kandy at our community centre, getting to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This first week is designed to settle you in, give you practical tools and make the rest of the experience richer and more grounded.
As a volunteer, you'll help with turtle care, keeping the centres clean and supporting hatchling releases. Simple but essential work that keeps the project running and supports conservation of threatened species. It's a way to live close to nature and at the same time get a clearer sense of Sri Lanka's environmental and social challenges.
Help protect sea turtles, see Sri Lanka
A week in Kandy to settle in, then Ambalangoda for sea turtle conservation
The project came about from the need to look after injured sea turtles, often hit by fishing nets, plastic and other human pressures. In Ambalangoda, a government-certified centre works every day to rehabilitate them and release hatchlings back into the sea.
Before heading to the coast, you'll spend a week in Kandy at our community centre, getting to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This first week is designed to settle you in, give you practical tools and make the rest of the experience richer and more grounded.
As a volunteer, you'll help with turtle care, keeping the centres clean and supporting hatchling releases. Simple but essential work that keeps the project running and supports conservation of threatened species. It's a way to live close to nature and at the same time get a clearer sense of Sri Lanka's environmental and social challenges.
Before heading to the coast, you'll spend a week in Kandy at our community centre, getting to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This first week is designed to settle you in, give you practical tools and make the rest of the experience richer and more grounded.
As a volunteer, you'll help with turtle care, keeping the centres clean and supporting hatchling releases. Simple but essential work that keeps the project running and supports conservation of threatened species. It's a way to live close to nature and at the same time get a clearer sense of Sri Lanka's environmental and social challenges.
Why participate
Help with marine conservation
Care for injured turtles and take part in releasing hatchlings into the sea, supporting the survival of threatened species in a tangible way.
Why participate
Help with marine conservation
Care for injured turtles and take part in releasing hatchlings into the sea, supporting the survival of threatened species in a tangible way.
Get into Sri Lankan culture
The first week in Kandy introduces you to local traditions, food and spirituality, giving you the tools to live the rest of the trip more confidently.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days flow between turtle care, keeping the centres clean and helping with hatchling releases when the season allows. There are also beach clean-ups and shared moments with the other participants, so you can experience hands-on conservation and team work side by side.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Cleaning the tanks and the centre's spaces
11:00Activities with the turtles: feeding and monitoring
14:00Beach clean-up or supporting hatchling releases
18:30Extra activities or group time, shower and shared dinner
21:00A chat on the beach or group games, then off to bed
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth
See the spiritual heart of Kandy, one of the world's most sacred Buddhist sites.
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FAQs
During your stay in Sri Lanka you'll be in two different places, designed to walk you through the experience step by step: from cultural immersion to the marine conservation project itself.
Week 1: Kandy (Culture Week)
The first week, you'll be hosted in one of the volunteer residences, around 4 km from central Kandy. The accommodation is simple but welcoming, with shared rooms of 4 to 10 people, beds with linen provided, fans, and running water with a hot shower.
There's no Wi-Fi at the residence. We'd suggest picking up an eSIM for a steady connection during your stay. With Airalo you can get an international eSIM, activated before you travel, so you're connected from the moment you land. You can grab one easily here.
Meals are served daily: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, mainly vegetarian, with water, tea, coffee and milk always available. The residence isn't just a base, it's a place to get to know people: you'll meet other participants here, cook together, swap stories and share your first week in Sri Lanka.
Week 2: Ambalangoda (Turtle Conservation)
After the orientation and cultural introduction, you'll move to the south coast at Ambalangoda, to live the experience at the turtle conservation centre. Rooms here are also shared (4–10 people), with linen provided and lockable rooms. The accommodation is no-frills: there's no hot shower, Wi-Fi, air conditioning or mosquito nets, but you'll have fans, running water and safety lockers for your things.
Meals follow the same pattern: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, with typical Sri Lankan dishes, water, tea and coffee always available. Laundry is paid, and supermarkets, ATMs and local shops are less than 10 minutes on foot. The beach is right there, which makes the experience feel more relaxed and grounded: it's often where volunteers gather at the end of the day.
🛏️ What's included at both places:
- Shared rooms (4–10 people) with beds and linen provided
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Free drinks (water, tea, coffee; milk in Kandy too)
- Lockable rooms and a lockbox
- Ongoing support from the local team
- Common areas to relax in and socialise
This two-stage stay lets you get the best of both: the introduction to local culture, history and traditions in Kandy, then the everyday rhythm of a conservation project on the coast, in a simple, international setting a few steps from the ocean.
Week 1: Kandy (Culture Week)
The first week, you'll be hosted in one of the volunteer residences, around 4 km from central Kandy. The accommodation is simple but welcoming, with shared rooms of 4 to 10 people, beds with linen provided, fans, and running water with a hot shower.
There's no Wi-Fi at the residence. We'd suggest picking up an eSIM for a steady connection during your stay. With Airalo you can get an international eSIM, activated before you travel, so you're connected from the moment you land. You can grab one easily here.
Meals are served daily: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, mainly vegetarian, with water, tea, coffee and milk always available. The residence isn't just a base, it's a place to get to know people: you'll meet other participants here, cook together, swap stories and share your first week in Sri Lanka.
Week 2: Ambalangoda (Turtle Conservation)
After the orientation and cultural introduction, you'll move to the south coast at Ambalangoda, to live the experience at the turtle conservation centre. Rooms here are also shared (4–10 people), with linen provided and lockable rooms. The accommodation is no-frills: there's no hot shower, Wi-Fi, air conditioning or mosquito nets, but you'll have fans, running water and safety lockers for your things.
Meals follow the same pattern: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, with typical Sri Lankan dishes, water, tea and coffee always available. Laundry is paid, and supermarkets, ATMs and local shops are less than 10 minutes on foot. The beach is right there, which makes the experience feel more relaxed and grounded: it's often where volunteers gather at the end of the day.
🛏️ What's included at both places:
- Shared rooms (4–10 people) with beds and linen provided
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Free drinks (water, tea, coffee; milk in Kandy too)
- Lockable rooms and a lockbox
- Ongoing support from the local team
- Common areas to relax in and socialise
This two-stage stay lets you get the best of both: the introduction to local culture, history and traditions in Kandy, then the everyday rhythm of a conservation project on the coast, in a simple, international setting a few steps from the ocean.
Your safety is something we take seriously. All our programmes are carefully chosen and regularly monitored to keep things safe and welcoming, both during the cultural week in Kandy and at the conservation centre in Ambalangoda.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep local communities and the other volunteers safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We work with certified local partners and sites that host hundreds of international travellers every year, of all ages, from 18 to 70 and beyond. The accommodation is in safe areas with controlled access, and the local team is always there to keep an eye on the activities and support participants.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival through to your departure, you can count on ongoing support from our staff. The local coordinators are available at any time, including evenings and weekends, and our UK team is reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
The programme starts with the cultural week in Kandy, which doubles as an introduction to the country and an orientation phase, with practical advice on customs, etiquette and safety. You'll also receive a full pre-departure pack so you arrive prepared.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Sri Lanka is generally a safe and welcoming country, but a few simple habits go a long way:
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night in isolated or poorly lit areas.
✔ Travel with the other volunteers when you can.
✔ Always follow the local coordinators' advice, especially for trips and getting around.
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, so you can focus on the culture, the nature and the marine conservation project.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep local communities and the other volunteers safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We work with certified local partners and sites that host hundreds of international travellers every year, of all ages, from 18 to 70 and beyond. The accommodation is in safe areas with controlled access, and the local team is always there to keep an eye on the activities and support participants.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival through to your departure, you can count on ongoing support from our staff. The local coordinators are available at any time, including evenings and weekends, and our UK team is reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
The programme starts with the cultural week in Kandy, which doubles as an introduction to the country and an orientation phase, with practical advice on customs, etiquette and safety. You'll also receive a full pre-departure pack so you arrive prepared.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Sri Lanka is generally a safe and welcoming country, but a few simple habits go a long way:
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night in isolated or poorly lit areas.
✔ Travel with the other volunteers when you can.
✔ Always follow the local coordinators' advice, especially for trips and getting around.
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, so you can focus on the culture, the nature and the marine conservation project.
🧭 Culture and orientation week
Your time in Sri Lanka starts with a week in Kandy, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and prepare for the conservation activities ahead.
During the first few days you'll join a programme led by the local team that combines practical orientation and cultural immersion:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- A walk around Kandy, with the main spots and useful info on supermarkets, transport and local SIMs. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active without having to track down a SIM locally, you can buy one before you travel through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link
- Practical advice on health, safety and how to behave in Sri Lanka
- Introductory Sinhala lessons and a few cultural pointers
- Visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth and other key sites in Kandy
- Hands-on workshops: local cooking, crafts and traditional dance
- Time for meditation and an introduction to Buddhism
This week is more than just an introduction: it's when you start building connections with the other participants and picking up practical tools to live in the country with more awareness.
📌 At the end of Culture Week, you'll move to Ambalangoda to take part in the sea turtle conservation project.
Your time in Sri Lanka starts with a week in Kandy, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and prepare for the conservation activities ahead.
During the first few days you'll join a programme led by the local team that combines practical orientation and cultural immersion:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- A walk around Kandy, with the main spots and useful info on supermarkets, transport and local SIMs. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active without having to track down a SIM locally, you can buy one before you travel through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link
- Practical advice on health, safety and how to behave in Sri Lanka
- Introductory Sinhala lessons and a few cultural pointers
- Visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth and other key sites in Kandy
- Hands-on workshops: local cooking, crafts and traditional dance
- Time for meditation and an introduction to Buddhism
This week is more than just an introduction: it's when you start building connections with the other participants and picking up practical tools to live in the country with more awareness.
📌 At the end of Culture Week, you'll move to Ambalangoda to take part in the sea turtle conservation project.
We'd recommend booking your flight into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo, on Sunday between 05:00 and 21:00. That's when our free pickup is running, with a transfer to the first part of your trip: the centre in Kandy for Culture Week.
Sunday arrivals (recommended): you'll be met at the airport by one of our local coordinators, holding a sign you can spot easily. There may be a wait if other volunteers are arriving at the same time, and you'll travel together to Kandy (3–4 hours by car).
Saturday arrivals: there's a supplement for the extra night and pickup. Let us know at the time of booking.
Out-of-hours arrivals (before 05:00 or after 21:00): pickup is still possible as a private transfer, with an extra cost. Alternatively, you can make your own way.
Arriving on your own: if you decide to come independently, check-in is available on Sunday between 00:00 and 18:00.
📌 Important: don't leave the airport meeting point. The coordinator will come to you. If you can't spot them straight away, stay where you are and wait. After your booking, you'll receive emergency numbers and local contacts in case anything comes up.
📱 Useful tip: if you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
The programme ends at midday on Saturday: latest check-out is by 12:00.
The return transfer to the airport isn't included, since participants travel home at different times. You can arrange a private or shared taxi with other volunteers, with help from the local coordinators.
Bear in mind it's about 3 hours from Ambalangoda to Colombo (CMB). We'd suggest booking your return flight for late Saturday afternoon or evening, so you have time to get to the airport without rushing.
If you're carrying on with your trip independently after the project, let us know in advance: the local team can suggest the best ways to get around or help you book a transfer.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a detailed pack by email with all the practical info, local contacts and emergency numbers.
Sunday arrivals (recommended): you'll be met at the airport by one of our local coordinators, holding a sign you can spot easily. There may be a wait if other volunteers are arriving at the same time, and you'll travel together to Kandy (3–4 hours by car).
Saturday arrivals: there's a supplement for the extra night and pickup. Let us know at the time of booking.
Out-of-hours arrivals (before 05:00 or after 21:00): pickup is still possible as a private transfer, with an extra cost. Alternatively, you can make your own way.
Arriving on your own: if you decide to come independently, check-in is available on Sunday between 00:00 and 18:00.
📌 Important: don't leave the airport meeting point. The coordinator will come to you. If you can't spot them straight away, stay where you are and wait. After your booking, you'll receive emergency numbers and local contacts in case anything comes up.
📱 Useful tip: if you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
The programme ends at midday on Saturday: latest check-out is by 12:00.
The return transfer to the airport isn't included, since participants travel home at different times. You can arrange a private or shared taxi with other volunteers, with help from the local coordinators.
Bear in mind it's about 3 hours from Ambalangoda to Colombo (CMB). We'd suggest booking your return flight for late Saturday afternoon or evening, so you have time to get to the airport without rushing.
If you're carrying on with your trip independently after the project, let us know in advance: the local team can suggest the best ways to get around or help you book a transfer.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a detailed pack by email with all the practical info, local contacts and emergency numbers.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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