Where
Kandy / Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka
When
Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Anyone curious to immerse themselves in local traditions and care for animals in a hands-on way
Project details
A week in Kandy to settle in, then Ambalangoda for turtle conservation
The project was created out of the need to care for injured sea turtles, often victims of fishing nets, waste or accidents linked to human activity. In Ambalangoda, a government-certified centre works every day on their rehabilitation and on releasing newly hatched turtles into the sea.
Before reaching the coast, you will spend a week in Kandy at our community centre to get to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This stage is designed to orient you, give you practical tools and make the experience richer and more mindful.
As a participant, you will help care for the turtles, clean the centres and support the sea releases. It is simple but essential work that keeps the centre running and contributes to the conservation of threatened species. It is a way to live in close contact with nature while also gaining a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s environmental and social challenges.
Before reaching the coast, you will spend a week in Kandy at our community centre to get to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This stage is designed to orient you, give you practical tools and make the experience richer and more mindful.
As a participant, you will help care for the turtles, clean the centres and support the sea releases. It is simple but essential work that keeps the centre running and contributes to the conservation of threatened species. It is a way to live in close contact with nature while also gaining a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s environmental and social challenges.
Protect turtles, discover Sri Lanka
A week in Kandy to settle in, then Ambalangoda for turtle conservation
The project was created out of the need to care for injured sea turtles, often victims of fishing nets, waste or accidents linked to human activity. In Ambalangoda, a government-certified centre works every day on their rehabilitation and on releasing newly hatched turtles into the sea.
Before reaching the coast, you will spend a week in Kandy at our community centre to get to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This stage is designed to orient you, give you practical tools and make the experience richer and more mindful.
As a participant, you will help care for the turtles, clean the centres and support the sea releases. It is simple but essential work that keeps the centre running and contributes to the conservation of threatened species. It is a way to live in close contact with nature while also gaining a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s environmental and social challenges.
Before reaching the coast, you will spend a week in Kandy at our community centre to get to know the local culture: temples, food, crafts and language. This stage is designed to orient you, give you practical tools and make the experience richer and more mindful.
As a participant, you will help care for the turtles, clean the centres and support the sea releases. It is simple but essential work that keeps the centre running and contributes to the conservation of threatened species. It is a way to live in close contact with nature while also gaining a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s environmental and social challenges.
Why participate
Contribute to marine conservation
You will care for injured turtles and take part in hatchling releases into the sea, a concrete action that helps threatened species survive.
Why participate
Contribute to marine conservation
You will care for injured turtles and take part in hatchling releases into the sea, a concrete action that helps threatened species survive.
Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture
Your first week in Kandy introduces you to local traditions, food and spirituality, giving you tools to experience the journey with greater awareness.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, the days revolve around caring for turtles, cleaning the centres and moments dedicated to releasing hatchlings into the sea when the season allows. Beach clean-ups and time shared with the other participants are also part of the experience, so you can live a hands-on journey of conservation and collaboration together.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Cleaning the tanks and the centre’s spaces
11:00Turtle activities: feeding and monitoring
14:00Beach clean-up or helping release hatchlings into the sea
18:30Extra or group activities, shower and shared dinner
21:00Chats on the beach or games together, then off to bed
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the area, join small trips or simply relax with the other volunteers.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth
Discover the spiritual heart of Kandy, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
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FAQs
During your stay in Sri Lanka, you will live in two different accommodations, designed to guide you gradually from cultural immersion into the hands-on marine conservation experience itself.
Week 1 – Kandy (Culture Week)
During the first week, you will stay in one of the residences dedicated to volunteers, located about 4 km from the centre of Kandy. The accommodation is simple but welcoming, with shared rooms for 4 to 10 people equipped with beds and linen provided, fans and running water with a hot shower.
There is no Wi-Fi on site. We recommend buying an eSIM so you can have a stable connection throughout your stay. With Airalo, you can purchase an international eSIM that can be activated before departure so you are connected as soon as you arrive. You can get one easily through this link.
Meals are served every day: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, with mainly vegetarian food and drinks such as water, tea, coffee and milk always available. The residence is not just a base, but also a meeting place: here you will get to know other participants, with whom you can cook, exchange stories and share your first week in Sri Lanka.
Week 2 – Ambalangoda (Turtle Conservation)
After orientation and your cultural introduction, you will move to the south coast, to Ambalangoda, for your experience at the turtle conservation centre. Here too the rooms are shared (4–10 people), with linen provided and lockable rooms. The accommodation is basic: there are no hot showers, Wi-Fi, air conditioning or mosquito nets, but you will have fans, running water and safety lockers for personal belongings.
Meals follow the same formula: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, based on typical Sri Lankan cuisine, with water, tea and coffee always available. Laundry is available for an extra fee, while supermarkets, ATMs and local shops can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. Being close to the beach makes the experience even more authentic and laid-back: this is often where volunteers gather at the end of the day’s activities.
🛏️ Included amenities in both accommodations:
- 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 as well)
- Lockable rooms and safety box - Ongoing support from the local team - Common spaces to relax and socialise
This dual accommodation lets you experience two complementary sides of the journey: on one hand an introduction to local culture, history and traditions in Kandy, and on the other the everyday reality of a conservation project on the coast, in a simple, international setting just a few steps from the ocean.
Week 1 – Kandy (Culture Week)
During the first week, you will stay in one of the residences dedicated to volunteers, located about 4 km from the centre of Kandy. The accommodation is simple but welcoming, with shared rooms for 4 to 10 people equipped with beds and linen provided, fans and running water with a hot shower.
There is no Wi-Fi on site. We recommend buying an eSIM so you can have a stable connection throughout your stay. With Airalo, you can purchase an international eSIM that can be activated before departure so you are connected as soon as you arrive. You can get one easily through this link.
Meals are served every day: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, with mainly vegetarian food and drinks such as water, tea, coffee and milk always available. The residence is not just a base, but also a meeting place: here you will get to know other participants, with whom you can cook, exchange stories and share your first week in Sri Lanka.
Week 2 – Ambalangoda (Turtle Conservation)
After orientation and your cultural introduction, you will move to the south coast, to Ambalangoda, for your experience at the turtle conservation centre. Here too the rooms are shared (4–10 people), with linen provided and lockable rooms. The accommodation is basic: there are no hot showers, Wi-Fi, air conditioning or mosquito nets, but you will have fans, running water and safety lockers for personal belongings.
Meals follow the same formula: 3 on weekdays and 2 at the weekend, based on typical Sri Lankan cuisine, with water, tea and coffee always available. Laundry is available for an extra fee, while supermarkets, ATMs and local shops can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. Being close to the beach makes the experience even more authentic and laid-back: this is often where volunteers gather at the end of the day’s activities.
🛏️ Included amenities in both accommodations:
- 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 as well)
- Lockable rooms and safety box - Ongoing support from the local team - Common spaces to relax and socialise
This dual accommodation lets you experience two complementary sides of the journey: on one hand an introduction to local culture, history and traditions in Kandy, and on the other the everyday reality of a conservation project on the coast, in a simple, international setting just a few steps from the ocean.
The safety of participants is an absolute priority for us. All our programmes are carefully selected and regularly monitored to ensure a protected and welcoming environment, both during the cultural week in Kandy and at the conservation centre in Ambalangoda.
🔹 Participant checks and protected environments
To safeguard local communities and other volunteers, all participants must provide a criminal record certificate before departure. In , it can be requested online without stamp duty if the purpose is participation in our programmes, and we will guide you through the process step by step.
🔹 High safety standards
We work with certified local partners and facilities that welcome hundreds of international travellers of all ages every year, from 18 to 70 and beyond. The accommodation is located in safe areas with controlled access, and the local team is always present to supervise activities and support participants.
🔹 24-hour support
From your arrival until departure, you can rely on continuous assistance from our staff. Local coordinators will be available at all times, including evenings and weekends, and our HQ team will always be reachable via WhatsApp if needed.
🔹 Training and orientation
The journey begins with the cultural week in Kandy, which serves not only as an introduction to the country but also as an orientation phase, with practical guidance on customs, habits and safety rules. You will also receive a full guide before departure so you arrive prepared.
🔹 Good practices for enjoying the experience with peace of mind
Sri Lanka is generally a safe and welcoming country, but it is important to keep a few precautions in mind:
✔ Avoid going out alone at night in isolated or poorly lit areas.
✔ Prefer travelling together with other volunteers.
✔ Always follow the advice of the local coordinators, especially for excursions and travel.
💡 Our goal is to guarantee you a protected and peaceful environment where you can enjoy the experience to the fullest, focusing on the culture, the natural world and the marine conservation project.
🔹 Participant checks and protected environments
To safeguard local communities and other volunteers, all participants must provide a criminal record certificate before departure. In , it can be requested online without stamp duty if the purpose is participation in our programmes, and we will guide you through the process step by step.
🔹 High safety standards
We work with certified local partners and facilities that welcome hundreds of international travellers of all ages every year, from 18 to 70 and beyond. The accommodation is located in safe areas with controlled access, and the local team is always present to supervise activities and support participants.
🔹 24-hour support
From your arrival until departure, you can rely on continuous assistance from our staff. Local coordinators will be available at all times, including evenings and weekends, and our HQ team will always be reachable via WhatsApp if needed.
🔹 Training and orientation
The journey begins with the cultural week in Kandy, which serves not only as an introduction to the country but also as an orientation phase, with practical guidance on customs, habits and safety rules. You will also receive a full guide before departure so you arrive prepared.
🔹 Good practices for enjoying the experience with peace of mind
Sri Lanka is generally a safe and welcoming country, but it is important to keep a few precautions in mind:
✔ Avoid going out alone at night in isolated or poorly lit areas.
✔ Prefer travelling together with other volunteers.
✔ Always follow the advice of the local coordinators, especially for excursions and travel.
💡 Our goal is to guarantee you a protected and peaceful environment where you can enjoy the experience to the fullest, focusing on the culture, the natural world and the marine conservation project.
🧭 Culture and orientation week
Your experience in Sri Lanka begins with a week in Kandy, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and prepare in the best way for the conservation activities.
During the first days, you will take part in a programme led by the local team that combines practical orientation with cultural immersion:
- Welcome meeting, programme presentation and volunteer house rules
- Tour of Kandy, with visits to the main sites and useful information on supermarkets, transport and local SIM cards. If you would rather arrive with an eSIM already active, without having to look for a local SIM card, you can buy one before departure through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do so using this link
- Practical advice on health, safety and behaviour in Sri Lanka
- Introductory Sinhala lessons and cultural insights
- Visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth and other iconic places in Kandy
- Creative workshops such as local cooking, handicrafts and traditional dance
- Moments of meditation and learning about Buddhism
This week is much more than an introduction: it is the moment when you begin building connections with the other participants and gain practical tools to experience the country with greater awareness.
📌 Once Culture Week is over, you will move to Ambalangoda to contribute to the sea turtle conservation project.
Your experience in Sri Lanka begins with a week in Kandy, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and prepare in the best way for the conservation activities.
During the first days, you will take part in a programme led by the local team that combines practical orientation with cultural immersion:
- Welcome meeting, programme presentation and volunteer house rules
- Tour of Kandy, with visits to the main sites and useful information on supermarkets, transport and local SIM cards. If you would rather arrive with an eSIM already active, without having to look for a local SIM card, you can buy one before departure through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do so using this link
- Practical advice on health, safety and behaviour in Sri Lanka
- Introductory Sinhala lessons and cultural insights
- Visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth and other iconic places in Kandy
- Creative workshops such as local cooking, handicrafts and traditional dance
- Moments of meditation and learning about Buddhism
This week is much more than an introduction: it is the moment when you begin building connections with the other participants and gain practical tools to experience the country with greater awareness.
📌 Once Culture Week is over, you will move to Ambalangoda to contribute to the sea turtle conservation project.
We recommend booking a flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo, on Sunday between 05:00 and 21:00. During this time window, our free welcome service is active, with transfer to the first stop of your journey: the centre in Kandy for Culture Week.
Arriving on Sunday (recommended): you will be met at the airport meeting point by a coordinator from our local staff, easily recognisable with a sign. You may need to wait a few hours if other participants are arriving at the same time: you will travel together to Kandy (3–4 hours by car).
Arriving on Saturday: an extra-night and pick-up supplement will apply. We recommend letting us know immediately at the time of booking.
Arriving outside the time window (before 05:00 or after 21:00): pick-up is still possible, but as a private transfer with an additional cost. Alternatively, you can arrange to reach us independently.
Arriving independently: if you decide to come on your own, check-in is available on Sunday between 00:00 and 18:00.
📌 It is essential that you do not leave the airport meeting point: the coordinator will come to you there. If you do not see them straight away, stay where you are and wait. After booking, you will receive emergency numbers and local contacts in case of unexpected issues.
📱 A useful tip: if you want internet access from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before departure with Airalo, our partner. Use this link
🚖 Recommendations for departure and your return flight
The programme ends on Saturday at midday: final check-out is by 12:00.
The return transfer to the airport is not included, as participants usually leave at different times. You can arrange a private taxi or a shared ride with other volunteers, with the help of the local coordinators.
Please keep in mind that the journey from Ambalangoda to Colombo (CMB) takes about 3 hours. We therefore recommend booking your return flight for late Saturday afternoon or evening, so you have enough time to reach the airport without rushing.
If you plan to travel independently after the project, let us know in advance: the local team can suggest the best transport options or help you book a transfer.
💡 After your participation is confirmed, you will receive an email with a document containing all the latest practical instructions, local contacts and emergency numbers.
Arriving on Sunday (recommended): you will be met at the airport meeting point by a coordinator from our local staff, easily recognisable with a sign. You may need to wait a few hours if other participants are arriving at the same time: you will travel together to Kandy (3–4 hours by car).
Arriving on Saturday: an extra-night and pick-up supplement will apply. We recommend letting us know immediately at the time of booking.
Arriving outside the time window (before 05:00 or after 21:00): pick-up is still possible, but as a private transfer with an additional cost. Alternatively, you can arrange to reach us independently.
Arriving independently: if you decide to come on your own, check-in is available on Sunday between 00:00 and 18:00.
📌 It is essential that you do not leave the airport meeting point: the coordinator will come to you there. If you do not see them straight away, stay where you are and wait. After booking, you will receive emergency numbers and local contacts in case of unexpected issues.
📱 A useful tip: if you want internet access from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before departure with Airalo, our partner. Use this link
🚖 Recommendations for departure and your return flight
The programme ends on Saturday at midday: final check-out is by 12:00.
The return transfer to the airport is not included, as participants usually leave at different times. You can arrange a private taxi or a shared ride with other volunteers, with the help of the local coordinators.
Please keep in mind that the journey from Ambalangoda to Colombo (CMB) takes about 3 hours. We therefore recommend booking your return flight for late Saturday afternoon or evening, so you have enough time to reach the airport without rushing.
If you plan to travel independently after the project, let us know in advance: the local team can suggest the best transport options or help you book a transfer.
💡 After your participation is confirmed, you will receive an email with a document containing all the latest practical instructions, local contacts and emergency numbers.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all 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
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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