Location
  • Sri Lanka
    • Galle
Length
2 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
100
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
500
Price Details
Registration fee: £168
This covers the UK operational costs of running our projects and in-country support. Once you have paid this, you can start your fundraising and look at booking dates with our team.

Living Cost: £29/day
- Accommodation: £12/night
- Food: £10/day
- Local transport: £7/day

Fundraising
Fundraising threshold is £75 per week you volunteer (max £300). 100% of this money goes to Travelteer Impact, our UK registered charity and then onto the projects in the form of equipment and facilities. Anything over this amount can be reimbursed towards your flights
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Jun 21, 2023
Nov 09, 2023
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join our Marine & Wildlife Conservation team and help make an impact by working with wild animals and improving their habitat. Have an adventure of a lifetime alongside other university students from all over the world!

To develop long-lasting programmes, the Marine & Wildlife Conservation programme closely collaborates with the Sri Lankan Environmental Department and regional NGOs, on projects such as the conservation project at the turtle sanctuary, where our sanctuary has been built to combat the illegal trade of many eggs and turtles themselves whilst educating the local community.

With the help of our numerous hands-on projects, students will be fully immersed in environmental conservation, whether it be assisting with the restoration of sea turtle numbers, replanting indigenous trees, or combating plastic pollution. We have developed a long-term strategy to regenerate important areas of rainforest and maintain the marine life in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Turtle Hatchery: Our aim is to boost sea turtle numbers by incubating artificial nests in a secure environment and realising all hatchlings into the ocean. We also have a scheme where local fisherman brings us injured turtles which we help rehabilitate.
  • Rainforest Replantation: We aim to help regenerate the rainforest in Sri Lanka’s Southern district to its original state, providing an increase of indigenous plants and habitats for local wildlife - many are endangered.
  • Tree Nursery: Our tree nursery is where we grow all our trees which we take to be replanted.
  • School Agriculture project:Travelteer’s Agriculture Project works in partnership with local schools to grow fruit and vegetables and support local communities.
  • The Beach & River clean-up project aims to restore and protect beaches and coastal rivers which are important habitats to the marine life along the southern coast, alongside sorting recyclables for use through local businesses.

Program Impact

The Marine and Wildlife Conservation Programme combines a number of varied sub-programmes which aim to
rehabilitate and conserve the environment and marine life in Sri Lanka, all having a positive impact.

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 14 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.86%
  • 4 rating 7.14%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.85
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 5
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 14 reviews
Default avatar
Steve
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time with Travelteer in Sri Lanka

I’ve really enjoyed my time in Sri Lanka with travelteer. Camilla and Nalin made the tour such an amazing experience where I got to explore things that I would never have thought to have try such as hiking Ella rock and doing a safari. Anoma‘s marine programme has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, with exploring rainforests, learning about caring for sea turtles in a hatchery/rescue and re plantation programmes for the local plant species. The staff at the site are amazing and so caring. Even when I’m missing home I still look forward to what’s happening tomorrow.

23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Harry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Marine & Wildlife programme

This summer I spent two weeks in Sri Lanka with Travelteer in their marine and wildlife programme. To put it simply: I loved every minute. The staff at the volunteer house and on our actual programmes were fantastic, they did everything in their power to make you feel welcome and like you were part of the team. I didn't know what to expect when I first left for Sri Lanka, unsure if the experience would really be right for me, but as soon as I woke up and saw the view from our accommodation I knew I would be okay. The volunteering is split into a morning session and an afternoon session, with a 3 hour gap for lunch which was a welcome surprise. This meant you could spend a few hours every day at the lake, the beach, at one of the pools (Citrus being my personal favourite), doing some shopping or having a well deserved nap! Although the weather I had when I went unfortunately wasn't the best, the staff still ensured that the tasks that we did were varied, even making sure we could go kayaking since the rainforest was unfortunately not an option. I loved seeing the turtles and slowly watching how much they progressed. The other tasks we had were equally rewarding as we saw the impact the beach cleans and mangrove planting had. The staff also arranged activities at night such as travelling as a group to different bars, having family dinner together on Sundays and having quiz nights in the volunteer house! If you are thinking about signing up, please please do it, you will not regret it.

24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Thomas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Marine & Wildlife programme

This summer I spent two weeks in Sri Lanka with Travelteer in their marine and wildlife programme. To put it simply: I loved every minute. The staff at the volunteer house and on our actual programmes were fantastic, they did everything in their power to make you feel welcome and like you were part of the team. I didn't know what to expect when I first left for Sri Lanka, unsure if the experience would really be right for me, but as soon as I woke up and saw the view from our accommodation I knew I would be okay. The volunteering is split into a morning session and an afternoon session, with a 3 hour gap for lunch which was a welcome surprise. This meant you could spend a few hours every day at the lake, the beach, at one of the pools (Citrus being my personal favourite), doing some shopping or having a well deserved nap! Although the weather I had when I went unfortunately wasn't the best, the staff still ensured that the tasks that we did were varied, even making sure we could go kayaking since the rainforest was unfortunately not an option. I loved seeing the turtles and slowly watching how much they progressed. The other tasks we had were equally rewarding as we saw the impact the beach cleans and mangrove planting had. The staff also arranged activities at night such as travelling as a group to different bars, having family dinner together on Sundays and having quiz nights in the volunteer house! If you are thinking about signing up, please please do it, you will not regret it.

26 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Thomas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

What an experience

The best time in Sri Lanka !!
I had the most incredible time on Travelteer's marine and wildlife program! It has always been my dream to work with turtles abroad, and now that dream is complete🥳. During my time there, I had the privilege of feeding turtles, cleaning tanks, and caring for baby turtles to prevent poaching. But that wasn’t it by any means; I also got to participate in various conservation activities such as replanting trees and picking up plastic to protect the environment. One of the highlights was looking after corals, which was absolutely amazing! I can't wait to go back, hopefully to Nepal next summer. This program was a truly beautiful experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet!

27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Joshua
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing placement

I have recently spent 2 weeks on the programme with Travelteer. I had a wonderful time full of experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. Travelteer provided a full and varied timetable that met expectations and beyond. I felt safe throughout my trip and would recommend to everyone interested!
Thank you to all of the staff at the Hikkaduwa House and the medical team involved in making it so special.
Would of course do this programme again, unbelievable experience and definitely would recommend to friends and family.

26 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Clara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience ever! Life changing!

Wow, what a trip! Travelteer's Marine and Wildlife Volunteering Programme in Sri Lanka was a blast. We got to make a real difference with rainforest replantation and beach clean-ups, and it felt so rewarding.

The rainforest replantation project was eye-opening. Together with expert guides and other volunteers, we planted lots of trees to restore the forest. It's amazing knowing I've helped nature and wildlife thrive.

Beach clean-ups were a blast too. We cleaned up the beautiful Sri Lankan coast and saw firsthand how our efforts protect marine life. Plus, I made some awesome friends along the way.

Not only did I do good work, but I also had an amazing cultural experience exploring temples, going on safaris, and diving into Sri Lanka's vibrant culture.

Travelteer is such a good company to go away with! They're all about responsible travel and making a positive impact. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Can't recommend this adventure enough!

Pros
  • Amazing Country
  • Give back to the community
  • work with TURTLES!
Cons
  • That I had to leave!
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nastya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a lifetime !

I was in Sri Lanka for almost a month and never wanted to leave !
The people were absolutely amazing and I have made lifelong friends and the best memories.
The time I spent volunteering was perfect, and I learnt new things everyday from herbal medicines to going to a school sports day and looking after the turtles which is the main volunteering I did, and at the end of my time there I was lucky enough to release a turtle which was so heartwarming.
Cannot recommend Travelteer enough, Thank You For Everything!

39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hassam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

my time in sri lanka

I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a turtle conservation program in Sri Lanka, and it was an experience I will cherish forever. From start to finish, the program exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impact on me.
First and foremost, the dedication and passion of the staff and volunteers involved in the program was truly inspiring. The highlight of my experience was watching a nest hatch in front of our group, and some of the volunteers that stayed a little longer than me even sent me the pictures of the same nest being released.

Pros
  • could easily move from one program to the next and since travelteer has a large verity in sri lanka it made it a diverse working week
  • food was great
Cons
  • the aircon was a little more than expected but only by 75p so not a huge issue
  • no towels at the accommodation so pack one
41 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers