Volunteer Hub

Marine & Wildlife Conservation - Sri Lanka Summer 2027

Organisation Details

Travelteer

Sub theme: Animals, Education, Environment
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Founded in 2015, Travelteer offers students affordable volunteering and travel adventures that allow them to experience new cultures in a safe and exciting environment.

Travelteer is at the forefront of responsible travel and ethical
volunteering. We have seen first-hand the positive impact that volunteering can have on local communities and we have created a variety of charitable programmes that utilise volunteer skill sets to make a real difference.

Our mission is to establish a bridge between volunteering and adventure - giving support to local communities in Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Morocco whilst providing students with an unforgettable experience.
Description of role: Sri Lanka is home to a rich variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, but its ecosystems face growing pressures from plastic pollution, habitat loss and human activity.

Our Marine & Wildlife Conservation Project works with local organisations and communities around Hikkaduwa to protect the natural environment, support wildlife conservation and promote sustainable practices. Volunteers take part in a range of hands-on activities, from supporting turtle conservation to restoring rainforest habitats and helping local communities maintain cleaner, healthier environments.

Daily tasks may include:

Turtle Sanctuary: Volunteers assist at Travelteer’s turtle sanctuary in Sri Lanka, which works to protect sea turtles by tackling illegal egg poaching and caring for injured turtles. Tasks include asissting with feeding, maintaining the sanctuary, helping vets with injured turtles brought in by local fishermen, collecting and protecting eggs from poachers, and releasing rehabilitated turtles and newly hatched babies back into the ocean.

Rainforest replantation: Helping restore rainforest habitats by planting native trees and vegetation, supporting biodiversity and contributing to long-term conservation efforts with local eco scientists.

Beach clean-ups: Collecting plastic waste and other rubbish from local beaches to reduce pollution and protect marine wildlife.

River clean-ups: Removing litter from rivers and surrounding areas, helping protect local waterways and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Supporting local agriculture: Assisting with community farming activities, helping maintain crops and supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit local residents.

Environmental conservation activities: Working alongside local organisations and project coordinators on practical initiatives that improve habitats, reduce waste and raise awareness of environmental issues.

Activities will vary depending on environmental conditions, seasonal priorities and the needs of local project partners. Volunteers will gain practical conservation experience while contributing to efforts that support Sri Lanka's wildlife, ecosystems and local communities.

Cost breakdowns

Registration fee: £195
This covers the UK operational costs of running our projects, as well as pre-departure, and in-country support. Once you have paid this, you can start your fundraising and look at booking dates with our team.

Living Cost: £35/day (Inc. food, accommodation & transport to and from the projects)

All of our volunteers are asked to fundraise towards their trip, too. Fundraising is set at £75 per week of volunteering, up to a maximum of £300. 100% of the funds raised go to Travelteer Impact, our UK-registered charity, and are used to support our projects through the provision of essential equipment and improvements to local facilities. Any funds raised above your target can be reimbursed towards the cost of your flights.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Fundraising, Oral Communication Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: Approx. 30 hours a week
Location:
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka