Sri Lanka ’s tropical climate and warm seas mean that as well as being an inviting gap year destination, it is the perfect habitat for a diversity of exotic animals. One such animal is the beautiful sea turtle and on this volunteer conservation project, gap year travellers can contribute to environmental work that aims to protect them.
Gap year volunteer role: This conservation project is located in Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa is a coastal town famed for its magnificent beaches and coral reefs, making it a popular location for surfing, snorkelling and sunbathing. Gap year volunteers work at the Hikkaduwa turtle conservation centre, which is run by the Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka. 
Conservation volunteers work alongside staff at the project, helping to collect and hatch turtle eggs, to identify different kinds of turtles, to feed and treat them and to assist in returning them back to their natural habitat in the Indian Ocean.
Those who volunteer in Sri Lanka on this wildlife conservation project will also be expected to assist in manual tasks, including cleaning out turtle tanks and local beaches. Finally, gap year volunteers will help educate visitors to the centre about turtles, sea plants and the marine ecosystem.
Your gap year experience: The Hikkaduwa turtle conservation centre carries out important environmental work but is often limited by a lack of resources and manpower. Conservation volunteers on this gap year project can make a real contribution to the protection of sea turtles in Sri Lanka.
This wildlife conservation role is ideal for anyone with a genuine interest in ecological issues and particularly those concerned with the plight of the sea turtle. Gap year travellers studying environmental science or interested in a career in conservation will find the experience particularly useful.
Volunteer projects are a great way to immerse yourself in the life of an overseas community and volunteers on this conservation project are perfectly placed to enjoy the tropical lifestyle of coastal Sri Lanka. The Galle region has many attractions for gap year travel, including Galle city fort, Buddhist temples and river safaris.
Introduction to volunteering in Sri Lanka: All our Sri Lanka volunteer projects include a one week induction, which is your first step towards making the most of your gap year! This is an action packed and fun-filled week that lets you get to know the Sri Lankan lifestyle and culture firsthand. You will get time to meet local people, taste local cuisine and familiarize yourself with Sri Lankan customs.
he introduction week takes place in Kandy and is included in the price of conservation projects lasting 3 weeks or longer. To find out more please speak to a GapGuru advisor.