Environmental Conservation in Sri Lanka

Volunteer at an amazing environmental project

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A group of volunteers litter picking at the beach

Group Size: Max 12

Trip code: SLEC

Duration: 1-8 weeks

Free weekends to explore
Get involved in various environmental projects
Accommodation & transport included

Make a real difference on this incredible eco-project in Southern Sri Lanka. Spend between 1 and 8 weeks (or longer) staying in a lively volunteer house, helping with a range of initiatives that combat climate change and reduce pollution. You’ll get involved with building artificial reefs, planting mangroves, river clean-ups, organic farming, beach clean-ups, community education, building eco bricks and more! Weekends are for exploring gorgeous Galle (just 15 minutes away) and lazing on white-sand beaches. It’s the perfect way to have an amazing experience, while giving back.  

Trip Highlights

  • Build artificial coral reefs and help with mangrove reforestation
  • Clear plastic pollution from beautiful beaches and rural rivers
  • Deliver recycling education to the local community
  • Stay in a vibrant volunteer house with swimming pool and gardens
  • Spend your weekends exploring historic Galle and the south coast’s golden beaches
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What's included
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner every day
  • Accommodation in the volunteer house
  • Airport transfer on arrival
  • Project coordinator
  • Experienced local team
  • Training programme
  • Orientation tour around Galle
  • Local transport to daily activities
  • Use of the facilities at the volunteer house
  • Weekly yoga class on rooftop terrace
  • Weekly movie night
  • Monthly bike tour of local villages
  • Monthly garden BBQ
  • 24 hour emergency helpline
What's not included
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Flights
  • Return airport transfer
Further trip information

Spend between 1 and 8 weeks working on a range of initiatives on an amazing eco project in southern Sri Lanka. The project is all about fighting climate change and addressing pollution and features a range of important initiatives designed to address key environmental issues affecting the local area.

Where will I stay?

You’ll stay in a volunteer house looking out over the turquoise ocean of Unawatuna Beach, with historic Galle just 15 minutes up the road. The house has a private garden, swimming pool and lots of shared communal space.

When will I be working?

Work is Monday to Friday (with weekends free to explore Galle, southern Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, and to join optional activities and excursions).

What will my duties include?

You’ll be involved with all kinds of important environmental work in the local area, including:

  • Helping with mangrove reforestation – planting seeds, caring for baby mangroves
  • Delivering recycling education to local communities, schools and businesses
  • Making and donating eco bricks to the local community
  • Organic farming – planting seeds, making compost, looking after crops
  • Building and placing artificial coral reefs
  • Beach clean-ups – clearing pollution from beaches in the Galle and Unawatuna areas
  • River clean-ups – clearing pollution from the Ging Ganga River in 2-man canoes

What support will I be given?

On arrival you’ll be given a detailed orientation and training programme, including health and safety training, culture training and an area orientation tour around Galle. You’ll be supported throughout your stay by the project coordinator and experienced local team, who will provide project-specific training and guide you day-by-day on all activities.

How will I get around?

Local transportation to and from the project is included every day. At the weekends you’ll have to arrange your own transport, although the local team can help with that.  

Included Activities

As well as your volunteering duties you can also take part in a number of activites which may occur whilst you are at the project, such as:

  • Weekly yoga class from an experienced yoga teacher
  • Weekly movie night on large screen projector
  • Monthly guided bike tour around the local paddyfields and countryside
  • Monthly special Sri Lanka BBQ dinner
  • Monthly cultural visit to Buddhist temple

*Please note: Some activities on this itinerary will depend on seasonal conditions. We’ll do everything we can to advise you of changes to this itinerary wherever possible.

Real customer reviews
Sri Lanka Facebook Group Discussion

Hey, I just booked the Sri Lanka Intro starting on the 15th of October . Was wondering if anyone else is going to be on this trip and wanted to join the group chat thats been made? x

Hey all 🙂 I'm heading to Sri Lanka in June for the turtle conservation project for 3 weeks, any one else in here going around that time? 🐢

Hey!! Is anyone going on the Sri Lanka adventure starting 22nd of July? 🐢😁

Booking options

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Please note: There are various religious and public holidays during the year and on these days no activities take place. Please contact us for further information.

Online booking is unavailable for this trip

Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
Flights from £350

Cheapest flights between London and Colombo for the next 6 months.

*Prices updated every 72 hours

Cheapest: £350 April, 2024
Most expensive: £862 July, 2024
Arrival information

Arrive at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport on day 1 of your stay. 

There will be 2 shared airport transfers every Saturday (one in the morning plus one in the afternoon/evening) as follows:

A morning transfer will cover flights arriving between 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Our driver will arrive at the airport by 6:00am and will meet all participants who arrive between 6-10am and then collectively take the group to the volunteer house in Galle after the last person has arrived within this range. Those arriving earlier than 6am will have to wait in the arrivals area of the airport where they can sit in the air-conditioned lounge, get a local SIM card organized and even have some refreshments at the onsite food court/bakery if they choose. Our driver will also provide every participant with a complimentary bottle of drinking water.

Afternoon/Evening Transfer will cover flights arriving between 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The same conditions will apply as the morning transfer described above, except for the change of time.

If your flight arrives after 6:30pm or on any other day which is not a Saturday, a private transfer can be arranged for USD 100 or you can make your own arrangements.

Departure transfers are not included, but can be arranged as above for additional cost if required. Alternatively, you can book this locally once in country.

Accommodation & meals

Accommodation at one of three shared volunteer houses is included for the duration of your stay. All accommodations are within 100m of each other in the Unawatuna district of Galle in Southern Sri Lanka. The volunteer houses are all within 5 minute walk of Unawatuna beach and turquoise waters of the Indian The historic city of Galle is just a 15 minute drive.

There is maximum of 6 per room, although most rooms are are only 4. Rooms are single sex, but private room upgrades are available at extra cost. The main house is split over 4 floors and has 3 kitchens, 3 common areas, a dining area, private outdoor garden and swimming pool, which are available to all guests regardless of volunteer house. The accommodations are located in a safe and quiet residential neighbourhood. The houses have hot water and wifi included. 

Home-cooked meals will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the main volunteer house and will be a mix of Sri Lanka food and western food Typical dishes include:

- Red rice and sambol
- Bread and fruits
- Rice and curry
- Rotis
- Pasta
- Fresh salads
- Wraps
- Soups

Please let a travel advisor know if you have any dietary requirements, as most can be easily catered for with local ingredients.

Minimum age & eligibility

You’ll need to be a minimum of 18 years old to participate on this programme. You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to participate. All that’s needed is a desire to make a difference and a willingness to work and learn.

All tourists visiting Sri Lanka can apply for a 180-day visa through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) website. The fee for this is 50 USD. You can also obtain an on-arrival visa in Colombo Airport at a cost of 60 USD, but this visa will only be for 30 days. If you are planning to stay in Sri Lanka for longer than 30 days, we recommend that you apply for your visa in advance, so you don't have to extend your visa with the Immigration Department during your stay. 

Please note: Visa requirements are subject to change so make sure you check before you travel.

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