Sri Lanka

Volunteering at the Sea Animals Project in Sri Lanka

Q: How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date , But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible. But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Directly at the sea
animals in the wild
Knowledge sharing

Sea turtles, sharks, sea pigs, pink dolphins and many other impressive sea creatures live off the coast of Sri Lanka. In our varied project, you and the scientists will do everything to protect this unique animal world and the endangered marine ecosystem.

Kalpitiya

from 18 years

2 - 12 weeks / from €1.890

Saturday

life under water

Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Project ID : FA-SR285

As a volunteer
Sri Lanka

2 - 12 weeks / from €1.890
to the cost overview

What's the matter?

In Sri Lanka, more than a million people make a living from fishing. Since the existence of many depends on it, it is particularly important to manage marine resources carefully. However, the greatest threat to marine life comes from the fishing industry.

Other threats include not only the environmentally harmful mining of fossil fuels on the sea floor, but also poaching and a lack of environmental awareness among the population due to a lack of education. Even the pollution of the sea with plastic waste does not stop at Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches and damages the marine ecosystem in the long term. In short: Due to Sri Lanka's rapid economic development and population growth, long-term marine protection must be ensured.

Your place of work is a non-profit organization that has been committed to marine research and conservation for almost 30 years. In doing so, she pursues many goals. The employees are currently preparing a comprehensive environmental study of Sri Lanka's marine life. They are also working to ensure that destructive fishing methods are abolished in the area and that overfishing is avoided.

Other goals include promoting sustainable fishing and working with local communities to raise awareness of environmental protection and responsible use of resources. Ultimately, the overarching goal is the protection and conservation of marine diversity in Sri Lanka.

Your tasks as a volunteer

Depending on how many volunteers are on site, you will work in teams. There is one morning activity and one in the afternoon. You will usually work from Monday to Friday, either from 8.30:12.30 a.m. to 5.00:9.00 p.m. or from 15.00 a.m. to 19.00 a.m. in the morning and from 18.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. or from XNUMX p.m. to XNUMX a.m. During your break you can eat together with the other volunteers and project workers. The exact workflow depends on your area of application and will be discussed in detail with you on site.

As a volunteer, you will be deployed in one of the following projects depending on your skills and needs. Normally, you cannot choose the area yourself. If you want to specialize, you must submit a detailed application. Please also note that not all projects take place at all times. The program depends on the weather and season, as well as research priorities.

Assessment of marine avifauna diversity
Assessment of offshore fisheries catches
Data entry and sorting of photos of avifauna diversity and fish catches
Identification and Conservation of Mangroves
Evaluation of ornamental fish catches
Socio-Economic Studies
Night beach patrol to inspect sea turtle nests
Beach patrols to monitor and protect identified nests
Snail Survey (Gastropods)
Mangrove Crab Research
fish research
Exploring the local fish industry
Identification of salt marsh types
Exploring rubble and rubble
Dolphin and Whale Watching

In most projects, the tasks often revolve around observing, collecting and evaluating data, creating databases, categorizing, identifying species or even installing protective devices, talking to local actors, etc.

Accommodation Catering

all fotos

Homestay in Kalpitiya

During your volunteer work you live in a country house. It has basic amenities such as western style bathrooms and electricity. Up to five volunteers can be accommodated here, with a maximum of two participants sharing a room (separated by gender).

The environment is safe, so you can easily explore the area alone or with other volunteers. Depending on where you are deployed, you can reach your workplace on foot, by car or by boat. Three team members are available to you as contact persons: one scientist and two field assistants. From time to time there are events on site that you are welcome to participate in.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. There are usually short breaks during work and a longer lunch break.

Location

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Kalpitiya

Our project location is in the northwest of Sri Lanka on the Kalpitiya peninsula, near the small town of the same name with around 7500 inhabitants. The animal-rich area is partly still very original and little touristy.

The population lives mainly from fishing in the sea and in the Kalpitiya Lagoon, the largest and most famous lagoon in the area. Sea creatures such as dolphins and whales cavort off the coast, and many seabirds make their home on land. In the lagoon you can see the rare pink dolphins (Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins) and dugong (sea pigs).

So if you are interested in animal welfare and want to experience life in a small, somewhat isolated coastal town, Kalpitiya is a great choice! Here you can discover Sri Lanka off the usual tourist paths.

Your free time in Kalpitiya

In your free time you will definitely not be bored in Sri Lanka. The area around your location is an absolute dream destination, especially for nature lovers and outdoor sports aficionados. Of course, you can also just lie down on one of the miles of sandy beaches and relax while listening to the surf of the Indian Ocean.

The optimal wind conditions (especially in the season between May and September) make the Kalpitiya Peninsula the surfer Mecca in the region. You will find the best conditions on site to get your adrenaline rush with surfing or kite surfing. For a quieter, almost meditative alternative, explore the mangrove forests of Kalpitiya Lagoon in a kayak or on a stand up paddle board.

For several years now, the unique underwater world of the peninsula with its wealth of species has been attracting divers and snorkelers from all over the world. And rightly so. The Bar Reef, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka, is right on your doorstep and invites you to explore the extremely diverse marine fauna and flora. In addition to numerous smaller species, you will also find sharks, rays, manatees, the famous pink dolphins and, with a bit of luck, even blue whales, the largest creatures on our planet.

Away from the coast, there is also a lot to discover inland. Not far from your accommodation is Wilpattu National Park, known for its rich wildlife. Here you can see elephants, crocodiles and tons of exotic birds. Thanks to the highest density of leopards in the world, you will not have a better chance of seeing the big cats up close anywhere else. The narrow roads of the rural region are also ideal for long mountain bike tours.

On-site procedure

Arrival in Sri Lanka

You land at the international airport in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. Since the project always starts on Mondays, you should arrive at least one day before. You can change a small amount of money at the airport. However, the exchange offices outside the airport usually offer better exchange rates.

You will be picked up from the airport by a team member and taken to a hotel in Pinnawala, where you will spend your first night. The next day you will be driven from there to your project location. Transport from the airport to the project is included.

However, the transfer at the end of your stay is not included in the services. You can either travel by public transport or organize private transport with the help of the team.

Orientation program in Sri Lanka

Arriving in Kalpitiya, you will take part in an approximately one-hour orientation program. You get to know the project staff, the other volunteers and the place of assignment. You will also learn more about the location and your project. And you get a mosquito net. In the afternoon you go on your first excursion with the other volunteers. If you need a SIM card, you can buy one cheaply on site and use it for both internet and international calls.

Your first day in the project

After the introductory program, you will start your work on the project. You will be instructed in the individual activities by one of the team members or an experienced volunteer and can then support you with the various tasks.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.890, -

2 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 490, - / week

up to 1 week respectively
extension week

€ 280, - / week

from 2 weeks each

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Airport transfer on the agreed day of arrival
Accommodation in Volunteer House

Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Pinnawala and from there to the project site
Hotel overnight in Pinnawala

Daily drive to the project

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

water, tea and coffee

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Airport transfer on departure day

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

Kalpitiya Team
site

His love of marine conservation led Charuka Sandaruwan after his studies in coastal and marine resources management in the wildlife project in Sri Lanka. In recent years, Charuka has conducted various studies on marine organisms. It included research on sea snails, various bird species, dolphins, mangrove forests and seagrass beds, and the impact of marine litter on sea turtles and nesting seabirds. Charuka is always happy when he can pass on his knowledge of research methods in marine protection to volunteers.

Chinthaka organizes and manages the entire volunteer program and welcomes the new volunteers to the project. His enthusiasm for wildlife and animal welfare research brought him to the project in the early 2000s. Chinthaka also works closely with local farmers, families and communities and is also involved in various initiatives to prevent conflict between wildlife and humans.

Charuka, Chinthaka and the other employees not only train you, but also make sure that you feel comfortable in the project. They are happy to answer any questions or problems you may have. They will also give you information and tips on excursions in your free time.

RGV FAQ
to the project

How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.

But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I travel with a friend or in a group?

Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.

We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.

When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!

Can I combine projects?

Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.

Combination options at a glance:

Combine programs in one country
Combine programs across countries
Combine a program with a language course
Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips

There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

Which visa do I need for Sri Lanka?

You need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply for a tourist visa online. The issuance is for a stay of 30 days. An extension can also be requested online. Our on-site team will be happy to help you with this.

The following documents are required for the extension: passport photo, passport copy, copy of the return flight ticket.

What language skills do I need for the project?

In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have good English skills.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need?

If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise there are no compulsory vaccinations.

We generally recommend a consultation in a practice for travel and tropical medicine.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

What are the requirements for the project?

You do not need any special prior knowledge to participate. Interest in marine biology and environmental protection, high motivation and a positive work attitude are important.

What do I have to bring?

Comfortable work clothing that protects against the sun and thorns.

In case of contact with the public: Appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees

When bathing in the water pool: women are not allowed to wear bikinis or bathing suits (only t-shirts, pants that cover the knees, wrap-around skirts, etc.)

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Sri Lanka? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

Dugong, also called sea pigs or fork tail cows

More projects you too might be interested

Are you not sure yet? Think about whether a spontaneous assignment as a volunteer abroad is the right choice for you or whether you would like to Voluntary social year (FSJ) abroad want to decide.

With RGV you achieve flexible volunteer work in different countries worldwide. Maybe there is one too Internship abroad the ideal choice for you to gain valuable experience abroad.