Read all about Grace's experience volunteering for three weeks with sea turtles in Sri Lanka.
I volunteered in Sri Lanka for 3 weeks where I had the opportunity to work on the Sea turtle project. Before I arrived in Sri Lanka the team were helpful in answering any questions, providing loads of info and getting all volunteers in contact with each other.
The transfer to and from the airport was easy and I had no trouble finding the group once I landed which is something I was nervous about. By the time we arrived at the accommodation I had already started making friends and settling in. I made friends quickly with the other girls in my room, and during the induction made other friends too. Going in, I was worried about making friends, but everyone was in the same boat and it was a great environment. In the end, I made some good close friends that I still speak to now.
My volunteering days involved beach patrols, hatchery guarding and beach cleaning; we looked out for any turtles hatching on the beach and in the hatchery during the evenings, and every morning made sure the beach had been cleared of any litter. We then made eco bricks with anything we collected.
"My favourite moments were watching the turtles being released in the evenings and spending time all together in the evenings."
In our free time, we enjoyed sitting on the beach each afternoon before dinner, and going into the local town Hikkaduwa which was only a 10 minute tuk tuk ride away. We explored the local area, and found some nice local restaurants and hotels that we visited often. There was also various sports and different activities organised every week , such as kayaking and karaoke.
I also signed up to two of the weekend trips, so I had the opportunity to visit other towns and go on a safari where we were lucky enough to see a range of animals including elephants, monkeys and crocodiles. The Maldives trip was a highlight of my trip, I swam with sharks, snorkelled with turtles and string rays and enjoyed time in the hotel.
My favourite moments were watching the turtles being released in the evenings and spending time all together in the evenings.
I would recommend this programme to anyone and everyone. I felt safe my entire trip, the food and accommodation were great, and it was a lovely group of people.
