Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation – What’s In It For Tourists and Volunteers

For millions of years, sea turtles have traveled the world’s oceans and returned to beaches to lay their eggs.

Today, however, these ancient creatures face a very different world.

However, in Sri Lanka, an Indian Ocean Island is playing an important conservation effort in preserving this vital asset to the world.

While the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Environmentalists, local community, tourism industry along with supporters doing a great effort.

“There is Something interesting is happening alongside it,” says Dharmaka Gunawardena, a turtle conservation enthusiast.

He says, this is becoming a tourist attraction.’

“Turtle conservation in Sri Lanka is no longer just a wildlife protection program. It is increasingly becoming a unique tourism experience,” added Gunawardena.

This is how it goes, he explains.

Visitors arrive in Sri Lanka as tourists, curious to see the country’s famous beaches, wildlife and marine life and some end up volunteering with conservation projects.

Whilst many volunteers, who originally arrive specifically to work with turtles, end up becoming tourists themselves.

They travel through Sri Lanka, exploring its wildlife parks, mountains, historic cities and spectacular coastline.

“Its beautiful and a very pristine country says Sindy, a student of marine biology who has arrived from UK to take part in a turtle conservation program.

“For me it’s a powerful combination – taking part in the turtle conservation program as a study project and then traveling across the country”

Sri Lanka Tourism Industry is welcoming guests to the growing world of turtle conservation tourism in Sri Lanka.

Five of the World’s Seven Sea Turtle Species Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the important locations in the Indian Ocean for sea turtle conservation.

Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found around the island and along its coastline.

They include the Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle.

These turtles use Sri Lanka’s coastal waters and, particularly in certain areas, return to sandy beaches for nesting.

This is why the country’s southern coastline has become especially important for turtle conservation.

Among top areas in Sri Lanka for turtle conservation are Rekawa, Kosgoda, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Unawatuna in the tourist hotspot of Southern coastal belt.

Many parties are involved in the conservation effort.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard, for example, has expanded its Turtle Conservation Project across a number of sites along the western and southern coastal belts.

The project focuses on protecting turtle eggs and hatch-lings, raising awareness among coastal communities and helping injured or vulnerable turtles.

Since beginning its conservation efforts in 2016, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Turtle Conservation Project has released a significant number of hatch-lings back into the ocean.

But the story is much bigger than numbers.

It is about changing the relationship between people, tourism and wildlife.

A Magical Moment: Watching Baby Turtles Reach the Ocean

Few wildlife experiences are as emotional as watching newly hatched baby turtles make their journey towards the sea.

“I felt tearful, when the baby turtles were touching the ocean and felt that they are safe forever,” said Shini Bondrax, who was a wildlife enthusiast from Germany, who was volunteering at the project.

Tiny hatch-lings emerge from the sand and begin one of the most important journeys of their lives.

For visitors watching from a respectful distance, it can be a magical experience.

But conservationists emphasise that these moments must also be handled responsibly.

Baby turtles should not be treated as tourist props.

They should not be unnecessarily handled for photographs. Visitors should avoid disturbing them with bright lights or camera flashes. Hatchlings need space and the best possible conditions to make their journey naturally towards the ocean.

This is where responsible conservation tourism becomes important.

The best turtle experience is not necessarily the one where a tourist gets closest to a turtle, however it is the one where the turtle has the best possible chance of survival.

Visitors can watch, learn, admire and support — without interfering with nature.

How Turtle Conservation Has Become Part of Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka is already known around the world for its wildlife.

Visitors come to see elephants, leopards, whales, dolphins, birds and monkeys.

They visit national parks, rainforests and marine environments.

Sea turtles have now become another important part of this wildlife story.

For tourists traveling through the Southern Province, a turtle conservation experience can easily become part of a wider Sri Lanka holiday.

A visitor may spend the morning exploring the historic streets of Galle.

The afternoon could be spent on a southern beach.

Another day may include whale watching from Mirissa, a safari in Yala National Park or a visit to a turtle conservation project.

This is what makes Sri Lanka particularly special.

Wildlife experiences are not isolated from the rest of the journey. They are part of the journey.

When Tourists Become Volunteers

Sri Lanka has also become an attractive destination for international volunteers interested in wildlife and marine conservation.

People from around the world travel to Sri Lanka specifically to spend time working with conservation projects.

Some assist with awareness programs.

Others learn about turtle nesting and hatchery operations. Some participate in beach cleaning initiatives, community education or conservation-related activities.

They meet Sri Lankans.

They experience local food and culture.

They travel through different parts of the country.

And they see first-hand why protecting Sri Lanka’s natural environment matters.

This creates an interesting cycle.

A tourist becomes a volunteer.

And Volunteers Become Tourists

The opposite is equally important.

Many international volunteers arrive in Sri Lanka primarily because of conservation.

But once they are here, they discover an island filled with experiences.

They may arrive to work near the southern coast.

Then they visit Galle, Yala or Udawalawe to see elephants and wildlife.

They explore Ella, Hill Country, ancient cities and enjoy Sri Lankan food.

A volunteer who spends several weeks helping a conservation project may become one of the country’s most passionate tourism ambassadors.

Are you going to be the next volunteer or tourist to become a volunteer.