Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka School Trips
Projects Abroad
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to study the challenges of marine conservation, particularly around endangered sea turtles. Students will work first-hand with conservationists tackling issues such as poaching, pollution, and habitat loss, while seeing how community education and hands-on work can make a measurable difference.Beyond its conservation focus, this programme also offers a unique cultural dimension. From exploring Buddhist temples and colonial forts to taking part in local cooking and craft traditions, students experience how culture and environment are interwoven in Sri Lanka. This balance of conservation service and cultural immersion provides a structured and curriculum-relevant platform to enhance learning in biology, geography, and global citizenship.
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Example Itineraries for our 2026 trips
Days 1 - 2
Land in the capital city of Colombo, where our team will meet you, before heading to your accommodation in Balapitiya. Spend the evening settling in and enjoying a welcome dinner with your group.
The next day, receive an induction session detailing cultural norms of Sri Lanka, the aims and impact of the project you're joining, and the work you'll be getting involved in. After lunch, enjoy a tour of Balapitiya town and of the Turtle Conservation Centre, ready to get started on your project work the next day.
Days 3 - 6
Time to get your hands dirty and dive into your conservation work. Your first few days will be spent at the Turtle Conservation Centre, lending a hand to the local conservationists where needed. You'll work with many different turtle species during your time here, including Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, and Hawksbill Turtles.
This could include feeding the turtles at the centre, cleaning their tanks, supporting the growth of baby turtles at the hatchery, and more. You will also engage in educational initiatives for the local community, including painting educational murals and a hygiene awareness programme at a nearby school.
After busy mornings working on projects, you'll have plenty of time to explore your surroundings in the afternoons.
Journey through time at Galle Dutch Fort, where Dutch architecture meets Sri Lankan culture. Explore the Unawatuna Japanese Peace Temple, adorned with ancient rituals. Conclude the day at Jungle Beach, relishing in the serene sunset and enjoying nature.
You'll also get the chance to embark on a relaxing river safari through the serene Mangroves of Madu River. Learn about the local wetlands ecosystem and head to Cinnamon Island, where you'll explore a temple.
Days 7 - 8
Five hours away from Balapitiya sits the marvel, Sigiriya - an ancient rock fortress. Staggeringly spectacular at 200 metres high, your group will walk to the top where you'll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Afterwards, explore the nearby Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 150 Buddha statues and breathtaking views from its hilltop location.
Learn more about traditional Sri Lankan culture and exports during a visit to a tea plantation - you might want to pick up some souvenirs here to take home.
The next day, you will visit Minneriya National Park for an exciting jeep safari!
Witness the famed "Gathering" of elephants, along with other wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and vibrant bird species in this lush sanctuary. This is a glimpse into the wilder side of Sri Lanka and the incredible wildlife that calls it home.
Days 9 -10
Head back to Balapitiya, where you'll enjoy a traditional dance class. Learn about the role of dance and music in Sri Lanka's culture.
Before returning to the conservation centre, pick up traditional ingredients at a local market and join a cooking class to make delicious Sri Lankan staple foods. Savour the rich flavours and colourful dishes made with local ingredients.
The next afternoon, visit the impressive Kande Viharaya Temple, an important Buddhist temple located on a hilltop.
The rest of the time will be spent continuing your turtle conservation work, helping to care for injured turtles and protect nesting sites. Depending on the season, you may head out on a night patrol to see the turtles on the beaches.
Days 11 - 12
A trip to Southern Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without visiting Mirissa - arguably one of its most picturesque beaches. Explore Parrot Rock, take a photo on the Instagram-famous Coconut Tree Hill, and enjoy relaxing at Secret Beach
The next day, you'll visit Kanneliya Rainforest to experience more of Sri Lanka's natural beauty and biodiversity. The forest is lush, peaceful, and full of life - with waterfalls, streams, and a refreshing atmosphere.
Day 13
On your final full day, head back to Colombo to embark on a detailed city tour to get your last experience of this incredible culture. Visit Colombo's key landmarks, including Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Lotus Tower, and Red Mosque. Make sure to pack your camera!
To celebrate your final evening in Sri Lanka, join our team for a fantastic farewell dinner at your guesthouse in Colombo.
Day 14
Reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime journey you've undertaken and the memories you've made. Look back on the incredible work you've done and how you've contributed to the protection of sea turtles with pride.
Think about your newfound confidence, skills, and cultural understanding during your journey - these will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Land in the capital city of Colombo, where our team will meet you, before heading to your accommodation in Balapitiya. Spend the evening settling in and enjoying a welcome dinner with your group.
The next day, receive an induction session detailing cultural norms of Sri Lanka, the aims and impact of the project you're joining, and the work you'll be getting involved in. After lunch, enjoy a tour of Balapitiya town and of the Turtle Conservation Centre, ready to get started on your project work the next day.
Days 3 - 6
Time to get your hands dirty and dive into your conservation work. Your first few days will be spent at the Turtle Conservation Centre, lending a hand to the local conservationists where needed. You'll work with many different turtle species during your time here, including Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, and Hawksbill Turtles.
This could include feeding the turtles at the centre, cleaning their tanks, supporting the growth of baby turtles at the hatchery, and more. You will also engage in educational initiatives for the local community, including painting educational murals and a hygiene awareness programme at a nearby school.
After busy mornings working on projects, you'll have plenty of time to explore your surroundings in the afternoons.
Journey through time at Galle Dutch Fort, where Dutch architecture meets Sri Lankan culture. Explore the Unawatuna Japanese Peace Temple, adorned with ancient rituals. Conclude the day at Jungle Beach, relishing in the serene sunset and enjoying nature.
You'll also get the chance to embark on a relaxing river safari through the serene Mangroves of Madu River. Learn about the local wetlands ecosystem and head to Cinnamon Island, where you'll explore a temple.
Days 7 - 8
Five hours away from Balapitiya sits the marvel, Sigiriya - an ancient rock fortress. Staggeringly spectacular at 200 metres high, your group will walk to the top where you'll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Afterwards, explore the nearby Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 150 Buddha statues and breathtaking views from its hilltop location.
Learn more about traditional Sri Lankan culture and exports during a visit to a tea plantation - you might want to pick up some souvenirs here to take home.
The next day, you will visit Minneriya National Park for an exciting jeep safari!
Witness the famed "Gathering" of elephants, along with other wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and vibrant bird species in this lush sanctuary. This is a glimpse into the wilder side of Sri Lanka and the incredible wildlife that calls it home.
Days 9 -10
Head back to Balapitiya, where you'll enjoy a traditional dance class. Learn about the role of dance and music in Sri Lanka's culture.
Before returning to the conservation centre, pick up traditional ingredients at a local market and join a cooking class to make delicious Sri Lankan staple foods. Savour the rich flavours and colourful dishes made with local ingredients.
The next afternoon, visit the impressive Kande Viharaya Temple, an important Buddhist temple located on a hilltop.
The rest of the time will be spent continuing your turtle conservation work, helping to care for injured turtles and protect nesting sites. Depending on the season, you may head out on a night patrol to see the turtles on the beaches.
Days 11 - 12
A trip to Southern Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without visiting Mirissa - arguably one of its most picturesque beaches. Explore Parrot Rock, take a photo on the Instagram-famous Coconut Tree Hill, and enjoy relaxing at Secret Beach
The next day, you'll visit Kanneliya Rainforest to experience more of Sri Lanka's natural beauty and biodiversity. The forest is lush, peaceful, and full of life - with waterfalls, streams, and a refreshing atmosphere.
Day 13
On your final full day, head back to Colombo to embark on a detailed city tour to get your last experience of this incredible culture. Visit Colombo's key landmarks, including Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Lotus Tower, and Red Mosque. Make sure to pack your camera!
To celebrate your final evening in Sri Lanka, join our team for a fantastic farewell dinner at your guesthouse in Colombo.
Day 14
Reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime journey you've undertaken and the memories you've made. Look back on the incredible work you've done and how you've contributed to the protection of sea turtles with pride.
Think about your newfound confidence, skills, and cultural understanding during your journey - these will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Conservation Wildlife Animal Care
Students taking part in our Sea Turtle Conservation Programme in Sri Lanka will work alongside experts to ensure the survival of precious wildlife species, completing tasks such as:
> Helping bury the sea turtle eggs in a safe, dedicated area to rescue them from poachers
> Conduct daily checks on the eggs to check their hatching time and help the emerging baby turtles
> Taking part in the night patrol on the beach of Galbokka to look for endangered sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
> Planting mangroves
Community Projects
Your group will engage with the local community through conversations as they raise awareness of sea turtle conservation and the preservation of local ecosystems through presentations. Inspire the next generation of conservationists to ensure that sea turtles are protected and monitored long after you return home!
What size groups do we cater for?
All group sizes of 5 or more. Free staff place with every 9 students.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Disabled facilities can be offered on request.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Visitors with special educational needs can be catered for on request.
Anything else?
Projects Abroad holds the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge and operates in compliance with BS 8848 standards for overseas activities. For school leaders and governors, this means the programme meets recognised national benchmarks.
We provide comprehensive risk assessments, safeguarding policies, and approval-ready documentation for every trip, supporting SLT, governor, and district approval processes. The team that plans your trip is the team on the ground when you arrive.
By travelling with us, you also contribute positively to local economies, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Don't take our word for it; we're B Corporation Certified! We're committed to setting the new sustainability standard in school travel by offsetting 110% of carbon emissions associated with your in-destination programming.
Our Partnerships Team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
We provide comprehensive risk assessments, safeguarding policies, and approval-ready documentation for every trip, supporting SLT, governor, and district approval processes. The team that plans your trip is the team on the ground when you arrive.
By travelling with us, you also contribute positively to local economies, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Don't take our word for it; we're B Corporation Certified! We're committed to setting the new sustainability standard in school travel by offsetting 110% of carbon emissions associated with your in-destination programming.
Our Partnerships Team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
Who are Projects Abroad?
Since 1992, Projects Abroad has helped young people step beyond the familiar and discover what they're truly capable of. As a global leader in educational travel, we've partnered with over 500 schools to deliver transformative school trips that help shape students' passions, careers, and futures.
We realise that each school has its own goals and interests, and the students have their own interests. We work with every school to develop a tailored itinerary that reflects their values and allows the students to make a connection with the community in which they serve.
We're proud of our dedicated in-country staff whose diverse skill sets, local knowledge and love of their community allow us to develop relevant, immersive and worthwhile schedules for school trips. These experiences give the students responsibility and teach them to see the world through a different lens.
The result is a trip that students remember long after they've left school, and one that reflects well on the school that made it possible!
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Tailor your trip Help promoting your trip Offset your trip carbon footprint
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