Helpful Answers Before You Volunteer, Visit, or Donate ♡

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQ page of Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project. Here, you can find answers to common questions about our sea turtle conservation work, volunteer program, project visits, birthday donation gifts, responsible hatchling release policy, and ethical volunteering approach.

If you are planning to volunteer with sea turtles in Sri Lanka, visit our project in Ahungalla, arrange a student group visit, or support our work through a donation, these answers will help you understand what to expect.
For any question not answered here, you are welcome to contact us directly by WhatsApp or email.

FAQ

General Questions

01. What is Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project?

Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a local sea turtle conservation initiative based in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka. The project supports sea turtle protection through education, responsible care support, beach cleaning, volunteer involvement, awareness programs, visitor learning, and ethical donation opportunities.

Our aim is to protect sea turtles while helping visitors and volunteers understand why responsible conservation matters.

02. Where is the project located?

The project is located in Ahungalla, on the south west coast of Sri Lanka. Ahungalla is close to Bentota, Kosgoda, Balapitiya, Hikkaduwa, and Galle, making it easy for tourists, families, volunteers, and student groups to visit.

03. Who founded the project?

Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project was founded by Chalana Hettihandi, a young Sri Lankan entrepreneur from Balapitiya with a lifelong passion for animals, nature, sustainability, and responsible tourism.

His vision is to create a conservation project that protects sea turtles, educates visitors, supports volunteers, and encourages tourism that benefits wildlife, local communities, and the environment.

04. What sea turtle species are found in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is visited by five species of sea turtles:

Green Turtle
Olive Ridley Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle
Loggerhead Turtle
Leatherback Turtle

These species are part of Sri Lanka’s marine heritage and need protection from pollution, fishing injuries, habitat loss, egg poaching, artificial lights, and careless tourism.

05. Why is sea turtle conservation important?

Sea turtles are important for healthy marine ecosystems. They help maintain the natural balance of the ocean and are connected to beaches, seagrass areas, coral reefs, and wider marine life.
Sea turtles face many threats from human activity, so conservation work helps protect nesting beaches, educate people, reduce pollution, and support safer coastal environments.

FAQ

Volunteer Program FAQs

01. Can I volunteer with sea turtles in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project welcomes responsible volunteers who want to support sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka. Volunteers may help with beach cleaning, project maintenance, turtle care support where appropriate, visitor education, awareness work, and daily conservation activities.

02. Do I need previous experience to volunteer?

No previous experience is required. Our local team will guide you. What matters most is your respect for wildlife, willingness to learn, patience, flexibility, and positive attitude.

03. Who can join the volunteer program?

The volunteer program is suitable for:

European gap year travellers
University students
Wildlife lovers
Marine conservation learners
Responsible tourists
Families
Solo travellers
Couples
Small groups
School or university groups by prior arrangement

04. How long can I volunteer for?

Volunteers can contact us for short or longer stays. We recommend at least one week if possible, while two weeks or more gives a deeper and more meaningful experience.

Suggested options include:

One Week Introduction Program
Two Week Volunteer Program
Four Week Conservation Experience
Student and Group Volunteer Programs

05. What will volunteers do each day?

Volunteer tasks depend on project needs, weather, season, turtle activity, and team guidance.

Volunteers may help with:

Beach cleaning
Cleaning and maintaining project areas
Visitor education
Awareness activities
Simple record keeping
Turtle care support where appropriate
Project preparation work
Responsible conservation learning
Photography and content support with permission

Some days may be very active, while others may focus more on cleaning, maintenance, learning, and education. This is part of real conservation work.

06. Will I work directly with turtles every day?

No. Turtle activity depends on nature, nesting seasons, rescue needs, weather, and project conditions. Volunteers should not expect direct turtle work every day.
Some days may involve turtle related support, while other days may focus on beach cleaning, education, maintenance, awareness, and preparation.

07. Is the volunteer program suitable for European gap year students?

Yes. The program is suitable for European gap year students and young travellers who want a meaningful and responsible volunteer abroad experience in Sri Lanka.
We especially welcome volunteers who care about animal welfare, ethical tourism, sustainability, and real conservation work.

08. Can families volunteer together?

Yes. Families can contact us to discuss suitable volunteer or educational visit options. Activities can be arranged depending on the age of children, project conditions, and safety requirements.

09. Will I receive a certificate after volunteering?

A certificate of participation may be provided after completing the agreed volunteer program. Please confirm this before joining.

10. Are accommodation and meals included?

Accommodation and meal arrangements can be discussed based on your travel dates, duration, group size, and package requirements.
We can guide volunteers with suitable local accommodation options in or near Ahungalla.

11. Can I join as a school or university group?

Yes. School groups, university groups, environmental clubs, and responsible travel groups can join by prior arrangement. Group programs may include an educational project visit, conservation introduction, beach cleaning activity, awareness session, and certificate option where suitable.

FAQ

Volunteer Program FAQs

01. Can tourists visit Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project?

Yes. Tourists, families, students, groups, and responsible travellers can contact us to arrange a visit.
A project visit is a meaningful way to learn about sea turtles, marine conservation, plastic pollution, responsible tourism, and turtle protection in Sri Lanka.

02. Do I need to book before visiting?

Yes, we recommend booking before visiting. This helps us guide you with the best available time and prepare a better experience for you.
You can contact us by WhatsApp or email.

03. Is the project suitable for children?

Yes. Children can visit with parents, guardians, or teachers. A visit can help children learn about animals, the ocean, plastic pollution, and kindness towards wildlife.

04. Can school groups visit?

Yes. School and university group visits can be arranged by prior booking. Educational visits can include a project introduction, sea turtle conservation session, beach cleaning activity where suitable, and question and answer time.

Suggested options include:

One Week Introduction Program
Two Week Volunteer Program
Four Week Conservation Experience
Student and Group Volunteer Programs

05. What can visitors learn during the visit?

Visitors can learn about:

Sea turtle species in Sri Lanka
Sea turtle nesting and hatchling journeys
Threats to sea turtles
Plastic pollution and marine waste
Responsible turtle care
Why flash photography is harmful
Why turtles should not be treated as entertainment
How volunteers and donors support conservation

06. Will I see baby turtles during my visit?

Baby turtles cannot be guaranteed. Hatchlings depend on natural nesting and hatching cycles, weather, beach conditions, and project guidance.
We do not promise hatchlings or releases for every visit.

07. Can I take photos during my visit?

Photos may be allowed where appropriate, but flash photography, disturbing turtles, picking up hatchlings, or staged photos are not allowed.
Please always follow the project team’s guidance.

08. Can I donate during my visit?

Yes. Visitors can support the project through direct donations, birthday donation gifts, or by joining volunteer programs.

FAQ

Birthday Turtle Protection Gift FAQs

01. What is the Birthday Turtle Protection Gift?

The Birthday Turtle Protection Gift is an ethical donation gift by Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project. It allows supporters to celebrate a birthday by making a donation to sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka. The donor or birthday person can receive a digital turtle protection certificate as a thank you.

02. Is this a turtle release package?

No. This is not a paid turtle release package. It is a conservation donation. We do not sell baby turtle releases as entertainment. Your donation supports real conservation work such as turtle care support, beach cleaning, education, awareness, project maintenance, and responsible conservation activities.

03. Can I release a baby turtle on my birthday?

No, we do not offer personal baby turtle release activities for birthdays. Hatchling release depends on nature and safety conditions. If hatchlings are naturally ready and conditions are suitable, the project team will handle the release responsibly.

04. Can you release a turtle exactly on the birthday date?

No. We cannot guarantee release on an exact birthday date. Sea turtles follow nature, not human schedules. Hatching depends on nesting season, weather, timing, and beach conditions.

05. What do I receive after making a birthday donation?

You may receive:

Digital turtle protection certificate
Thank you message
Project update where available
Supporter wall listing if included in the selected donation package

06. Can I gift this to someone in Europe?

Yes. This is a good gift for supporters in Europe and around the world. We can send the digital certificate by email or WhatsApp.

07. Can I choose the name on the certificate?

Yes. You can share the name you want to appear on the digital certificate.

08. Does my donation mean I own a turtle?

No. Sea turtles are wild animals and cannot be owned. Your donation supports conservation work.

09. Can I get a photo or video after donating?

We may share a project update, photo, or short video when available, but this cannot be guaranteed for every donation. Turtle welfare and responsible conservation always come first.

FAQ

Shark Conservation Volunteer FAQs

01. Can I join a shark conservation volunteer program in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project offers a Shark Conservation Volunteer Program focused on shark and ray awareness, marine education, beach cleaning, responsible fisheries awareness, and ocean conservation support.

02. Do volunteers work directly with sharks?

No. Volunteers do not catch, handle, feed, or swim with sharks as part of the program. The shark conservation program is education, awareness, and non-invasive marine conservation focused.

03. What will shark conservation volunteers do?

Volunteers may help with shark and ray awareness, marine wildlife education, beach cleaning, plastic pollution work, student education, visitor learning, awareness posters, conservation content, and simple project records where suitable.

04. Can I combine shark conservation with sea turtle volunteering?

Yes. Volunteers can ask about the Combined Marine Conservation Volunteer Program, which includes sea turtle conservation support and shark conservation awareness activities.

05. Is the shark program suitable for European volunteers?

Yes. The program is suitable for European gap year travellers, students, wildlife lovers, and responsible tourists who want an ethical marine conservation volunteering experience in Sri Lanka.

06. Will I get a certificate?

A certificate of participation may be provided after completing the agreed shark conservation volunteer program or combined marine conservation volunteer program. Please confirm this before joining.

FAQ

Donation FAQs

01. How can I donate to the project?

You can contact us by WhatsApp or email to make a donation.

Phone / WhatsApp: 077 226 6888
Email: info@ahungallaseaturtles.com
Our team will guide you with available donation options and confirmation details.

02. What does my donation support?

Your donation may support:

Sea turtle care support
Beach cleaning
Project maintenance
Education and awareness
Volunteer support
Visitor learning materials
Responsible hatchling release when nature allows
Local conservation awareness
Future project improvements

03. Can I make a donation from overseas?

Yes. Supporters from Europe and other countries can contact us to arrange donation support.

04. Can companies or groups donate?

Yes. Companies, schools, families, travel groups, and organisations can support the project through donations, group visits, birthday gift donations, or conservation sponsorships.

05. Can my name be listed as a supporter?

For selected donation packages, the donor or birthday person’s name can be listed on the website supporter wall if requested.

06. Do you offer donation certificates?

Yes. Digital certificates can be provided for birthday donations or selected conservation support donations.

FAQ

Ethical Conservation FAQs

01. Do you sell baby turtle releases?

No. Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project does not sell baby turtle releases as entertainment. This is an important ethical rule. Hatchling release must be handled responsibly and only when nature and safety conditions allow.

02. Why are guaranteed turtle releases not ethical?

Guaranteed releases can create pressure to hold hatchlings, stage activities, or arrange releases mainly for tourist satisfaction. This is not a conservation first approach. We believe hatchlings should be handled with care and released responsibly when conditions are suitable.

03. Can visitors touch turtles?

Unnecessary touching is not encouraged. If any handling is required for care, safety, cleaning, or project work, it must be done only under project team guidance. Sea turtles should not be touched for photos or entertainment.

04. Why is flash photography not allowed?

Flash photography can disturb turtles, especially during sensitive moments. It can also confuse hatchlings and create stress. We ask visitors and volunteers to avoid flash photography around turtles.

05. Do you use turtles as tourist attractions?

No. We want visitors to learn about sea turtles, but we do not treat turtles as entertainment or photo props. Our aim is education, awareness, responsible care, and conservation support.

06. What makes your project responsible?

Our project follows a conservation first approach. We focus on turtle welfare, visitor education, responsible volunteering, beach cleaning, donation transparency, and honest communication. We do not promise staged releases, unnecessary handling, or entertainment based turtle experiences.

FAQ

Travel and Location FAQs

01. How far is Ahungalla from Bentota?

Ahungalla is close to Bentota and can be reached easily by road. It is a good project visit option for travellers staying in Bentota, Kosgoda, Balapitiya, or nearby areas.

02. Is Ahungalla close to Galle?

Ahungalla is located on Sri Lanka’s south west coast and can be visited as part of a coastal travel route that includes Hikkaduwa and Galle.

03. Can I combine the visit with other nearby attractions?

Yes. Many visitors combine the project with nearby experiences such as:

04. Can you help with transport?

You can contact us with your location and visit details. We can guide you with local transport options or support arrangements where possible.

05. Is Sri Lanka suitable for wildlife volunteering?

Yes. Sri Lanka is a popular destination for wildlife, nature, and responsible travel. Sea turtle volunteering can be a meaningful experience when done ethically and with the right expectations.

FAQ

Safety and Preparation FAQs

01. Is it safe to volunteer in Ahungalla?

Ahungalla is a peaceful coastal area, and our team will guide volunteers with basic safety information. Volunteers should travel responsibly, follow project guidance, respect local customs, and keep emergency contact details with them.

02. What should volunteers bring?

FAQ

Social Media and Photography FAQs

01. Can I share my volunteer experience on social media?

Yes, but please share responsibly. We encourage volunteers and visitors to post content that promotes conservation, education, and respect for wildlife.

02. What kind of photos should I avoid?

Please avoid sharing photos that show careless handling, staged turtle releases, flash photography, or turtles being used only as photo props.

03. Can I use project photos for my blog or school project?

Please contact the project before using official project photos for websites, blogs, school projects, presentations, or media purposes.

04. Can I create content for the project?

Volunteers with photography, video, writing, or social media skills may support awareness content with permission from the project team. Content must always follow responsible wildlife guidelines.