We recently got back from a week in Sri Lanka, where we volunteered with GoEco’s Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Program. It turned out to be a unique trip and a good mix of giving back, exploring, and just spending time together. Our family—me, my partner, our 7-year-old Or, and 9-year-old Aviv—had a lot of memorable moments, though I’ll admit I had some doubts before we left. Would the kids enjoy it? Would they actually want to volunteer? But once we arrived, those concerns faded.
After landing, we were picked up on time and taken to Unawatuna, a beach town where the program is based. Our accommodation was simple but comfortable—a private family room just steps from stunning Unawatuna Beach. As a bonus, there was a pool at the main volunteer house next door, which became our spot to relax after shifts. The program provided good local food, and we were also close to places offering pizza and other familiar options, which were helpful with kids in tow.
Our volunteer schedule was well organized, with work shifts every day and at least two shifts a week at the sea turtle hatchery, working alongside other volunteers. This setup struck a good balance for us—it kept a pleasant rhythm of hands-on work and downtime to explore. At the hatchery, we helped feed and clean the turtles, and releasing baby turtles into the ocean was definitely a highlight. Watching Or and Aviv gently carry those tiny hatchlings to the beach was a wow moment for all of us. One of the quirkiest tasks was “spa day” for the turtles, where we scrubbed their shells with toothbrushes. The kids actually enjoyed it and got into the routine quickly.
The program included other activities that added a lot of variety to our week. We joined a lagoon clean-up by canoe, where we collected over 80 kg of trash in one shift. It was a pretty eye-opening experience, especially for the kids. We also spent a day at a local kindergarten doing cultural exchange activities, and we went on a bicycle ride through rice paddies and jungle trails. Or and Aviv loved biking through the lush fields and spotting wildlife along the way—it was a memorable experience for all of us.
One of the biggest surprises was the surfing lesson we tried with a great instructor. Or and Aviv picked it up so quickly; they took to the waves right away, and it turned out to be a fun break from our volunteering shifts. Another meaningful experience was visiting a local Buddhist temple with the program staff, which gave us a deeper glimpse into Sri Lankan culture and traditions.
After our week in Unawatuna, the local organization helped us arrange a family tour of Sri Lanka with a private driver. We explored more of the island, including the peaceful beaches of Hiriketiya, the scenic hills of Ella, rafting in Kitulgala, and the historic sites in Kandy. Having everything organized made it easy, and we felt like we got to experience some of the best the island offers.
Looking back, this experience gave us a chance to do something meaningful as a family. If you’re considering a family trip, that’s a bit out of the ordinary, one that’s both rewarding and enjoyable. I’d recommend giving this program a try. We came back with wonderful memories, a new perspective, and now we’re thinking about where our next volunteering adventure might take us.
Hope you enjoyed reading about our experience! Until next time, Jonathan, Gali, Or, and Aviv.
