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Adventure Tours in Sri Lanka

A paradise isle sits calmly to the east of India brimming with sunshine and even brighter smiles. For many, Sri Lanka remains a palm-speckled question mark familiarized by its iconic teardrop shape and maybe even a Nicki Minaj verse. However, adventure travelers are beginning to unravel this island nation as a hidden haven of thrills and opportunity. The beauty of Sri Lanka is candid. It’s a barefoot playground; a world of bright colors, early mornings, and restful breaths awaiting to be seized on the back of a scooter or atop your new favorite mountain. 
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19 Adventure Programs in Sri Lanka

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

See All 6 Programs

GoBeyond Student Travel

9.75

8

GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.68

37

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

See All 8 Programs

Oyster Worldwide

10

2

Elephant Conservation in Sri Lanka

Work alongside a multi-award-winning charity to help protect the beautiful elephants of Sri Lanka. Witness elephants in their natural, wild habitats and help to contribute to important research that will help to preserve the future of these gentle giants. Each day, volunteers will monitor and photograph elephants, trek through the stunning jungle, conduct research from a tree house, teach environmental awareness to local children, and carry out research. Not two days will be the same! An ideal volunteer will be passionate about elephants and will be willing to get stuck in. They will live with other volunteers in a relaxing shared house and they will quickly feel at home in the lush surroundings, overlooking mountains and reservoir.

Volunteering Journeys

9

1

Volunteer Travel to South Asia : India, Nepal & Sri Lanka

Volunteer in Asia and combine your travels with our exciting program which takes you through Kerala in South India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. We believe that travel should be responsible and we also believe that you should see as many new places as possible so that you can expand your mind, broaden your horizons and learn more about the different cultures in our world. This unique volunteering program will help you tick all of those boxes and you will get to explore some of our planet’s most beautiful destinations along the way. This volunteering experience includes English teaching and community development and will involve you working closely with young children of all ages in poor, disadvantaged communities. We also promote community living so you will be housed with compassionate and curious travellers just like yourself, so you will always have someone to share your amazing experiences with at the end of a long day. Not only will our program take you to the most incredible destinations and allow you the chance to give back as you travel, but you’ll meet some awesome people too and maybe even make some friends for life.

Hippie Surf School & Surf Camp

0

0

Learn to Ride the Waves in Sri Lanka with Hippie Surf School

If you've been wanting to learn how to surf, Hippie Surf School Sri Lanka is the place to be! Located in Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay, we offer a fantastic chance to experience the thrill of surfing in a fun and supportive environment. Our beginner-friendly surf packages are perfect for those just starting out or looking to improve their skills. Our Level 1 Surf Course teaches you the basics of surfing using easy-to-use "Safe Softboards" with the help of our experienced instructors. Safety is our priority, and we ensure you have a great time learning to stand on the board and catch waves. Whether you prefer the southwest surf season from October to March in Hikkaduwa or the east coast surf season from May to September in Arugam Bay, our surf school guarantees an amazing experience with new friends and lots of fun in the waves!

A Guide to Adventure Travel in Sri Lanka

Best Places to Travel in Sri Lanka

Isolated climates and distinct topography have transformed Sri Lanka into one vast natural wonder. From the rugged terrain of the highlands to world-class waves and reefs near every shoreline, awes are bountiful underneath the Ceylon sun.   

For those who like their overseas adventure travel to be a bit sandy and a little salty, there’s nowhere better than Sri Lanka’s unforgettable southern coast. In fact, the coastal belt from the capital city of Colombo to the crescent-shaped Arugam Bay boasts all your favorite ocean activities. Year-round reef breaks and seasonal swells make Sri Lanka the best-kept secret in surfing while a serene world of tropical fish, vast reefs, and once-forgotten shipwrecks hide just beneath. Ashore, a budding scene of ecotourism and impressive Buddhist temples await travellers. 

Travel a few hours inland and you’ll trade sapphire shorelines for montane jungles and ancient landmarks in the central highlands in Kandy. A UNESCO world heritage site, this is a region that’ll justify that selfie stick. If anything, the multitude of hiking trails, national parks, waterfalls, and biodiversity is enough to keep any nature lover bewildered. Just be sure to refuel at one of the many tea plantations you’ll find along the way.

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Latest Program Reviews

Awesome volunteer program in Victoria Falls

June 30, 2022by: Cecilia Hugo - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I volunteered at Nakavango in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as part of the IVHQ Wildlife Conservation Project. It truly was one of the highlights of my life. And I’ve had some pretty remarkable experiences so that says a lot. The staff a Nakavango was incredible and extremely knowledgeable. They create the perfect balance of hard work and joyous moments playing with the children at Masuwe School, observing wildlife in the bush, and taking in the sights of one of the seven wonders of the world. We each had our own room, were provided three yummy meals a day with great care to accommodate those who have special diets. Highlights of my stay included morning and evening game drives, sitting around the fire pit under the stars, camping out in the bush, and completing a work task feeling that we had made progress on a project. Yet, the most outstanding aspect of this experience for me, was bonding with my fellow volunteers. Prior to arriving at Nakavango, I thought I’d be the senior member of the crew so I was a bit apprehensive even though I had worked for weeks to get in shape physically so I could contribute equally. Well, I wasn’t the most senior. In fact, we had a wonderful range of ages, nationalities, and personalities. We became a family, caring for and respectful of all. That truly blew me away. And now, we continue to stay in touch. I am so grateful for the IVHQ program at Nakavango. It changed my life!

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