Quepos, Costa Rica
Make an impact and find your people: Sea turtle conservation off-the-grid in Costa Rica
Experience the magic of a remote beach in Costa Rica’s Pacific coast with a small group of like-minded travelers. On Isla Damas, you’ll support sea turtle conservation by patrolling beaches, protecting nests, and helping hatchlings reach the ocean. Beyond the project, you’ll explore stunning mangroves, share meals and moments with a passionate local community, and discover the joy of sustainable living. This Epic Trip blends purpose, adventure, and friendships that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
- Francisco
- Worldpackers host since Feb/2024
- Reserve your spot now from US$ 398
Starting from
US$ 796 for 7 days (US$ 113.71/day)
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Join 78 worldpackers who've loved having this experience
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- Reserve your spot now from US$ 410.65
Starting from
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US$ 1,459
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Jul/26/2026 Aug/01/2026
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Travel With Lyss
Join me for my first group trip ever to Costa Rica where we will make new friends and memories.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Arrival at the project
Settle into the project site and meet fellow travelers. Depending on the tide, you may need to wait for the crossing window.
Evening
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Welcome Dinner & Night Walk
Enjoy a warm welcome dinner, followed by a guided night walk along the beach to get familiar with the surroundings and the conservation work ahead.
Day 2
Morning
08:00 AM: Breakfast by the beach
Kick off your day with a fresh local breakfast while enjoying the breeze and ocean views.
09:00 AM: Turtle Release (weather-dependent)
Help baby turtles safely reach the sea during your first unforgettable release experience.
10:30 AM: Relaxation & Lunch
Recharge with a nourishing meal and some well-deserved downtime by the beach.
Afternoon
03:00 PM: Beach Cleanup
Protect marine life by collecting plastic and debris from the nesting areas.
Evening
06:00 PM: Dinner & Firepit
Unwind with a tasty dinner and connect around the fire with stories and laughter.
Day 3
Morning
08:00 AM: Breakfast
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast for a day of impact and surf adventure.
09:00 AM: Turtle Release (weather-dependent)
Assist in another magical release of sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean.
10:30 AM: Lunch Break
Relax, enjoy free time, and enjoy a satisfying meal before diving into an afternoon in the waves.
Afternoon
01:00 PM: Surf Class Group 1
Enjoy a 2-hour group surf lesson with experienced local instructors. For this activity, travelers will be split into two groups. Group 1 will take the surf lesson, while the others will have free time to explore or relax.
Evening
06:00 PM: Dinner & Firepit
Relax after a big day with dinner and firepit moments under the stars.
Day 4
Morning
08:00 AM: Breakfast
Ease into the day with a fresh and relaxed morning meal by the beach.
09:00 AM: Free Time
Explore, take an excursion, or simply chill by the sea—your day, your way.
Day 5
Morning
08:00 AM: Breakfast
Another fresh and flavorful start to a day full of nature and culture.
09:00 AM: Turtle Release (weather-dependent)
Join another impactful release and help hatchlings begin their journey.
10:30 AM: Lunch & Free time
Refuel with lunch and enjoy a mellow afternoon before your next adventure.
Afternoon
01:00 PM: Crocodile Sightseeing Tour
Cruise scenic mangroves and observe wild crocodiles up close and safely.
04:00 PM: Costa Rican Cooking Class
Learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes with local chef Sonia.
Evening
06:00 PM: Dinner & Firepit
Enjoy your homemade meal and relax around the fire with the group.
Day 6
Morning
08:00 AM: Breakfast
Start your final full day with a satisfying breakfast by the ocean.
09:00 AM: Turtle Release (weather-dependent)
Join one last turtle release and reflect on your conservation journey.
Afternoon
01:00 PM: Lunch & Certification Ceremony
Celebrate your impact with an official sea turtle conservation certificate.
01:30 PM: Surf Class Group 2
Enjoy a 2-hour group surf lesson with experienced local instructors. For this activity, travelers will be split into two groups. Group 2 will take the surf lesson, while the others will have free time to explore or relax.
Evening
06:00 PM: Farewell Dinner & Firepit
Wrap up the week with a celebration, dinner, and a final firepit hangout.
Day 7
Morning
08:00 AM: Breakfast & Goodbyes
Enjoy one last breakfast and say your goodbyes before heading to Quepos and San José.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Beach Cleanups
Protect marine life by clearing plastic and debris, keeping the beach clean, and wildlife safe.
Beach patrols
Walk the shore to monitor turtles, protect nests, and help hatchlings—some patrols at night.
Nesting season from June to November
Egg Collection
Help collect and relocate turtle eggs to keep them safe from predators and poachers.
Turtle release
Help baby sea turtles reach the ocean—a magical, once-in-a-lifetime moment guided by nature.
Hatching season from August to January
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Surf Class
Join one group surf lesson for all levels, ride the waves, and have fun with new friends!
Cooking Class
Learn to cook Costa Rican dishes like a local in a fun class with chef Sonia.
Peaceful, crowd-free beach
Stay steps from the sea—relax, unwind, and soak up the coastal vibes every day!
Crocodile Tour
Get up close with giant crocs with a tour guide! Entry & taxi included in your itinerary.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Explore stunning beaches & wildlife! The tour fee includes transport, guide & entry.
US$60
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Hike 2 hours each way to Costa Rica’s most epic waterfall!
US$30
Whale Watching Tour
See majestic whales up close! Transport & entry included in the fee.
US$60 | Available from Jul - Oct
Extra surf lesson
Want to surf more? Extra lessons and board rentals are available!
US$60 for a class or US$20/day for board rental
Videos
Caroline
United States
I know this sounds cheesy, but the entire week was like a movie from start to finish. Emma and Milo made us feel so welcome and loved. We were steps away from the ocean and I felt one with nature the entire week!
10 days ago
Caroline
Honduras
Honestly this was such an incredible experience. hosts were so kind and i met the best people. hosts made amazing food and so supportive with answering questions and keeping everyone happy and safe. i felt so comfortable and wish i stayed longer. 10/10 recommend
18 days ago
Miah
United States
The host and group on this trip was life changing! Everyone was so sweet and welcoming. We did things from helping Babby turtles to the sea, helping them nest eggs, cooking classes, surfing, and so much more. Everyone there was so helpful no matter what the need was, they helped you arrive and leave the project, took us in under their wing, taught us Spanish and how important their mission was. This was such an amazing experience and the people I met were strangers turned friends.
18 days ago
Charlie
United States
Our hosts were very wonderful people, and they made us feel very welcomed and appreciated. Their whole operation is very inspiring and beautiful to see. The property is pretty insane--directly on the beach on an intimate and thriving slice of perfect beach. Awesome opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
19 days ago
Kenya
Canada
This trip was truly amazing. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this trip but I'm so glad I got to experience every part of it. Milo and his team are truly passionate about what they are doing in this project and it makes you appreciate efforts like this one much more. There was quite a bit of free time as the other reviews suggest but it gives you a chance to explore other parts of the area and interact more with locals
2 months ago
Laura
Canada
My time spent at the shelter was better than anything I could've ever imagined. The host was friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Emma made the experience seamless and even helped coordinate travel to and from the accommodations. Milo takes so much pride and passion in his work with the turtles and it is truly something special to see. I would recommend this experience to anyone seeking to make new friends, live on a beautiful island, and make a positive impact with one of the most beautiful creatures.
2 months ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
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Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
Your home for the week is a cozy wooden house, a private space reserved exclusively for the group. Designed as a communal basecamp rather than a hotel, the house features mixed-gender dorms for up to four people, fostering deep connections and life-changing friendships. The heart of the home is the common area, perfect for sharing stories and bonding over games. While the experience is intentionally simple and authentic, the group will enjoy modern comforts like Starlink WiFi and a pool to cool off in after a day of impact, creating a true sense of home together.
- No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
- Internet (50 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
- Dedicated Workspace
- Pool
Meals
At this project, meals are a gateway to connection and community. Every homemade dish features fresh, local ingredients, offering the traveler an authentic taste of Costa Rican culture while supporting the local food system. Mornings begin with a light, energizing breakfast, followed by a hearty traditional lunch designed to power conservation work. Dinner, however, is the true highlight—a communal space where the group gathers to share stories and deepen bonds over comforting, locally-inspired food. It’s a soulful experience that brings everyone together. Special dietary needs are happily accommodated with advance notice.
Arrival orientation
The traveler should arrive in Quepos on Saturday to ensure a seamless transfer. From San José, take a Tracopa bus to the Quepos Terminal (4-7 hours, ~$18, cash only), followed by a 5-minute cab to the river. After a brief boat crossing ($1/person), a 20-minute pickup truck ride leads to the site. The group will be met in Quepos by the host, Francisco, who will be wearing a white turtle T-shirt for easy identification. Upon arrival, the traveler will settle into the accommodation, explore the property, and receive an essential induction at the Nursery to begin the experience.
About the project
Francisco and Sonia have called Damas Island home their entire lives, deeply connected to its natural beauty and wildlife. Their journey into turtle conservation began in 2014 when Francisco, who had always lived on the island, prepared a nest for a turtle release—an experience that deeply moved Sonia, as she had never seen baby turtles before. Realizing their calling, they decided to dedicate their land and their lives to protecting these incredible creatures. Though turtle conservation isn’t widely practiced in the local community, the island’s small population of 68 residents shares a close-knit bond, living in harmony with each other and the environment.
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Top host
- This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
- Languages spoken in this project
- Spanish
- How long does it exist
- 12 years
- Worldpackers host
- Since Feb/2024
About the destination
Damas Island, located near Quepos on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is a hidden paradise where nature thrives in its purest form. Surrounded by lush mangroves and pristine beaches, the island offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Here, the rhythm of life follows the tides, with breathtaking sunsets, rich marine biodiversity, and the soothing sound of waves. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, whether through conservation efforts, wildlife encounters, or simply enjoying the tranquility of this remote and untouched coastal haven.
Impact & Purpose
This small, family-run project plays a vital role in protecting sea turtles and preserving the local ecosystem. Every year, nearly 600 turtles visit the beach, and the project safeguards around 38,000 eggs, ensuring the survival of future generations. Travelers are essential to these efforts, assisting with beach patrols, cleanups, and conservation tasks. Their presence also supports the local economy by creating jobs for drivers and guides while allowing the host family to remain fully dedicated to marine conservation. Through education and hands-on work, the project fosters a deep connection between people and nature, promoting long-term sustainability.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
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