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
Available group trips
Dec 13, 2027 - Dec 19, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Starting from
US$ 796
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
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
about 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.
about 2 months ago
Courtney
United States
This was the best experience I've ever had. Milo, Emma, and Sonya are the kindest people you will ever meet, and they are so dedicated to giving you a great experience and teaching you all about sea turtles. They had so many fun activities planned, and I really had an amazing time and made lifelong friendships 🥰
about 2 months ago
Eline
Netherlands Antilles
The host was very welcoming and helpful. This was an absolutely wonderful experience. However make sure to bring mosquito spray! :)
about 2 months ago
Anouk-Joy
Netherlands
This experience was amazing! The people/la familia were so sweet and helped us get the most out of this trip. I would definitly support others to go and see the beauty of Costa Rica! Thank you so much 🫶🏻
about 2 months ago
Fabiënne
Netherlands
It was a truly special experience! The people at the shelter were incredibly kind and dedicated to their work. I would definitely recommend it to others!
about 2 months ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Connect with others who will also be there
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 just for our group of travelers. This isn't a hotel, it's a communal basecamp designed for connection. You'll share mixed-gender dorms (up to four travelers each), the perfect setting for late-night conversations and building the friendships that make these trips life-changing.
The heart of the house is the common area, where the group bonds over card games and shares stories. While the vibe is intentionally simple and authentic, you’ll have modern comforts like Starlink WiFi and a pool to cool off in after a day of conservation work. This space is designed to help you connect with your fellow travelers, disconnect from the routine, and create a home together.
- No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
- Internet (50 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
- Dedicated Workspace
- Pool
Meals
Here, meals are more than just food—they're a chance to connect, share, and belong. Every dish is homemade with fresh, local ingredients, giving you an authentic taste of Costa Rican culture while supporting the community.
Mornings start with a light breakfast to energize you for the day's activities. Lunch is the main meal, featuring hearty, traditional dishes that power your conservation work. But dinner is where the magic happens. It’s a time to gather as a group, share stories from the day, and deepen the bonds you’re forming over comforting, locally-inspired food. It's a simple, communal experience that brings everyone together and is often a highlight of the trip.
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Arrival orientation
Travelers should arrive in Quepos on Saturday, the day before the trip starts, to ensure a smooth transfer to the island. From San José, take a Tracopa bus to Quepos (4-7 hours, ~$18, cash only). Upon arrival at the Quepos Bus Terminal, you’ll take a short 5-minute cab ride to the river, cross by boat ($1/person), and then hop on a pickup truck (20 minutes) to reach the project.
Your host, Francisco (45 years old, wearing a white "Milo" turtle T-shirt), will meet you in Quepos. Once at the project, you'll settle in, explore the property, and receive an introduction at the Nursery to kick off your 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.
-
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
More Group Trips you might like
How Group Trips works
Short, curated trips designed for travelers who want more than just a vacation.
Pick your Group Trip
Explore our curated collection of 1–2 week group adventures with purpose.
Book instantly. No applications.
Just choose your dates and lock in your spot by paying the Registration Fee. That’s it.
Get full support from our team
Your dedicated Trip Coordinator is with you every step of the way to help with all the preparation.
Confirm your trip
Pay your Program fee to confirm your trip and submit the required documents.
Have a truly epic experience
Be a part of a life-changing group trip. Make new friends, learn, and make an impact.
Why choose Worldpackers?
We're the safest community for travel and volunteering. Since 2014, we've connected over 117k travelers with thousands of hosts worldwide.
travelers worldwide
volunteer trips
social media community
on 112k reviews
FAQ
How do Worldpackers Group Trips work?
Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly — no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a Worldpackers Group Trips Coordinator and to the host, and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
What are the differences between Worldpackers Group Trips and Worldpackers Trips experiences?
Worldpackers Group Trips have some special benefits that are not offered in any other Worldpackers’ plans:
- Guaranteed Host Confirmation: by purchasing an Epic Trip experience, your attendance is immediately secured, without the need to wait for a confirmation message from the project - which can take longer than expected due to hosts’ busy routines.
- Exclusive Support: once you purchase an Epic Trip experience, you’ll be assigned to a specific WP Group Trips Coordinator, who will advise you throughout your pre-departure through multiple channels.
- Complete Program Guide: from detailed information on how to get to your destination to cultural norms and tips, you can check everything you need to know about your experience in one place.
- Preparation checklist: get a detailed pre-trip plan for a safe trip and avoid surprises.
What happens if I have to cancel or change my Epic Trip?
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips plans offer different cancelation & modification conditions, which are presented on the payment check-out page and on the Worldpackers Group Trips Terms and Conditions.
Do I get a certificate after conclusion?
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
Does Worldpackers help with Visa, Vaccination, Travel insurance and/or any other documentation?
The traveler is solely responsible for any and all other requirements relating to travel logistics, including but not limited to tickets, passports, local transportation, travel insurance, and visas. Since every country has its own unique policies that vary according to the nationality of travelers and multiple other factors that may quickly change, Worldpackers does not offer any specific help regarding visas, documentation, vaccinations, or travel insurance. Please check all requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country you’d like to visit for trustworthy, updated information.
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Each traveler must secure their spot in experiences through paying the amount advertised on the Epic Trip experience web page. The amount advertised is unique, and slots are limited: please check the maximum number of participants on the experience’s web page to make sure you’ll be able to travel together.