Quepos, Costa Rica
Protect sea turtles in paradise: Hands-on conservation at Isla Damas, Costa Rica
Join a sea turtle conservation program on the shores of Isla Damas, near Quepos. Help protect endangered turtles by patrolling the beach, monitoring nests, and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. Explore the region’s stunning mangroves, connect with a passionate community, and experience sustainable living up close. This is your chance to make a real impact while enjoying an unforgettable adventure in one of Costa Rica’s coastal treasures.
- Francisco
- Worldpackers host since Feb/2024
Starting from
US$ 1,146 for 7 days (US$ 185 per day)
US$ 1,296 for 7 days
Check dates & pricesJoin 38 worldpackers who've loved having this experience
Available group trips
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
Come help save sea turtles with Kaethe in Costa Rica!
Join a soul-nourishing Costa Rica trip! Protect baby sea turtles by day, unwind with mindfulness, beach walks, and bonfires by night. A supportive, nature-filled adventure for anyone seeking connection, recharge, and healing.
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
Join Kybe in Costa Rica!
Join us in Costa Rica for a meaningful adventure where you’ll help protect endangered baby sea turtles! This hands-on, purpose-driven trip blends tropical relaxation with eco-immersion as you assist local conservationists, witness hatchlings make their first journey to the ocean, and connect with like-minded travelers—all while exploring Costa Rica’s stunning beaches and lush wildlife. A journey that gives back, and stays with you forever. 🐢✨
Starting from
US$ 1,208
US$ 1,178
Requirements
- Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
3 spots left
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
Save turtles in Costa Rica with Tea
Calling all adventurous women! Join us in Costa Rica for a meaningful getaway where you'll help protect endangered baby sea turtles! 🐢✨ This women-only group trip blends tropical relaxation with hands-on eco-immersion as you team up with local conservationists, witness hatchlings make their first journey to the sea, and connect with inspiring, like-minded women. Explore lush rainforests, unwind on breath-taking beaches, and be part of something truly impactful. A soulful adventure you’ll never forget.
Starting from
US$ 1,090
US$ 1,060
Requirements
- Women only
- Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
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
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
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.
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
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 group surf lessons 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
Skylie
United States
I had the most amazing experience at Tortuga the shelter!!! Milo was an amazing host, he has dedicated his life to saving sea turtles and it is truly inspiring. Sonia made delicious meals and the accommodation is right on the beach. I highly recommend this experience to anyone and everyone!
about 1 month ago
alexis
United States
Gracias por todo Milo y Emma! I had such a great time with the hosts and other travelers on this trip and I can't stop talking about how fun my experience was! Milo made sure that the main door was fixed when the lock needed replaced and Emma was amazing at helping us with excursions and explaining what was going on. We weren't able to see any turtles hatch, but we were able to catch a turtle lay her eggs and then retrieve them. They gave us many opportunities to go on turtle duty so if you didn't want to go one day, there will always be tomorrow. I would absolutely go back and do this again!
about 1 month ago
Emily
United States
This experience was incredible. Both Milo, the owner of the project, and Emma, the host, were welcoming and so helpful. Seeing sea turtles laying eggs on the beach was amazing. The experience is very rustic, as I was expected, but definitely something to keep in mind if that isn't your vibe! Overall, a once in a lifetime experience that I would recommend to anyone!
about 1 month ago
Haley
United States
This was truly an unforgettable experience. I met amazing new people including the friendly hosts Milo and Emma. They were very good with communication and taught us a lot about marine life, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting the sea turtles. The food and home were amazing! I loved everything from the beach, visiting the town, and the people. This experience exceeded my expectations for my first volunteer trip.
about 2 months ago
Isaac
United States
Francisco(Milo) was an amazing host. Super informative with the property and the volunteer work With a mix of volunteering and a peaceful vacation, it was such an amazing experience. The food was amazing. I do wish the cooking class was more intensive and an actually cooked dish. Emma and Courtney did amazing coordinating everything making sure everyone got what they needed. There were a couple itinerary hiccups but those were handled quickly and with grace.
about 2 months ago
Courtney
United States
I had the absolute best time during my volunteer experience—everything was so thoughtfully organized and well-prepared from start to finish. The food was incredible every single day, and Emma and Milo created such a welcoming and inspiring environment. I truly couldn't recommend this experience more to anyone looking to connect, contribute, and enjoy something meaningful. It exceeded every expectation.
about 2 months ago
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Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
You'll stay in a cozy wooden house exclusively for travelers, just a short walk from the project site. The accommodation includes three shared dorms (mixed-gender, up to four travelers per room), each equipped with fans, a TV, and Starlink WiFi. Enjoy a common area for card games and Jenga, plus great amenities like 24/7 electricity, drinkable well water, a swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dedicated workspace. Simple yet clean and welcoming, this space is perfect for connecting with fellow travelers while making a positive impact!
- No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
- Internet (50 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
- Pool
- Dedicated Workspace
Meals
The meals at the project are homemade with fresh, local ingredients, offering a true taste of Costa Rican culture. Breakfast is light yet energizing, featuring options like fresh fruit, pancakes, and Gallo Pinto. Lunch is the heartiest meal of the day, with traditional dishes such as rice, beans, plantains, and fresh vegetables. Dinner is a time to relax and connect with fellow travelers around a comforting meal, often prepared with local flavors and seasonal ingredients. Meals are designed to be nourishing and balanced, ensuring you have the energy for your activities. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
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.
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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
- 11 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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