Protect sea turtles in paradise: Hands-on conservation at Isla Damas, Costa Rica
39 Reviews
Host & Team
Hours & Tasks
Animal Shelter
Learning & Fun
How this experience will transform you
- 32 Get in touch with nature
- 32 Meeting international travelers
- 26 Practicing Spanish
- 25 Developing environmental awareness
- 23 Meeting locals
- 23 Immersing in the local culture
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
- 37 14. Life below water
- 22 15. Life on land
- 5 13. Climate action
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
Stephanie
United States
I had fun but many things you want to know before going that were not as advertised One dirty shared bathroom, very unsanitary No accommodations (hand towels, rags) No cooking class, you watch the owner silently make it then eat it together No functioning swimming pool We did nothing with turtles, the eggs don't hatch for 40 days so we didn't see them Walked for hours on night patrol and did not see a turtle or nest Mostly free time, you have to pay to go anywhere, you can't walk Meals are small buy snacks You sleep with bugs Overall it's not as advertised Decent experience
about 2 months ago
Letizia
Italy
This volunteering experience was truly unforgettable. Milo was incredible. He explained everything so clearly and with so much passion. Thanks to him and Emma, I learned a lot about sea turtles and their conservation. Being able to help protect them, and watching the baby turtles reach the ocean, was one of the most emotional and magical moments of my life. This was my very first volunteer experience, and it honestly couldn't have gone better.
about 8 hours ago
Emma
United States
Coming here was the best decision I've made! I went in with an open mind and it was so rewarding. The housing isn't luxurious but you have everything you could need and don't spend a lot of time indoors anyway. You are staying on a very rural strip of beach but getting to town is cheap and pretty easy. During my time there I got to help rescue over 700 eggs from poachers and release at least 150 baby turtles to the ocean. I also met so many amazing people, including Milo, Sonia, and Emma. I speak very little Spanish but got to learn a lot. I would 100% recommend this experience!
about 1 month ago
Brandon
United States
I spent 2 incredible weeks with Milo's sea turtle non-profit in a small, secluded beach town near Quepos. Where he made it as simple as can be for the other volunteers and I making it feel like home, tho speaking mostly Spanish Milo and I where able to communicate via google translate 🤙🏼
about 1 month ago
Starting from
US$ 1,146 for 7 days (US$ 185 per day)
US$ 1,296 for 7 days
Check dates & prices