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 Meeting international travelers
- 32 Get in touch with nature
- 26 Practicing Spanish
- 25 Developing environmental awareness
- 23 Immersing in the local culture
- 23 Meeting locals
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
- 37 14. Life below water
- 22 15. Life on land
- 5 13. Climate action
Leah
Ireland
I absolutely loved my time in the shelter! Milo and Sonia and everyone involved were amazing! I got to witness the most amazing turtle experiences and met lots of other young travellers like myself. The camp is super rural which is so good to disconnect and reset. Before coming I'd recommend on definitely learning some Spanish as I would have loved to be able to communicate more with everyone! 10/10 experience and for my first Worldpackers trip it honestly could not have went better!
about 2 months ago
Anna
United States
My experience on the shelter was amazing, memorable, and educational!! Thank you, Milo and Sonia, for a fun and wonderful time. However, there are a few things I wish I knew before this experience. The area is very rural. It is all dirt roads, and there are no stores within walking distance. I wish I had stocked up on more bug spray before getting there. Also, there is a lot of free time, so bring books or activities that don't require the internet. The volunteering tasks are in the morning before 10am and/or late at night. I would love to visit again in the future! Everyone was lovely!
2 months ago
Courtney
United States
Milo and Islas Demás is a wonderful first experience to World Packers! Milo is kind, respectful, informative, and patient. His family are kind, generous, and wonderful cooks. Accommodations are comfortable. There is a lot of chill, relax time so be prepared with lots of books, reflection, or be prepped for day trips during the afternoons off. The work is not hard but rewarding. I used more Spanish than I thought I would need to but it was great practice and so lovely to meet other travelers and see local life. You'll enjoy it!
2 months ago
Filipina
Poland
Volunteering at the sea turtle sanctuary was a beautiful and meaningful experience. Milo and his family are truly wonderful – warm, welcoming, and full of heart. Milo is a kind and caring person who deeply loves the turtles and works hard to protect them while spreading awareness and knowledge. The sanctuary is right on the beach, surrounded by nature – perfect if you're looking to unwind far from the crowds. The food is delicious and homemade, and the whole atmosphere feels like home. I wholeheartedly recommend this place!
2 months ago
Cindy
Italy
I loved staying at Islas the shelter, I experienced a lot of things that otherwise I would have never gotten the opportunity to see. Milo and his family are a great host and he showed me everything that he learned over the years and also what the other volunteers build and created. We got to free the baby turtles for them to get as safely as possible to the sea and begin theirs life there. I loved the night walks on the beautiful beach and the atv rides to look for turtles. I thank you for such a welcoming and warming experience.
3 months ago
Agatha
Canada
This was the most wonderful experience of my life. Milo and his family are amazing people who truly deserve the whole world - their warmth, presence and energy is contagious and Milo is so passionate about his work. The work here is very minimal, with lots of free time to go to the nearest town or swim in the beach. Advice for future travellers - don't bring anything more than bathing suits and shorts and maybe one nice outfit: you don't need anything else :) Bring lots of mosquito repellent and come in with an open mind and positive attitude. Milo will change your life.
3 months ago
Lauren
United States
This was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Milo and Sonia were so welcoming and very knowledgeable. It was great to practice my Spanish daily. The work was very light with lots of free time to explore the beautiful area and relax, read, eat coconuts right from the tree, and make friends with the other volunteers. Releasing the turtles into the ocean was a deeply moving and once in a lifetime experience.
3 months ago
Adam
United States
This was a 10/10 experience! The work is very simple to do, the food provided was always great! The experience of handling the turtles was truly amazing. You have plenty of time to relax, swim in the ocean, and head into town. I recommend that you or someone you go with knows Spanish. They were also very timely in responding. I would definitely go back in the future!
3 months ago
Nora
Belgium
My best experience! Everything was great, both the activities and the meetings. Milo is the kindest and most interesting person. Thanks to him for everything <3
7 months ago
Cassidy
United States
I couldn't recommend this experience more!! ❤️ Milo and Sonia are both very kind people. I stayed for 2 weeks and learned SO much about sea turtles making me love them even more. We had plenty of time to explore Quepos and the surrounding areas as well! I miss my time in the shelter already :))
8 months ago
Starting from
US$ 1,146 for 7 days (US$ 185 per day)
US$ 1,296 for 7 days
Check dates & prices