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
Stefanie
Germany
I had an amazing time the shelter! Milo and Sonia are both very welcoming and passionate about their work with the sea turtles. One of the highlights was seeing the baby turtles head to the sea, and we even got to watch adult turtles laying eggs, which was incredible. The work and relaxation balance was just right and Sonia's delicious meals were a big bonus. A tip for future volunteers: knowing some basic Spanish is helpful for communication. All in all I highly recommend this experience and would love to come back some day!
8 months ago
Jessie
Canada
Volunteering at the shelter was the best decision ive ever made!! It was genuinely the best 2 weeks of my life. Milo is the most humble, caring and generous man ever. He is always sharing his knowledge about turtles and his life on the island. I have found a great friend in him and i cant wait to go back. We had a lot of free time during the day so its perfect if you want to live in the present moment and enjoy the beach and wildlife. It's the perfect place to meet travellers from all over the world and build deep connections. The house is cozy and has everything you need. It was truly amazing.
8 months ago
Frances
United States
100/10 experience. I stayed for 12 days, and each of them was perfect. Milo is a wonderful host. He was so caring to all volunteers, connecting through conversation, sharing knowledge, helping with transportation at any time, etc. Milo's work is fully non-prophet - he is a lifelong local with a heartfelt desire to protect endangered sea turtles. I learned so much through the daily turtle releases as Milo would share information with us and tourists. His family was kind and prepared amazing meals which accommodated my vegan diet. There is TONS of free time to relax and enjoy. I loved everything
8 months ago
Sophie
Austria
I stayed for one week at the project. I was able to see the baby turtles hatch which was so cute! During the day, we as volunteers planned many different activities because the work is almost always in the evening or at night going on patrol, or the morning, when tourists come to see the baby turtles. I was also able to talk in spanish because Milo and his family do not talk that much english. The food was also great:)
2 months ago
Victoria
United States
I truly enjoyed every moment of my time at the shelter. Milo and Sonia made me feel so welcome and I got to meet so many cool volunteers from all over the world. The experiences I had with everyone here were one of a kind and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. Milo's work for the sea turtles is so impactful and working with him made me feel like I was making a difference. This was my first solo abroad trip and I couldn't have wished for anything different. I have learned and gained so much from this experience and hope to be back one day!
9 months ago
Tanika
Netherlands
Sometimes you meet people that give you hope, Milo is one of those people. Working with the turtles and Milo and the other volunteers has been an experience that I will never forget. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life and this place that Milo created is amazing. The kindness and love are felt everywhere. Thank you a million times for everything. I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time at the shelter. Until we meet again ❤️
9 months ago
Alice
Canada
I absolutely loved my time here, and I wish I could've stayed longer! Milo and Sonia were so sweet and helpful, I made so many new friends in the other volunteers here, and I loved getting to be involved with this project. The beach and nature here is incredible, the baby turtles are adorable, and the community was awesome. The workload was very minimal, so be prepared for lots of time to enjoy a slower pace of life, and try to plan some fun outings nearby. Also, bring lots of bug spray and sunscreen!!!
10 months ago
Rachel
Canada
I had an amazing time here! Milo and Sonya are so welcoming and accommodating. The sea turtle work is so rewarding. My favourite part was liberation (letting the baby turtles go). It felt so good to see them reach the ocean. I personally thought it was a good balance between the volunteer work and free time, and I love that we were right on the ocean. I would definitely come back and do it again.
10 months ago
Alissa
Canada
I had an amazing time at the shelter! Milo was wonderful and it was amazing to be a part of something that is lead but the pure compassion of his heart! Sonia is lovely and makes delicious food! Something to keep in mind that if you are not fluent in Spanish, maybe reach out to them first to make sure other volunteers are present that can translate. Otherwise you will use a lot of Google translate and the night walks will be long! But with a translator you will love it! I learned so much Spanish in my time here I am so grateful for it!! Unforgettable experience!
about 1 year ago
Zoé
France
I truly enjoyed my stay in the shelter. Milo is really passionate about turtles and Sonia prepares delicious meals. It was magical to see the turtles during the night patrols and releases. I would 100% recommend this volunteering to anyone who wants to experience a break in the middle of nature.
about 1 year ago
Starting from
US$ 1,146 for 7 days (US$ 185 per day)
US$ 1,296 for 7 days
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