Drake Bay, Costa Rica
A meaningful 2-week getaway in Costa Rica: Sustainability, yoga, and epic beaches
Nestled in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, community, and purpose. Participate in permaculture and soap-making workshops, enjoy yoga sessions, practice your Spanish, and explore the area through sea turtle patrols and guided nature walks. Stay in cozy accommodations, savor fresh meals, and relax in hammocks steps from the beach. This is more than a vacation; it is a journey back to yourself and the Earth.
- Rob - Finca Ganadito
- Worldpackers host since Oct/2021
Available group trips
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026
Coming soonCosta Rica Wildlife & Sustainability Expedition with @life.of.ian
Join us in the heart of Costa Rica for a hands-on wildlife, sustainability, and conservation immersion led by renowned conservation photographer, videographer, and expedition guide Ian Breland (@life.of.ian) in partnership with Finca Ganadito. This experience is for travelers who want to go beyond tourism — to learn, contribute, and connect deeply with nature and local conservation efforts. You’ll work alongside a sustainable farm and conservation project focused on wildlife protection, ethical land use, reforestation, and community-based sustainability. Throughout the experience, Ian will guide the group not only through the landscapes of Costa Rica, but through the art of ethical wildlife storytelling, conservation photography, and mindful exploration. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a creator who has built a global platform rooted in wildlife respect, adventure, and purpose. ✨ What You’ll Experience: Hands-on sustainability and conservation work Wildlife observation and ethical photography Immersive rainforest living Community connection and cultural exchange Guided learning with an experienced expedition leader A like-minded group of adventurers passionate about nature and impact This trip is perfect for: 🌱 Wildlife lovers 📸 Aspiring photographers & filmmakers 🌎 Conscious travelers 🐾 Conservation-minded explorers ✨ Anyone seeking an intentional, life-changing adventure Spots are limited, and this is a highly curated experience designed for deep impact, meaningful connection, and unforgettable memories.
Starting from
US$ 1,533
US$ 1,333
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
Arrivals
Welcome to paradise! Time to meet your hosts and group, get comfy, and feel the vibe of this life-changing week.
Evening
Ice Breaker Dinner
Let’s break the ice and get to know each other over a delicious meal! Meet your travel fam and start building real connections that last.
Day 2
Morning
Yoga Class
Wake up your body and mind with a gentle flow in the jungle. Breathe in, stretch out, and feel grounded.
Breakfast
Start your day with an amazing meal made by Chef Rebe, your co-host!
Orientation & Farm Tour
Get the lay of the land, explore the farm with Rob, your co-host, and learn how to connect all our conservation & sustainable living efforts.
Beach Workshop
During months with sea turtle conservation efforts, you'll learn how to spot turtle nests at the beach to prepare for patrolling!
Afternoon
Lunch
Enjoy a vibrant lunch made with farm-fresh ingredients and tons of flavor.
Evening
Dinner
End your day with a nourishing and satisfying meal packed with local flavor.
Day 3
Morning
Biodiversity Survey (Group 1)
Join our morning nature walk to identify birds and other wildlife in this incredibly biodiverse region. Data collected will be reported to national conservation authorities!
Breakfast
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast before diving into your hands-on farm experience.
Regenerative Farming Workshop
Learn how to create natural fertilizers, build garden beds, and plant food sustainably—get your hands dirty for a good cause!
Afternoon
Lunch
A colorful and hearty lunch featuring ingredients you may have helped plant!
Spanish Class
Practice key phrases and local expressions so you can feel more confident while connecting with the community.
Evening
Dinner
A cozy dinner to celebrate a day of learning, growth, and connection.
Turtle Talk
Learn all about sea turtle conservation, the local species, and how you’ll help protect them during your stay, between July and December.
Day 4
Morning
Biodiversity Survey (Group 2)
Join our morning nature walk to identify birds and other wildlife in this incredibly biodiverse region. Data collected will be reported to national conservation authorities!
Regenerative Farming Workshop
Learn how to create natural fertilizers, build garden beds, and plant food sustainably—get your hands dirty for a good cause!
Breakfast
Get energized for the day with a farm-to-table breakfast full of vibrant colors and flavors.
Afternoon
Lunch
Even on a free day, you’ll be spoiled by Rebe’s flavors if you stay at the project. Fresh, light, and made with love!
Evening
Dinner
Whether you explored the jungle or chilled by the beach, dinner’s waiting—warm, rich, and delicious.
Day 5
Morning
Yoga
Unwind and reconnect with your breath during a peaceful morning yoga session by nature.
Breakfast
Enjoy another beautiful breakfast with locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
Coconut Workshop (Group 1)
Discover the many uses of coconuts, from milk to oil to bowls, and craft your own coconut creations!
Soap Workshop (Group 2)
Learn how to make soap using natural ingredients like essential oils, coconut, and farm-fresh additions like cocoa and mint.
Afternoon
Lunch
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Spanish Class
Build on your Spanish skills with fun group activities and practical conversation practice.
Evening
Dinner
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Coconut Curry Night
Taste the tropics! A flavorful, homemade coconut curry dinner shared around good company and laughter.
Day 6
Morning
Breakfast
A final stretch of the week starts with a comforting breakfast and stunning views.
Caño Island Snorkeling Tour (optional) / Free Day
Get to know Costa Rica’s local wildlife on an optional snorkeling tour to an island near Drake Bay! If you choose not to join, you'll have a free day to explore the farm, beach, and surrounding areas.
Afternoon
Lunch
A delicious break between creativity and culture: Chef Rebe brings her A-game as always.
Evening
Dinner
An early dinner to wrap up a full and fascinating day: good food, good vibes, and great company.
Day 7
Morning
Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast: savory, sweet, and made with cariño!
Corcovado National Park Tour (optional) / Free Day
Head out for a once-in-a-lifetime tour to Corcovado National Park or enjoy a relaxed day soaking up the Pura Vida vibes.
Afternoon
Lunch
A tropical goodbye feast made with the freshest ingredients and her signature love.
Evening
Dinner
One last delicious dinner together. Celebrate the memories, the flavors, and the new friendships.
Day 8
Morning
Tortilla Making Workshop
Learn how to make fresh, homemade tortillas from scratch in this hands-on workshop—just like the locals do!
Breakfast
Your final breakfast, enjoy and don’t forget to thank Rebe!
Coconut Workshop (Group 2)
Discover the many uses of coconuts, from milk to oil to bowls, and craft your own coconut creations!
Soap Workshop (Group 1)
Learn how to make soap using natural ingredients like essential oils, coconut, and farm-fresh additions like cocoa and mint.
Afternoon
Lunch
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Evening
Dinner
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Climate Talk
Join an open conversation about climate change, sustainability, and how small actions can make a big impact.
Day 9
Morning
Yoga
Unwind and reconnect with your breath during a peaceful morning yoga session by nature.
Breakfast
Enjoy another beautiful breakfast with locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
Guided Excursion to Ganado Estatuary
Discover the rich biodiversity of the Ganado Estuary on a guided excursion—spot wildlife, learn about the ecosystem, and explore this hidden gem of Costa Rica.
Afternoon
Lunch
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Horseriding and Waterfall Tour (optional)
Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride through lush trails, ending with a refreshing visit to a hidden waterfall—an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure!
Evening
Dinner
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Day 10
Morning
Biodiversity Survey
Join our morning nature walk to identify birds and other wildlife in this incredibly biodiverse region. Data collected will be reported to national conservation authorities!
Breakfast
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast before diving into your hands-on farm experience.
Secret beach trail maintanance
Help preserve paradise! Join us for a hands-on trail maintenance session leading to a secret beach—give back while enjoying nature up close.
Afternoon
Lunch
A colorful and hearty lunch featuring ingredients you may have helped plant!
Spanish Class
Practice key phrases and local expressions so you can feel more confident while connecting with the community.
Evening
Dinner
A cozy dinner to celebrate a day of learning, growth, and connection.
Day 11
Morning
Breakfast
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast before diving into your hands-on farm experience.
Afternoon
Lunch
A colorful and hearty lunch featuring ingredients you may have helped plant!
Ganado Beach Clean Up
Make a difference by joining our Ganado Beach Clean Up—protect local wildlife and keep this beautiful coastline pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Sunset Catamaran Tour (optional)
Set sail on an optional sunset catamaran tour—relax, enjoy the ocean breeze, and take in breathtaking coastal views as the sun dips below the horizon.
Evening
Dinner
A cozy dinner to celebrate a day of learning, growth, and connection.
Day 12
Morning
Yoga
Unwind and reconnect with your breath during a peaceful morning yoga session by nature.
Breakfast
Enjoy another beautiful breakfast with locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
Biodiversity monitoring follow up
Join us for a follow-up session on biodiversity monitoring—review findings, share insights, and see how your contributions are helping protect local ecosystems.
Afternoon
Lunch
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Spanish Class
Build on your Spanish skills with fun group activities and practical conversation practice.
Evening
Dinner
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Day 13
Morning
Breakfast
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast before diving into your hands-on farm experience.
Floating River Tour (optional)
Take an optional floating river tour—relax as you drift along calm waters, surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife.
Afternoon
Lunch
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Evening
Dinner
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Day 14
Morning
Breakfast
Enjoy another beautiful breakfast with locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
Free Time & Packing
Enjoy some free time to relax and pack at your own pace before the next adventure.
Afternoon
Lunch
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Evening
Dinner
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Closing Night
Celebrate the closing night with good company, stories, and memories from the trip—an unforgettable way to wrap up your experience.
Day 15
Morning
Breakfast
Your final breakfast, enjoy and don’t forget to thank Rebe!
Departure
Time to say goodbye! A trusted driver will take you to the boat or to the airport back to San José.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner English or 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 patrols
Join nighttime beach patrols to locate and protect sea turtle nests.
Turtle season from Jul to Dec
Release baby sea turtles
When the eggs hatch, help release baby turtles safely into the ocean!
Turtle season from Jul to Dec
Coconut Workshop
Learn to extract coconut milk and oil, fresh from the palms at Ganadito Beach.
Relocating nests to the hatchery
Relocate turtle eggs to hatcheries to protect them from predators.
Turtle season from Jul to Dec
Soap Making Workshop
Learn to make sustainable soap using coconut oil and other natural ingredients.
Collecting biodiversity data
Observe and record local wildlife activity to support Costa Rica’s conservation efforts.
Regenerative Farming Workshop
Join and learn harvesting produce, building structures, and making bio-inputs.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Spanish classes
Learn Spanish with your co-host Rob—two fun, practical lessons included!
Yoga Classes
Join two classes with your co-host Rebe and connect body & mind in nature.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Horseback Riding Tour
Includes local guide & horse for a 2h ride along Costa Rica’s stunning beaches.
Aprox. US$70
Beach Volleyball
Play a fun match with the group at Ganadito Beach, just 500m from your stay!
Gratis
Beach Bonfire
Enjoy a night of music, stories, and stars around a cozy beach bonfire.
Gratis
Snorkel at Caño Island
A 6h snorkeling tour in crystal-clear waters. Includes boat, gear, local team & transport.
Aprox. US$100
Floating River Tour
Float from river to beach! Includes 45-minute hike, guide, life jacket, transport & lunch.
Aprox. US$75
Corcovado National Park Tour
A 6h wildlife tour through Costa Rica’s top park! Includes transport, entry, and guide.
Aprox. US$125
Videos
Adriana
United States
Drake bay is a hidden paradise and playa the eco village was an exceptional host ! From the incredible food to the knowledgeable education on regenerative farming and sea turtle conservation at the finca, I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone !
7 days ago
Ashlyn
United States
I had an amazing time volunteering at the eco village! Rob and Rebe are great hosts that are passionate about the environment and teaching others how to care for it in a sustainable manner. Through this trip, I made so many amazing friends that I would not have met otherwise. This trip is a great fit for those who love adventure while making a positive impact on the environment!
12 days ago
Capriana
United States
The eco village was the most amazing experience ever! I met so many amazing people including the hosts and their staff. Overall recommend to anyone!
12 days ago
Riley
United States
I cannot say enough good things about the eco village! the place, the people, the food, everything was so incredible & my group had such a special time. in just a week it became my home away from home and i can't wait to go back one day!
13 days ago
Katie
United States
The eco village was hands down one of the best weeks of my life. The hosts and the entire team is incredible. I have celiac and they accommodated my meals (they were SO good) and the whole week of activities was organized and smooth. My group and I learned so much and all became life long friends thanks to the eco village. Could not recommend this trip more.
20 days ago
Shelby
United States
Honestly the best experience. The food was amazing, the host was amazing and everything was planned out and flexible. From the moment I walked up I felt so welcome when they all knew my name and hugged me as I arrived. Truly would recommend this and would also go back just to volunteer again soon!
20 days 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
Round House
The dormitory offers a comfortable, close-to-nature experience. It accommodates up to 12 travelers of all genders in 6 cozy bunk beds, each one comes with mosquito nets to ensure a peaceful night's rest, with nearby outlets to charge devices and shelves to store clothes and luggage. There are 5 bathrooms with showers for the group to use that are separated by gender.
The open-air structure welcomes a gentle breeze and the sounds of the surrounding rainforest, enhancing the immersive experience of living in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. There are 9 hammocks strung within the space, and the dorm's construction has a wooden platform and a metal roof that provides shelter from the tropical rains.
- Pay-per-use laundry machine
- Internet (50 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
Shared Dorm
The dormitory offers a comfortable, close-to-nature experience. It accommodates up to 12 travelers of all genders in 6 cozy bunk beds, each one comes with mosquito nets to ensure a peaceful night's rest, with nearby outlets to charge devices and shelves to store clothes and luggage. There are 5 bathrooms with showers for the group to use that are separated by gender.
The open-air structure welcomes a gentle breeze and the sounds of the surrounding rainforest, enhancing the immersive experience of living in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. There are 9 hammocks strung within the space, and the dorm's construction has a wooden platform and a metal roof that provides shelter from the tropical rains.
- Pay-per-use laundry machine
- Internet (50 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
- Hot water showers
Meals
The menu is prepared by Rebe, one of the project's owners and a Vegan chef. The meals are focused on plant-based dishes, offering a variety of delicious vegan options, as well as vegetarian dishes which may include dairy or eggs. We are also happy to accommodate Gluten-Free travelers and offer a Gluten-Free experience, as long as this is requested well in advance. It is important to note this disclaimer: the host will do their best to avoid cross-contamination, but Worldpackers cannot guarantee a 100% Gluten-Free environment, as this responsibility lies entirely with the host.
For breakfast, the options may include overnight oats, various seeds, fresh fruit, pancakes, honey, burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese, greens, and refried beans. For lunch and dinner, try an incredible pasta with homemade pesto, vegan bean burger or veggie curry that can be South Indian or Thai style.
Eating like locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture, remember to be open to try new things. Just a heads up: meals might look a little different from what's described, photos are for reference only.
Arrival orientation
The host, Rob, or a local trusted taxi driver will pick up and drop off travelers at Drake Bay Airport (DRK) free of charge.
If the traveler is arriving by boat in Drake Bay, they will need to pay for a taxi transfer to get to the project, which costs around USD 10.
About the project
Rob’s connection with the Drake Bay community began in 2009 during his backpacking trip through Central America. Originally joining a sea turtle conservation initiative as a research assistant, his background as a biologist eventually led him to manage the program for six years.
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Top host
- This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
- Languages spoken in this project
- English, Spanish
- How long does it exist
- 17 years
- Worldpackers host
- Since Oct/2021
About the destination
Drake Bay is located on the stunning Osa Peninsula and is the gateway to the Corcovado National Park. Famously referred to by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth", the park is home to 2.5% of the world’s species.
The Drake Bay area consists of the main tourist town, known as Agujitas (where the boat taxi from Sierpe lands and from where the main tours depart), plus several smaller villages, such as Los Planes and El Progreso, and beach destinations, such as Ganadito, Caletas, Río Claro and San Josecito.
Agujitas has a relaxed backpacker vibe and several restaurants, cafes and bars, plus a fantastic coastal trail that extends all the way to the National Park, stopping at many picturesque beaches along the way.
Impact & Purpose
Over 213 international travelers have been educated in regenerative farming and sea turtle conservation, and together, they've planted over 300 native forest trees, completed over 30 biodiversity surveys, and produced over 20 tons of soil along with multiple organic bio-inputs. Through intensive efforts, 19 local turtle patrol leaders have been trained in conservation management, resulting in the protection of 270 sea turtle nests and the release of over 20,000 baby sea turtles into the Pacific Ocean. This collective endeavor has also raised over USD $30,000 in income for the sea turtle project, empowering sustainable conservation efforts in this tropical sanctuary.
At Finca Ganadito, you'll learn about regenerative agriculture and conservation, which directly contributes to sustainable living and ecological health in the local community. Your actions will help conserve biodiversity, support organic farming, and promote community and environmental resilience. You’re not just visiting; you're making a tangible, lasting impact on one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Life below water
Part of the Program Fee paid by travelers is directed towards supporting a marine life conservation project. At certain times of the year, travelers actively participate in marine conservation activities, primarily focused on sea turtles that nest in the region.
Life on land
The group will engage in biodiversity monitoring activities, where they explore the surroundings and document the presence of wildlife.
Responsible consumption and production
Travelers assist in organic food plantations, as well as in the conscious disposal of compounds to enrich the production cycle sustainably.
Climate action
The group is encouraged to practice conscious consumption of scarce resources.
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