Quepos, Costa Rica
Make an impact and find your people: Sea turtle conservation off-the-grid in Costa Rica
Experience the magic of a remote beach in Costa Rica’s Pacific coast with a small group of like-minded travelers. On Isla Damas, you’ll support sea turtle conservation by patrolling beaches, protecting nests, and helping hatchlings reach the ocean. Beyond the project, you’ll explore stunning mangroves, share meals and moments with a passionate local community, and discover the joy of sustainable living. This Epic Trip blends purpose, adventure, and friendships that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
- Francisco
- Anfitrión de Worldpackers desde Feb/2024
Viajes grupales disponibles
13 de Dic de 2027 - 19 de Dic de 2027
PróximamenteMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Desde
US$ 796
Itinerario
Día 1
Tarde
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.
Noche
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.
Día 2
Mañana
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.
Tarde
03:00 PM: Beach Cleanup
Protect marine life by collecting plastic and debris from the nesting areas.
Noche
06:00 PM: Dinner & Firepit
Unwind with a tasty dinner and connect around the fire with stories and laughter.
Día 3
Mañana
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.
Tarde
01:00 PM: Surf Class Group 1
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.
Noche
06:00 PM: Dinner & Firepit
Relax after a big day with dinner and firepit moments under the stars.
Día 4
Mañana
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.
Día 5
Mañana
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.
Tarde
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.
Noche
06:00 PM: Dinner & Firepit
Enjoy your homemade meal and relax around the fire with the group.
Día 6
Mañana
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.
Tarde
01:00 PM: Lunch & Certification Ceremony
Celebrate your impact with an official sea turtle conservation certificate.
01:30 PM: Surf Class Group 2
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.
Noche
06:00 PM: Farewell Dinner & Firepit
Wrap up the week with a celebration, dinner, and a final firepit hangout.
Día 7
Mañana
08:00 AM: Breakfast & Goodbyes
Enjoy one last breakfast and say your goodbyes before heading to Quepos and San José.
Qué incluye
Lo que no está incluido
Requisitos
- Español Principiante
- Mayores de 18 años
Actividades
Consulte las actividades que harán que tu viaje sea una aventura épica.
Actividades de aprendizaje
Contribuya al proyecto y tenga un impacto positivo mientras desarrolla nuevas habilidades.
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
Actividades de inmersión
Conoce la cultura local y vive una auténtica experiencia de viaje con las actividades incluidas en tu itinerario.
Surf Class
Join one group surf lesson 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.
Actividades extra
Actividades adicionales para que disfrutes aún más de esta aventura en tu tiempo libre.
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
Kenya
Canadá
This trip was truly amazing. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this trip but I’m so glad I got to experience every part of it. Milo and his team are truly passionate about what they are doing in this project and it makes you appreciate efforts like this one much more. There was quite a bit of free time as the other reviews suggest but it gives you a chance to explore other parts of the area and interact more with locals
hace 2 meses
Laura
Canadá
My time spent at Tortugas de Isla Damas was better than anything I could’ve ever imagined. The host was friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Emma made the experience seamless and even helped coordinate travel to and from the accommodations.
Milo takes so much pride and passion in his work with the turtles and it is truly something special to see.
I would recommend this experience to anyone seeking to make new friends, live on a beautiful island, and make a positive impact with one of the most beautiful creatures.
hace 2 meses
Courtney
Estados Unidos
This was the best experience I’ve ever had. Milo, Emma, and Sonya are the kindest people you will ever meet, and they are so dedicated to giving you a great experience and teaching you all about sea turtles. They had so many fun activities planned, and I really had an amazing time and made lifelong friendships 🥰
hace 2 meses
Eline
Antillas Holandesas
The host was very welcoming and helpful. This was an absolutely wonderful experience. However make sure to bring mosquito spray! :)
hace 2 meses
Anouk-Joy
Holanda
This experience was amazing! The people/la familia were so sweet and helped us get the most out of this trip. I would definitly support others to go and see the beauty of Costa Rica! Thank you so much 🫶🏻
hace 2 meses
Fabiënne
Holanda
It was a truly special experience! The people at Tortugas de Isla Damas were incredibly kind and dedicated to their work. I would definitely recommend it to others!
hace 2 meses
Hable con los que vivieron la experiencia
En nuestra comunidad, puede hablar con worldpackers que ya han colaborado con este anfitrión y obtener respuestas a sus preguntas.
Conecta con los que también estarán allí
Intercambia ideas con otros worldpackers confirmados antes de tu viaje.
Alojamiento
Shared Dorm
Your home for the week is a cozy wooden house, a private space reserved just for our group of travelers. This isn't a hotel, it's a communal basecamp designed for connection. You'll share mixed-gender dorms (up to four travelers each), the perfect setting for late-night conversations and building the friendships that make these trips life-changing.
The heart of the house is the common area, where the group bonds over card games and shares stories. While the vibe is intentionally simple and authentic, you’ll have modern comforts like Starlink WiFi and a pool to cool off in after a day of conservation work. This space is designed to help you connect with your fellow travelers, disconnect from the routine, and create a home together.
- No hay máquina de lavandería, pero hay un espacio de lavandería gratuito
- Internet (de 50 Mbps a 100 Mbps)
- Espacio de Trabajo Dedicado
- Piscina
Comidas
Here, meals are more than just food—they're a chance to connect, share, and belong. Every dish is homemade with fresh, local ingredients, giving you an authentic taste of Costa Rican culture while supporting the community.
Mornings start with a light breakfast to energize you for the day's activities. Lunch is the main meal, featuring hearty, traditional dishes that power your conservation work. But dinner is where the magic happens. It’s a time to gather as a group, share stories from the day, and deepen the bonds you’re forming over comforting, locally-inspired food. It's a simple, communal experience that brings everyone together and is often a highlight of the trip.
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Instrucciones de llegada
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! 🌊🐢
Sobre el proyecto
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.
-
Top Anfitrión
- Este anfitrión recibe muchos worldpackers y tiene una alta calificación promedio.
- Idiomas hablados en el proyecto
- Español
- Cuánto tiempo lleva el proyecto
- 12 años
- Anfitrión de Worldpackers
- Desde Feb/2024
Sobre el destino
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.
Impacto y Propósito
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.
Este anfitrión contribuye a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible
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