Catch waves & Save Sea Turtles

location
1 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Collect eggs, witness baby turtles hatch and make their first journey to the ocean, all thanks to your efforts! 🐢
  • Enjoy surf lessons on an amazing wild beach 🏄‍♂️ 🌊
  • Dive into slow tourism, relax, and fully embrace the pura vida way of life 🤘

Highlights

  • Collect eggs, witness baby turtles hatch and make their first journey to the ocean, all thanks to your efforts! 🐢
  • Enjoy surf lessons on an amazing wild beach 🏄‍♂️ 🌊
  • Dive into slow tourism, relax, and fully embrace the pura vida way of life 🤘
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture, connect with the community, and make a positive impact. 🇨🇷
  • Meet people from around the world, take meaningful action for the planet, and have an amazing time doing it!


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us near Manuel Antonio, protect endangered sea turtles, watch baby hatch and surf. Make a real impact while enjoying a great volunteer beachfront experience!

    About

    Tortugas de Isla Damas is a conservation organization located in the south of Quepos, very close to Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific coast. It is easy to get here from San José. The 6 km beach is wild and typical of Costa Rica. We are a local family deeply committed to nature, ...

    About the program

    About

    Tortugas de Isla Damas is a conservation organization located in the south of Quepos, very close to Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific coast. It is easy to get here from San José. The 6 km beach is wild and typical of Costa Rica. We are a local family deeply committed to nature, animals, and especially turtles. That’s why we decided to create this project in the beautiful Isla Damas.

    Our goal is to protect the nesting populations of Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. We offer an affordable, rewarding volunteering experience on the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Volunteers can enjoy slow tourism and immerse themselves in the local Pura Vida lifestyle with us. We live and work sustainably to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. We love sharing our culture and wildlife with others.

    Surf by day, Protect Turtles by night!

    Tortugas de Isla Damas is not a surf camp, it is a conservation project.

    But the beach is perfect to learn surf so we provide surf classes with a professional surfer in addition to the turtle project.

    We provide with this program 4 lessons a week, with possibility of more with an additional cost.

    So you can mix impact change and adventure.

     Why do we have to protect turtles?

    Nesting turtle populations are endangered due to threats from poachers and natural predators. The number of turtles in this species is rapidly declining, making it crucial to protect them before they disappear.

    What do we do exactly?

    During the season, we patrol the beach at night and may encounter several turtles in a single night. Our aim is to collect eggs from nesting turtles and bring them to our hatchery for care and protection. We have a hatchery that can accommodate up to 300 nests. Once the eggs hatch, we release the baby turtles on the beach and watch them make their way to the sea.

    Throughout the process, we collect data to monitor the species' evolution. We also prepare the area by cleaning the beach and preserving nature in general. We work to raise local awareness about the importance of this work and plan to collaborate with local schools to educate children about the environment and biodiversity, while also engaging in cultural exchanges.

    Who can join us?

    Anyone who is passionate about these issues and enjoys sharing their experience is welcome to join our project. You will patrol with the founder of the project or a local employee who will explain everything about the work, the location, and the sea turtles. Groups and families are very welcome!

    Necessary Equipment

    For the night patrols, you will need comfortable shoes, dark clothing, and a red flashlight. During the day, bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and any books, games, or entertainment (like downloaded music or movies) you might enjoy.

    Since it is a remote location, you may also want to bring some snacks.



    Typical day

    • Wake up and enjoy a nice breakfast at 8 AM.

    • In the morning, you could first seed eggs in the hatchery and then release baby sea turtles on the beach.

      Then you will take your surf lesson (4 days a week, possibility of more with an additional cost).

      When you don't surf, you could help with beach ...

    Typical day

    • Wake up and enjoy a nice breakfast at 8 AM.

    • In the morning, you could first seed eggs in the hatchery and then release baby sea turtles on the beach.

      Then you will take your surf lesson (4 days a week, possibility of more with an additional cost).

      When you don't surf, you could help with beach cleaning, camp maintenance, or garden work.

      • Lunch is at noon.

      In the afternoon, you can choose any activity you like: enjoy the beach, explore the surrounding nature, or assist the community if you feel inclined. We may also sometimes release newly hatched baby turtles.

      You’re welcome to leave the project to visit nearby tourist spots such as Manuel Antonio, Nauyaca Falls, Dominical, or Manglar.

      You can also do a crocodile tour.

      • Dinner is at 6 PM.

      In the evening, volunteers will participate in night patrols on the beach, in order to find sea turtles hatching.

      The time depends on the tides.

      During free time, volunteers can socialize, play games, or relax.


    Free-time activities

    During your free time you can rest because night patrols can be tiring.

    Things we can recommend:

    • Enjoy the beach and the sea
    • Do the crocodile tour (around 10$)
    • Do a horse ride (additional cost)
    • Take a walk in the surroundings
    • Go on a kayak tour in the mangroves
    • Go for an excursion, such as to Manuel ...

    Free-time activities

    During your free time you can rest because night patrols can be tiring.

    Things we can recommend:

    • Enjoy the beach and the sea
    • Do the crocodile tour (around 10$)
    • Do a horse ride (additional cost)
    • Take a walk in the surroundings
    • Go on a kayak tour in the mangroves
    • Go for an excursion, such as to Manuel Antonio
    • Enjoy the small swimming pool
    • Learn more about the local culture
    • Read, write, draw—whatever you never have time for
    • Watch the amazing sunset on the beach, just in front of the project
    • Share experiences with other volunteers from around the world


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 11:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Tortugas de Isla Damas

    This is a non-profit organization. The project does not receive any subsidies from the state.

    The fees are used to:

    • Maintain the camp, keep the house, and ensure the area is pleasant and comfortable
    • Purchase food for all meals, coffee, and fruits
    • Buy materials for animal care (gloves, bags, hatchery supplies, etc.)
    • Pay the staff working on the project
    • Provide accommodation
    • Support the project's growth and operations
    • Pay the surf lessons

    Accommodation

    • We offer very nice wooden houses, fully equipped with 4 beds dorms and bathrooms for the volunteers. Each house has a small outdoor pool to refresh in.
    • The houses are located in a large garden in front of the beach. Each one features comfortable indoor and outdoor areas for sitting, resting, eating, or socializing with others. They are fully equipped with a fan and a fridge.
    • Laundry facilities are available with additional cost.
    • FAMILIES are very welcome; we are a local family with three children. The houses are also perfect for GROUPS!

    Food & Beverages

    We offer three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    • We cook both local and international food and can prepare vegetarian or vegan meals. 
    • Volunteers can enjoy free coffee all day long and occasionally fresh fruits.

    VEGETARIANS and VEGANS are welcome!

    Bring snacks if you like it, there is no shop nearby.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The turtle season starts in June and ends in January with the final release of babies. During this period, volunteers can arrive any day at any time.

    1. To get to Tortugas de Isla Damas, you can take a bus from San José to Quepos at the Tracopa terminal. The cost is about $10 USD. 
    2. From Quepos, we will arrange transport to the island (taxi and boat) for an additional $10 USD. Alternatively, someone from the project will meet you at the bus station, or it could be a taxi driver we know.

    If you prefer to take a taxi from the airport, we can arrange it for you, but please note there will be an additional cost. Ask us for the price.

    IMPORTANT: We will coordinate your arrival time with you based on the tides, as they can affect access to the project.

    It’s an easy, fast, and secure process! Please bring a local SIM card, as reception is good but there is no Wi-Fi.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 531€
    2 weeks 1,061€
    3 weeks 1,592€
    4 weeks 2,123€
    8 weeks 4,245€
    16 weeks 8,491€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 12,736€
    Average fees 531€/week

    Program fees

    531€ per week 1 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Tortugas de Isla Damas during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Tortugas de Isla Damas

    Excellent 4.8 rating (24 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2016

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Francisco

    Spoken languages: Spanish

    About the project

    Our local non profit organisation acts for endengered olive ridley sea turtle protection by collecting eggs and liberate babies when they hatch.

    Meet your organization

    What we do?
    Tortugas de Isla Damas is a non profit conservation organization that works to protect the nesting populations of Kemp's ridley sea turtles on Isla Damas.

    Our mission
    Nesting turtle populations are endangered because they are both threatened by poachers and natural predators. The numbers of turtle of this species is rapidly declining and it is important to protect them before they disappear. Our mission is also to start working on the manglar preservation mainly by planting and cleaning the area. 

    Who we are
    We are a local family who really care about nature, animals and especially turtles. That's why we have decided to create this project in the amazing Isla Damas place. We are surrounded by nature and very close to the sea. The beach is 6 km long, so we have lot of work taking care of this place and protecting the nesting turtles. We started for 3 years working just between us to collect eggs on the beach to protect them on a hatchery until they born, but there was too much work so we started ask for help and welcome volunteers. We live and work on a sustainable way in order to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem.
     

    24 reviews · rating4.8

    Almudena Ojeda Ruiz rating5

    2024 at Be a great Sea Turtle Conservationist

    No tengo palabras para describir lo que es pasar una semana en el proyecto. Milo, Sonia y su familia te hacen sentir como en casa y te ayudan con todo en cualquier momento. Milo transmite su pasión por las tortugas y por el trabajo que hace a diario. La playa es espectacular y está prácticamente ...
    Kerstin ELBERSKIRCH rating5

    2024 at Be a great Sea Turtle Conservationist

    We had a great time with Milo and the turtles, It's exciting to see how the little turtles conquer the sea and also how the turtles nest. Milo organized a lot for us, the kitchen was great. Thanks for the great ...
    I've stayed with Milo and his family for 2 weeks. They were so welcoming and nice with me from the beginning, and made me feel be part of the family. They made sure I felt accompanied and good the whole time. The installations are great, the volunteering house is nice, there are even swimming pools ...
    julie colombet rating4.8

    2024 at Be a great Sea Turtle Conservationist

    Nous avons passé 10 jours sur place au mois d’octobre, c’est une super période pour voir les bébés et les mamans tortues ! La petite maison est très confortable, la nourriture est super bonne! Nous avons du temps libre pour faire d’autres activités aux alentours. C’était une ...
    Jophiel Wiis rating4.8

    2024 at Be a great Sea Turtle Conservationist

    You know that immersive, local experience that’s the reason why you travel at all? It’s right here. You know that long, beautiful stretch of beach you’ve always dreamt of? Palm-rimmed, with beautiful sunsets, and practically empty? That’s right here too. And your nice, clean, ...
    Lynn Moeller rating4.6

    2024 at Be a great Sea Turtle Conservationist

    Meine 2 Wochen hier waren richtig schön! Wir waren zwar nicht sehr viele Volunteers aber dadurch ist man in dem Projekt stark involviert und kann überall mithelfen. Vor allem ist man den Schildkröten immer ganz nah was so spannend ist. Milo und seine Familie sind so nett und kümmern sich sehr ...

    Location


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    Spanish

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