Enjoy the opportunity to participate to two different projets on both sides of Costa Rica.
You may start in Tortugas de Isla Damas (2/3 of you trip) and then go to Las Ranitas.
For exemple, first two weeks in Isla Damas, pacific coast, and then one week in Barra Pacuare on the Caribbean side.
Depending on season and weather, we may adapt it to improve your stay., only if you agree.
Tortugas de Isla Damas
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 Olive Ridley sea turtles. Sometimes we have other species, green, kempt...
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.
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 and drinks.
Voluntariado Ecologico Las Ranitas
About
Voluntariado Ecologico Las Ranitas is a small conservation project located in Barra de Pacuare, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Surrounded by tropical rainforest, rivers, and incredible biodiversity, Las Ranitas is dedicated to protecting nature and restoring local ecosystems.
The project focuses mainly on rainforest reforestation and wildlife conservation, especially the protection of capuchin monkeys and their natural habitat.
Run by a local family, Las Ranitas offers volunteers the opportunity to experience authentic Costa Rican life while actively contributing to conservation.
Our goal is to restore degraded areas, protect biodiversity, and create a stronger connection between local communities, volunteers, and nature.
Why do we have to protect the rainforest?
Costa Rica’s tropical forests are home to an incredible variety of plants and animals.
However, habitat loss and human activities threaten many species and their natural environment.
Protecting and restoring forests is essential to preserve biodiversity and provide wildlife with safe habitats.
Capuchin monkeys depend on healthy forests for food, shelter, and movement between different areas.
By restoring the forest, we help create better conditions for wildlife to thrive.
What do we do exactly?
Volunteers take part in different activities depending on the season and the project's needs.
A major part of the work is reforestation, including planting native trees and helping maintain young plants as they grow.
Volunteers also monitor capuchin monkeys to get to know the population and their behavior.
Volunteers can also help maintain trails and natural areas, support biodiversity conservation, and participate in activities related to wildlife protection.
The project also provides opportunities to observe many different animals, and learn more about the species and its natural habitat.
Life at Las Ranitas is not only about conservation work.
Volunteers share daily life with the local family, enjoy meals together, discover the surrounding nature, and experience the slower pace of life on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Who can join us?
Anyone passionate about nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation is welcome to join Las Ranitas.
No specific experience is required.
What matters most is motivation, curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to get involved.
Volunteers from around the world can join us, meet local people, discover Costa Rican culture, and contribute to meaningful conservation work.
Necessary Equipment
For outdoor activities, bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for working in nature.
A reusable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are also recommended.
Because Las Ranitas is located in a tropical rainforest, rain is part of everyday life.
A lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes are therefore useful.
We also recommend bringing personal entertainment for your free time, especially because the project is located in a remote area.
