About the project
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. 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.
Classes are nearby the project, on the same beach. you go there with a taxi.
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.
