A Local Day: Turtle Conservation & Flavors of the Pacific
Live an experience with purpose — where nature, culture, and community come together to inspire and make a difference.
Just a few minutes from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, we visit a small coastal community where a local family leads an independent sea turtle conservation project.
They protect nests, monitor the beach, and promote environmental education among children and visitors — all with their own resources and the support of people like you, who choose to be part of positive change.
During the season (July to January), you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, discover their conservation process, and understand the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
If conditions allow, you may even witness the moment when baby turtles begin their journey to the ocean, a deeply emotional experience guided by the project’s caretakers.
The day continues with a hands-on cooking class alongside the host family, where you’ll learn to prepare some traditional Costa Rican dishes, sharing stories, laughter, and the true essence of local life.
Then, enjoy a moment to relax by the sea and feel the ocean breeze, at one of the most peaceful and lesser-known beaches in the area.
Finally, we’ll explore the Cocal or Isla Damas mangrove, a vital ecosystem where it’s common to spot tropical birds, crabs, crocodiles, and other coastal species.
✨ More than an activity, it’s a meaningful experience that connects people, traditions, and conservation.
- Min 4 people
- From Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- Cocal Mangrove / Isla Damas, Quepos, Costa Rica
- Spanish / English
- Season: January to July
- Approximately 4 hours
Incluye:
- Private round-trip transportation
- Certified bilingual local guide
- Educational visit to a turtle conservation project
- Cooking class with a local family
- Snack with tropical fruits
- Guided mangrove exploration
Recomendaciones
- Light clothing or an extra outfit
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Swimsuit and towel
- Protector solar y repelente de insectos.
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash for souvenirs or local purchases
- An open attitude to learn, connect, and share
Frequently Asked Questions
This experience takes place just a few minutes from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, in a small coastal community surrounded by mangroves and quiet beaches. The project is managed by a local family dedicated to sea turtle conservation and education.
Unlike a regular tour, this is an educational and cultural experience that allows you to learn about sea turtle conservation while supporting a local family’s independent project. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Costa Rican cooking class and explore one of the most peaceful mangroves and beaches in the area.
It depends on the season and natural conditions. During the nesting and hatching season (July to January), you may witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean. This is always a non-invasive and guided activity, respecting the animals’ safety and natural process.
No — this is not a volunteer program. It’s a community-based experience, where your participation directly supports the family’s conservation and environmental education work.
The experience is led by a certified bilingual local guide and members of the local family who manage the conservation project.
The total duration is approximately 4 hours, including the conservation visit, cooking class, and mangrove exploration.
- Private round-trip transportation
- Certified bilingual guide
- Educational visit to the turtle conservation project
- Cooking class with a local family
- Snack with tropical fruits
- Guided mangrove exploration
We recommend:
- Light clothing or an extra outfit
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Swimsuit and towel
- Protector solar y repelente de insectos.
- Reusable water bottle
The turtle conservation season runs from July to January. We recommend booking in advance, as space is limited and activities depend on tides and nesting schedules.
Your visit directly supports a local family that manages a small, self-funded conservation project. A portion of your payment helps maintain the turtle hatchery, beach patrols, and environmental education programs for local children.
