Our 2009 project in Punta Banco is from July 15 to December 15. Punta Banco is a small remote village on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, 65km south of Golfito. PRETOMA began a sea turtle conservation project in Punta Banco after an initial study carried out in 1995 indicated that between 100-250 sea turtles nest in Punta Banco each season (July-Dec). The olive ridley is by far the most common turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), although it is also possible to observe the sporadic nesting of other species. Punta Banco is the longest monitored solitary olive ridley nesting beach in the world. Since 1996, PRETOMA has collaborated with international participants and community members to monitor sea turtle nesting activity and operate a hatchery to guarantee the efficient protection of nests and ensure the maximum production of sea turtle hatchlings. Our most recent community report can be downloaded from the BEACH PROTECTION section of our website. Since the project was initiated in 1996, international and local participants have tagged, measured, and protected hundreds of turtles. As a result, more than 65,000 hatchlings have been protected and released to the sea, and the poaching rates in Punta Banco have dropped from almost 100% to around 10%! Furthermore, the project benefits the small economy of Punta Banco. The few shops and restaurants welcome the influx of participants during the nesting season. Project Site This small town of approximately 200 inhabitants is located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, nestled between virgen rain forest and beautiful black sand beaches. This is a rustic, tropical environment, much different than what most volunteers are used to. Although Punta Banco is isolated, it has two small mini-marts (“pulperias”) and two simple restaurants (“sodas”), as well as potable water, electricity and one or two television sets. The closest telephone and computer are in the small surf town of Pavones, 7km north of Punta Banco. Living conditions are simple and volunteers should be prepared to live under these same conditions. Participants should also be aware that people in these communities have different cultures and standards of living than those one might be used to, it is important to have an open mind, be adaptable and bring a positive attitude. The area is home to an extraordinary array of natural beauty and has become quite a desired destination for nature lovers. One can enjoy hiking through the rainforest or exploring the various nearby waterfalls. Local wildlife includes monkeys (howler, white face capuchin, squirrel), birds (tangara, scarlet macaw, toucan, woodpecker, white falcon and more), lizards (green iguana, jesus christ lizard), frogs (poison dart frog). Just a few of the activities available include visiting tide pools, hanging in a hammock, walking on impressive rainforest trails, horseback riding, and surfing. The Team Two interns, who are usually advanced students or recent graduates of biology or a related field, coordinate research activities. Local community member, who probably know the beaches and the turtles better than anyone, are trained as “local monitors” and participate with night patrols and data collection. The local monitors and volunteers provide sufficient personnel to patrol the beach and ensure protection for the greatest number of nests possible. Participants come from all over the world to assist with PRETOMA´s conservation efforts and stay in Punta Banco anywhere from one week to five months. We recommend a minimum stay of 2 weeks to really get to know the project and community members of Punta Banco. Working in such a tight knit and unique situation, team members often forge strong bonds with one another, leading to friendships that last a lifetime! Day in the life Turtles lay their nests on the beach after dark, and thus much of the project work is done during 3-6 hour shifts at night. You pair up and walk the 4km stretch of Punta Banco beach searching for nesting turtles. When a turtle is found, it is tagged, measured, and the newly laid eggs are transfered to a nearby hatchery where the eggs are reburied and monitored until they hatch. When the eggs hatch about 50 days after the nest is buried, hatching success rates are recorded and the baby turtles are released into the sea. Aside from working directly with turtles, it is possible to teach English to eager youngsters (and adults) at the local school house as well as educate interested locals (and expats living in the area) about turtles and the protection program. Community support and involvement is integral to the success of the program. During free time you can experience the local environment: the long deserted beaches, jungle trails leading to waterfalls and natural pools, and of course the friendly Punta Banconians who are always willing to help you polish up on your Spanish or give a surfing lesson. Also, the town is built around a beach-front futball field and you can participate in afternoon futball matches or kick a ball around with the locals as the sun is going down. Diet Whether you stay at Tiskita or in town, typical fare includes: rice, beans, tortillas, salads, chicken, fish, pork, beef, tacos, potatoes, pastas, soups, pancakes, cereals, breads, milk, sandwiches, locally-made cheese, peanut butter, plus lots of fresh fruits and veggies and fresh-squeezed juices. Vegetarians should have no problems with the diet in Punta Banco. Those who follow a vegan diet should note that tofu is not readily available in Costa Rica, especially in Punta Banco. Soy milk powder can be purchased in Pavones, and this along with rice and beans, and peanut butter, are the o­nly available rich sources of protein for the vegan volunteer. (Noah Anderson – 2001). Climate It usually rains at least once each day in Punta Banco, if even just for 10 minutes, as this is a rain forest. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70’s when overcast to low-90’s when the sun is out. The weather can change very rapidly. Rain storms can pop up out of nowhere and disappear as suddenly as they arrived. Humidity is very high and cotton clothes should be avoided because they never dry completely. Communication It’s also not a bad idea to get an international calling plan that you can use from any phone. There is no phone in Punta Banco, the closest one is in Pavones, 7 km north, and it is actually a private phone that is made available to the public. If you travel all the way to Golfito there is internet service. In case of accidents or emergencies, the Tiskita Lodge has a radio phone. Health and Welfare Punta Banco is off the beaten path. A community health clinic is open from time to time in town, but there is a hospital hour and a half drive away. Volunteers are advised to bring a well stocked first-aid kit, and medical insurance is the responsibility of the participant. Many people arrange to get traveler’s insurance. VOLUNTEER STORY This year we have four accommodation options in Punta Banco; Station House/Overflow Cabins, Homestays, Private House Rentals and Tiskita Lodge. It is important to remember that people living in these coastal communities live and eat simple and participants will do the same. However, wherever you decide to stay, you will be part of the PRETOMA team and work with other participants from around the world and locals in the community and will be trained on the protection and monitoring of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). Lodging Options, Prices & Payment: Station House/Overflow Cabins: Staying at our Research Station and overflow cabins: The Station is a rustic two floor building, with 3 shared bedrooms, shared bathrooms, a balcony and large communal room. When the station fills up, we also use Chamorro’s rustic cabins at the other end of the soccer field. Bedding is provided and sheets are washed weekly. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided at the local community restaurant, served at 9:00am, 1:00pm and 6:00pm, respectively. Homestay: For those of you who would like to enjoy a family style setup and an added cultural aspect, then you may be interested in a homestay, where locals open up their homes and their hearts. Your host family will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner and are willing to schedule meal times according to your preference. Our homestay families welcome volunteers from all over the world and the ability to speak Spanish, although helpful, is definitely not a necessity. Prices: PRETOMA is a non-profit organization. All funds generated are used to sustain PRETOMA’s various sea turtle nesting beach conservation projects. The following rates are per person for the station house and homestay options only:

• 1 week – $350
• 2 weeks – $570
• 3 weeks – $790
• 4 weeks – $1010
• 5 weeks – $1230
• 6 weeks – $1450
• 7 weeks – $1670
• 8 weeks – $1890

$210 for each additional week. Private House Rental: Private houses owned by local community members are available for rent. Whether you want a house to yourself or to share with a friend, this option provides some unique features, icluding the ability to cook your own meals, privacy when you want it, etc. Houses include kitchen, bathroom, sleeping quarters, and are located in town. Like the above options, the rental house allows you to feel a part of the project and community. If you are interested in renting a house, please contact us at voluntarios@pretoma.org to discuss rental prices and options. How to get to Punta Banco The bus leaves from the Tracopa bus station in downtown San José ¨the capital of Costa Rica) at 7am. This bus goes to a town near the coast called Golfito. At Golfito, one transfers to another bus labelled Pavones, which arrives in Punta Banco in the evening. Travel Assistance: If you would like, PRETOMA can handle all your travel and accommodations in Costa Rica such as hotel first and last night in San Jose, airport pick-ups and deliveries, tickets to and from Punta Banco.  When using our travel assistance all flights should be booked to arrive and depart from Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. There are two options available: Option A includes:

• Airport pick-up
• 1st night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
• Delivery to airport for flight to Golfito
• Flight fare to and from San Jose to Golfito
• Pick-up at Golfito and delivery to Punta Banco
• Pick-up from Punta Banco to Golfito
• Flight from Golfito to San Jose,
• Pick-up at San Jose airport and delivery to hotel
• Last night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
• Delivery to airport o­n day of departure

US$570 per person Option B includes:

• Airport pick-up
• 1st night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
• Delivery from hotel to bus station in San Jose for bus to Punta Banco
• Bus fare to and from Punta Banco
• Pick-up at bus station upon return to San Jose from Punta Banco and delivery to hotel
• Last night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
• Delivery to airport o­n day of departure.

US$280 per person Note: per person rates for the above options A and B are lower when traveling in a group of 2 or more. PAYMENT METHODS There are several payment methods available, you can pay with check, money order, banker’s draft or bank wire (click link above for more information). You can also pay with cash or travelers cheques upon your arrival, but unless we are picking you up at the airport you will need to make you way to our office in Tibas (Northern San Jose) to drop off the payment. What to Bring

• Good-quality poncho or rain jacket
• Alarm clock (battery powered).
• Waterproof wristwatch.
• Flashlight, LED head lamps are ideal, with rechargeable batteries (we have chargers).
• Quick drying clothing for a warm tropical climate (cotton takes a long time to dry) that you are not worried about ruining.
• Sturdy shoes for walking the beach at night (water shoes/booties work great for the beach walks) and hiking in the area (bulky hiking boots are not necessary).
• Sandals.
• Swimsuit.
• First-aid kit.
• Insect repellant.
• Mosquito netting is recommended.
• Bath towel
• Easy-to-pack hammock.
• waterproof sunscreen (the rays are powerful).
• Sunglasses.
• Camera.
• Things to share with local kids are welcomed.
• International calling card.
• Photo copy of passport.
• Forms of entertainment: books, games, music, guitar, paints, surfing equipment, etc

Wish List Many items utilized within our projects, both for work and play, are expensive and hard to get in Costa Rica. Participants that are willing to bring and donate any of the below items would be assisting our efforts significantly:

• Latex Gloves
• First-aid Kits / Items
• Waterproof Headlamps and Flashlights
• Rechargeable Batteries
• Waterproof (write in the rain) Notebooks
• Rain Gear
• Mosquito Netting
• Backpacks (small with lots of pockets)
• Insect Repellant
• hammocks
• GPS
• Cameras
• Anything Else You Think Would Help

For more information on the participant programs and/or to receive a participation form please write voluntarios@pretoma.org. Gracias! Photos courtesy of Jan Csernoch (a.k.a. Jean, Csernoch Jᮯs) and Alexander Gaos