Our 2008 project in San Miguel is from July 7 to December 20. 

San Miguel is a small beach town located on the north-central Pacific coast of Costa Rica.  PRETOMA researchers have monitored sea turtle activity at this beach since 1998.

A committee of town members originally requested monitoring and protection of the nesting sea turtles on the 5km stretch of beach in front of the town. Sea turtles nest here each year between July and December. The olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is by far the most common turtle, although it is also possible to observe the sporadic nesting of Eastern Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Eastern Pacific leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). These and all sea turtles are listed as endangered species. 

Since 1998, PRETOMA has collaborated with locals in the town in the monitoring of nesting activity and the operation of hatcheries to guarantee the efficient protection of nests and the production of hatchlings. Members of the community are hired as field assistants and environmental education activities are held with the children in town. 
Since the project was initiated in 1998, international and local participants have tagged, measured, and protected the nesting turtles on this beach. As a result, more than 50,000 hatchlings have been protected and released to the sea, and the poaching rates have dropped from almost 100% to around 10%. Our most recent community report can be downloaded from the BEACH PROTECTION section of our website.
Furthermore, the project benefits the small economy of San Miguel. The few shops and restaurants welcome the influx of project participants during the nesting season.

Project Site 

Situated on the north-central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this town of roughly 100 is right on the beach. San Miguel has a small grocery shop and several open-air restaurants, as well as potable water, and electricity.  The project site is not located in a typical tourist area and project participants are usually the only non-locals in town.

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 extraordinary natural beauty. Spot monkeys, armadillos, anteaters, iguanas, lizards, parrots, frogs and of course turtles. Just a few of the activities available include hiking to the high outcrops at each end of the beach, visiting mangroves, swinging in a hammock, reading and surfing.
The team

Two researchers, who are either advanced students or recent graduates in biology or a related field , coordinate all project activities. Community members, who know the beaches and turtles maybe better than anyone, are trained as "Beach Monitors" and assist in nightly patrols and data gathering. Finally, volunteers such as yourself provide sufficient personnel to patrol the beach and ensure the protection of the highest number of nests. 
Participants come from all over the world to assist with PRETOMA´s conservation efforts and stay in San Miguel 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 San Miguel.  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 5km stretch of  San Miguel 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, hatching rates are recorded and the baby turtles are released into the sea under cover of night.

Aside from working directly with turtles, it is possible to teach and interact with eager youngsters as well as interested locals 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, and of course the friendly San Miguel community members who are always willing to help you polish up on your Spanish or give a surfing lesson.

Diet

Food in Costa Rica is simple and access to a large variety of items is difficult in San Miguel.  Meals at Piyayo and Marianela´s restaurant often include rice and beans, other common items include tortillas, salads, chicken, fish, pork, beef, pastas, soups, pancakes, cereals, sandwiches, cheese, fruits, veggies and fresh-squeezed juices.
Vegetarians should have no problems with the diet in San Miguel.  Those who follow a vegan diet should note that tofu is not readily available in Costa Rica, especially in San Miguel.

Climate

It often rains at San Miguel, but there are more than plenty of sunny days. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70's when overcast to mid-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 can be very high and cotton clothes should be avoided because they dry slowly.

Communication

It's a good idea to get an international calling card that you can use from any phone as there is a public phone in San Miguel.  There is no internet available in San Miguel at this time.
Health and Welfare

There is a health clinic in the town of Pueblo Nuevo, about 8km from San Miguel.  Volunteers are advised to bring a well stocked traveler's first-aid kit. Volunteers often arrange to get traveler's insurance for their time with the project.

VOLUNTEER STORY

Lodging Options, Prices & Payment:

This year we have three accommodation options in San Miguel; Station House/Overflow Cabins, Homestays and Private Rental Houses.  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).

Station House/Overflow Cabins:

Staying at our Research Station and overflow cabins: The Station is a rustic two floor building, with 2 shared bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a large communal space below. When the station fills up, we also use rustic cabins located behind the station house. Bedding is provided and sheets are washed once a week.  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 semana - $330
• 2 semanas - $550
• 3 semanas - $760
• 4 semanas - $970
• 5 semanas - $1180
• 6 semanas - $1390
• 7 semanas - $1600
• 8 semanas - $1810

$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, to share with a group of friends, or with your family, this option provides some unique features.  Houses include kitchen, bathroom, sleeping quarters, and are located in town.  You'd have the run of the place, ability to cook your own meals, privacy when you want it, have a great old time...and still provide an added economic benefit to the 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  to discuss rental prices and options.

PAYMENT METHODS

There are several payment methods available, you can pay with check, money order, banker's draft or bank wire.  Click on the payment method link above for specific information on each option.  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.

How to get to San Miguel

The bus leaves from the San Carlos bus station in downtown San José ¨the capital of Costa Rica) at 6am. This bus goes to a town near the coast called Jicaral. At Jicaral, one transfers to another bus labelled Bejuco, which arrives in San Miguel by mid-afternoon.

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 San Miguel. 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.

Travel Assistance:

• Airport pick-up
• 1st night in San Jose at Hotel Rincon de San Jose
• Delivery from hotel to bus station in San Jose for bus to San Miguel
• Pick-up at bus station upon return to San Jose from San Miguel and delivery to hotel
• Costs of bus ticket to and from San Miguel
• Last night in San Jose at Hotel Rincon de San Jose
• Delivery to airport on day of departure

Travel assistance is US$280 per person.

Note: per person rates are lower when traveling in a group of 2 or more.

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 please send an email to  .  Please also send a copy of your message to . Gracias!

Photos courtesy of Alexander Gaos and Victoria Cordi.