SEA TURTLES

SEA TURTLE DISCOVERY Sept. 16-21, 2006 • Sept. 23-28, 2006 On this six-day adventure you'll experience first-hand, the satisfaction of helping an endangered species, the olive ridley sea turtle, on its return to sea. A beautiful sandy beach along the Pacific Ocean, just north of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is the venue for this unique program. Last year, volunteers released more than 25,000 hatchlings incubated in the camp’s nursery. You'll search for turtles as they lay their eggs, then assist with the transfer of the eggs to a protected nursery. There will be opportunities to release hundreds of tiny hatchlings to sea. The camp is sponsored by ASUPMATOMA, a non-profit agency designed to protect the environment and the sea turtle in southern Baja California. Join us for an experience you'll never forget! INCLUDES: Roundtrip transportation from the San Jose del Cabo Airport to Rancho Punta San Cristobal • All land transfers • Four nights at sea turtle camp • All meals while at camp • A hike on trails through the ranch to identify plants and birds • Snorkeling in one of Cabo San Lucas' pristine bays • A boat ride to the famous arch that marks the tip of Baja California peninsula • One night accommodation at a hotel in San Jose del Cabo • Donation to ASUPMATOMA. NOT INCLUDED: Roundtrip airfare to San Jose del Cabo Airport • Meals while not at camp. ITINERARY NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on the whims of nature. DAY ONE: AIRPORT-RANCHO PUNTA SAN CRISTOBAL - Arrive at the San Jose del Cabo Airport. We ask that you arrange your flight to arrive before 2pm, if possible. After you land and pass through customs, look for a BAJA DISCOVERY sign as you exit the terminal. Staff will meet and escort you to camp. After getting settled in your tent, an orientation will follow. Enjoy the sunset, followed by a delicious dinner and dessert under a canopy of stars. DAY TWO: TURTLE CAMP – Today will include turtle nursery work and hatchling release. A presentation by one of the camp's naturalists will cover sea turtle biology, taxonomy, ecology and problems facing the sea turtle population. Learn how to identify turtle tracks and nests, record data, and the proper handling of turtle eggs. You will also be instructed on turtle predators, nursery care, and nest cleaning. In the evening we'll search for turtles on foot * and with beach vehicles. DAY THREE: TURTLE CAMP- SIDE TRIP TO CABO SAN LUCAS - Sleep for the night patrollers. Release hatchlings. After a late morning breakfast, travel to Cabo San Lucas. A boat will take us to the famous arches at Land's End, and to a beautiful cove where we'll snorkel with friendly fish. Return to camp and night patrols. DAY FOUR: TURTLE CAMP- Sleep for the night patrollers. (NOTE: Three meals will be served each day, but if you miss a meal due to sleeping, food will be available to hold you over until the next meal). Clean nests and release hatchlings. Go on a hike through the ranch to identify birds and plants. We’ll celebrate our last night at camp with a fiesta as we watch the sun set. Night patrols search for turtles. DAY FIVE: TURTLE CAMP- SAN JOSE DEL CABO - Sleep for the night patrollers. Release hatchlings. After lunch, pack duffel bags and then leave for one of San Jose del Cabo's lovely hotels. You are on your own to enjoy the "old Mexico" charm and quaint shops of San Jose del Cabo. DAY SIX: SAN JOSE DEL CABO - AIRPORT- Breakfast on your own. Morning and afternoon transfers will be made to the airport depending upon your flight schedule. COST: $ 1395.00 per person (dbl. occ.) • $ 95.00 Single Supplement. Trips are limited to ten people. NOTE: Due to the intense shore break at the turtle camp and lack of rescue craft, we ask that no one enter the water to go swimming. You will have the opportunity to do so when we go to Cabo San Lucas. *Since some patrols consist of walking the shoreline, participants should be physically able to walk in sand. Additional trip information will be made available upon receipt of $300 deposit. Turtle eggs incubate in nursery. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL BAJA DISCOVERY (800) 829-2252