Caribbean Coast - Costa Rica - page 354

on the coast, as less runoff results in less silt in the sea. Conditions are often cloudy at oth-
er times.

Volunteering
Though not renowned as a sea-turtle destination, Cahuita's beaches are nonetheless an im-
portant habitat for several breeds. Asociación Widecast ( 2236-0947; www.widecast.org )
has volunteering opportunities for those interested in assisting on in-water research pro-
jects and various conservation-related activities. Reserve in advance.
It's also possible to volunteer at Tree of Life wildlife-rescue center, on the road to Playa
Negra.

Eating

Boca Chica ITALIAN, COSTA RICAN
( GOOGLE MAP ; 2755-0415; meals US$8-10; 9am-6pm)
After a long, hot jungle hike, you may think you're hallucinating when you see this small,
whitewashed place at the end of the road. It's not a mirage, just a well-placed bar-restaur-
ant, run by charming Italian expatriate Rodolfo and his Tica wife, Karen. The menu fea-
tures cold jugos, Caribbean specialties, homemade pastas and delicious platos del día from
noon onwards.

Information
The Kelly Creek ranger station ( GOOGLE MAP ; 2755-0461; admission by donation;
6am-5pm) is convenient to the town of Cahuita, while 3.5km down Hwy 36 takes you to
the well-signed Puerto Vargas ranger station ( GOOGLE MAP ;

2755-0302; admission

US$10; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm Sat & Sun) .
Visitors who enter the park at Kelly Creek are not required to pay the offiicial US$10
entrance fee; however, voluntary donations are accepted and encouraged. Visitors should
bear in mind that the park service is habitually underfunded, and tourist dollars provide
important support for education, conservation and maintenance programs.