Isla Tortuga...

So on Saturday I went on a tour to Isla Tortuga. First we were picked up at the Crown Plaze and boarded a bus (those that remember my tour in India... It was air conditioned and very comfy). After a brief tour of the various hotels in San Jose as we picked up passengers we headed out on the road. It's about 2hrs to the Pacific coast and the town of Puntarenas. We stopped for breakfast about 1/2 way there and had a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Beans and Rice, Eggs, some fresh fruit and 2 measly peices of fried plantain (DARN IT I want more). After breakfast we had a few minutes to wander around the gardens, say hello to the pet toucan and, of course, shop in the gift shop.



After another 1hr on the bus we arrived at Puntarenas. It's hard to imagine the difference from San Jose. The weather was warm, the sky blue, and the water clear!! There were a few clouds in the sky but they mostly huddled around your peripheral vision as if unwilling to intrude on the great big blue sky. It's about a 1 1/2 cruise to the island and on the way you pass beautiful green islands. On the boat we got drinks (non alcoholic included) and fresh fruit.



Once we got to the island we disembarked and had a hour until lunch was served. Those of us that wanted to could spend the time snorkeling (which was included in the cost). It was my very first time snorkeling!!! Overall I did fairly well, considering I wear glasses and they kept the mask from making a good seal. I did get 4-5 minutes of snorkeling at a time towards the end. I saw parrot fish, clown fish, and other brightly colored fish. It was great just being out in the water.



After that we returned to the beach lunch was in full swing, with musicians and all. We had a nice Ceviche to start follow by a selection of salads. For the entree we had tropical chicken. The menu was a step up from most of the meals you receive on tours. Considering they have to unload all the items for the meal from the boat, set it up and cook it in one hour it is quite amazing.



After lunch we had a little time to wander around and lay in the sun before the next activity, the Banana Boat ride. That is just what it sounds like. A giant inflatable Banana shaped boat that you sit on while it's pulled behind a bigger boat at a break neck pace. It was quite fun except they made me take my glasses off (in case we got dumped in the water) so all I saw was large blurs going by.

After another hour of lazing on the beach in a hammock we had to get back on the boat for the trip back. They time it perfectly because as you cruise back they sun is setting dramatically making for a perfect finish to the day.
It was a fun Cruise. If you want to see the Tour group we were on their webiste is: http://www.calypsocruises.com/.