bridetwobe

We just got back 2 weeks ago from our wedding and honeymoon and went on the Cano Negro tour. We both loved it. We saw much wild life. It was probably one of the best tours we took. We spent 3 hours at Ecotermales and enjoyed it. That morning we did the Sky tram and trek. I loved that but me new husband did not (he has a fear of heights). We also did the volcano hike and went to view tha volcano lava flow(which we did not see). Also be prepared to not see the volcano at all. We had one clear day and saw it completely but we were told that was rare. Yhe rest of the days were rainy and the volcano was clouded over. We did meet a couple who saw a lot of wild life at Arenal Observatory Lodge. That might be an option if you don't want to take the whole day for the Cano Negro tour. Jsut keep in mind that if it is hot you are less likely to see any animals at all. Hope this helps.

Kathy225

hipvirgochick - you said you went with Aventuras. Did they provide transportation from your hotel? Which hotel were you staying at, and if you recall what time did you get picked up and dropped off? I'm trying to coordinate it to be on the same day we visit eco termales so I want to make sure that it is possible.

wego

I just wanted to chime in with my vote for Sunset Tours. We had such a great experience with them.

On our tour day, we found out we (2 adults, 2 kids) were the only ones booked for the tour. They could have easily told us there were not enough people and cancelled for the day offering to reschedule us. (which would not have worked for our schedule) But, they picked us up at LI and treated us like royalty. I have to say, having that big boat to ourselves was amazing. Our daughter left her camera in the bathroom at the store where they stop to get drinks. We did not notice until we were loading the boat. The driver went back to get the camera. He seemed as happy as we were when he was able to place the camera in her hands. The next day we saw the same driver with a group of people at the hanging bridges. He recognized us and treated us like long lost relatives. Our tour guide was great also.

I know they used to offer private tours which were not too much more than the group tours. We did not realize in advance how much nicer it was to have the boat to ourseleves.
Since it is your honeymoon, if you can afford it, I would recommend a private tour thru sunset.

hipvirgochick

I left from Silencio del Campo which is much closer to town than LI. To be honest I can't be sure about the times but I think pick up was 7:15 and drop off was around 4:15. I also went to Eco-Thermales that night so I think you'll be fine.

I feel either they or Sunset would be good options. I've been reading these forums for years and all the reviews/comments I've read about Sunset have been matched by Aventuras.

Another tour I really enjoyed was the cultural tour with Desafio, if something like that interests you.

costaricalearn

Hi, Cano Negro depends on time of year you go as to how many birds you see. Birds migrate thru there to feed in the lagoons. I went in April and saw very few birds, again in July and saw very few birds. Experts say the large number of migratory birds are there at the end of the big rains which is mid November, December, Jan, Feb and sometimes some of them stay thru March.
Otherwise I think the long trip is not worth it.

I write a travel tips blog on Costa Rica. Please check me out at www.costaricalearn.com I welcome comments and questions.

volcanogirl

I definitely think it's worth it. We've gone twice in July and saw more birds than we could count. We brought along our birding book and had a great time with the guide checking off all the ones we were seeing.

Kathy225

You have all convinced me that it's definitely worth it. We have actually decided to do it on a day all by itself, that way we don't have to rush to get to the hot springs. We will just do cano negro and then spend the evening relaxing back at Lost Iguana. Figured that may be the perfect evening to get our couple's massage! Thanks again for all your help. These message boards have been a great resource for planning our honeymoon. I'm sure as it gets closer, you will be hearing much more from me.

volcanogirl

Well congrats on your wedding, and have a wonderful honeymoon!

Kathy225

Thanks so much!

Cattail

My husband and I were there in late June, early July, and saw tons of birds! Yes, congrats on your wedding, and have a great trip!

laurab8737

Hello,
I'm considering this tour for our family, our two kids will have just turned 7 and 13 when we go in late June. Sounds like a long day for a 7 year old, had anyone else with kids this young done it?

hipvirgochick

I went with my 10 year old. I think a 7 year old would do just fine. There are lots of things to see!

Cattail

Kids were on our tour. They got SO excited to see all the animals!

MonicaRichards

We went with my five and seven year old and they did fine. The seven year old actually really impressed the guide with her knowledge of animals and her ability to spot them (kids have sharp eyes!)