Hi: My wife and I are going to CR in late March. We'd like to snorkel, have done some great snorkeling in Hawaii, Tobago, Belize...and wonder whether Osa Peninsula/Cano Isl. is worth it, or if Osa is worth it even without the snorkeling. Also, if anyone's stayed at Hotel Montana del Fuego (nr. Arenal) and Aguila de Osa Inn (nr. Drake's Bay), we'd appreciate the feedback. I'm intrigued too by the enthusiasm for Bosque de Cabo. Where is it? Would you substitute any of our choices for time there? Thanx much.

Cano Island snorkeling doesn't compare to the areas you mentioned. It was a nice change of pace on my visit though. Very little coral but some interesting fish.

The Osa has some beautiful beaches and wonderful rainforest with animals and birds.

I would substitute just about anything for Bosque del Cabo--it's magical! Great property, lovely accomodations, good food, nice people, it has it all---and tons of wildlife.

I hate to be a Bosque del Cabo cheerleader but yes, it is really a wonderful place. It is about an hour or so drive from Puerto Jimenez. As much as I love snorkeling, I have yet to in CR, it's just not a huge selling point there, though I'm sure there are nice spots here & there. Have heard good things about Montana del Fuego but haven't stayed there, I think it was a property or two down from where I stayed so I passed it a couple times, looked nice.

Dear Earthtraveler, tully and shillmac, Thanks for your help. CAn you recommend any places to stay in Bosque d Cabo? Other things to be aware of? We're planning to be in CR late March.

We stayed at Montana de Fuego in 2005 for one night before a 1/2 day boat tour of Lake Arenal followed by the overland trip to Monteverde. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, but there are lots of them, pretty much the same, so to me there is a little bit of a tourist vibe.

Who cares- the breakfast was fantastic (the best we had on a 13 day trip), not to mention the view. My son doubled his "life list" just by birding on the grounds.

Bosque del Cabo is a place to stay. It is a lodge down on the southern Osa Peninsula on Cabo Matapalo. One of the most unique areas in the country imo. At this point in time they are probably full but there is always a chance for a cancelation.

We stayed at La Paloma in Drake Bay and thought it was very nice. We went snorkeling off of Cano Island. It had some stuff but it isn't anything like off of Mexico or Belize or even Bermuda and the Bahamas where we have also snorkeled. It is in the Pacific Ocean which is very different from the Caribbean. We saw a moray, reef sharks, turtles, yellow puffer, ray, plus a lot of fish.

There are lots of other nice options in DB to stay in.

Thanks to Momlyn and Suzie 2 for your help. Bob Cutick

You're welcome!

ps- don't put toilet paper in the toilet- it goes in the basket next to the john

momlyn - though I've read about it, I've never come across a hotel where I've stayed where that was requested. Are you referring to a hotel?