So glad you're having a great time, VG! I know the Tortuguero arrangements were a bit stressful for you. Looking forward to hearing a more comprehensive review...

I'm so glad you're enjoying it there! I thought Tortuguero was sort of a mystical feeling place. Especially the early morning canal trips. I loved it there. And the turtles laying eggs - amazing!!! Can't wait to hear more from you!

I wanted to do a followup and just let anyone who is interested in Tortuga Lodge know that we just loved it. They had incredible service, gourmet quality food, 4-course meals served by candlelight, wonderful guides, private tours, and charming little rooms. Great grounds, nice trails, and a beautiful pool area. We saw crocs, river otters, caimans, a toucan, parrots, tons of blue jean frogs, three kinds of monkeys, and of course green sea turtles. I was worried for nothing! It reminded me of BdC because even though the area is rustic, you come away loving it and feeling pampered. Thanks to everyone for all your guidance! I didn't know if we would like it, and now we can't wait to go back.

Back to the top everyone! I'll probably start my own thread eventually, but just wanted to add here that I really enjoyed my time in Tortuguero this year and pretty sure I'll be going back again in 2010, but this time with my 13 year old daughter.

My plan is to go with Fran and Modesto since they have such a great reputation. I think I've only ever read one "on the fence" review about them. I really like the location of Turtle Beach Lodge and would return there, but they don't work with guides outside their lodge so we'll go with Laguna Lodge. I'm happy to hear the good things being said about LL and the location looks good too. They've put in another swimming pool (or is in construction now) and should have kayaks available before we go so those are pluses. colobri wasn't sure (above) but it does state on their website luggage is limited to 25 lbs. I flew out last trip and this time I think we'll boat out...not set in stone yet.

Kayaks were available at Laguna Lodge when my husband and I visited a few years ago. Very nice place. Great choice to book though the Watsons! Will you be there at the right time to see the turtles, hip? We missed them by perhaps a week or so, but still had a great experience.

cattail -- I doubt we'll be there for the turtles unless we get lucky. Will be at the end of June, but not peak time. I love the area though, and think it's a shame more people don't go outside of turtle nesting season because the canals and the wildlife are so beautiful. :-)

That's the same time we were there,hip. We'll have it to ourselves, oh well! ;)