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Isla Tortuga
By Paul Hovinga
L´m not a fan of organized tours. You know, forced
singing in a crampy bus, tip luring guides and too
many people who are forced to use their waste bags(if
any) because the driver wants to get home on time.
There are exceptions, however, and in the coming weeks
I´ll write about some of them. The first is the “Bay
Island Cruise” tour to Isla Tortuga. In my book this
one is perfect and that takes a lot for I am one
critical member of any group. We left 10 minutes
early; can you imagine that, in a country where the
clock runs half an hour late?
The guide, Raoul, is a
piece of work! From 6 in the morning till 8.30 at
night, this guy is hyper active, knowing all the names
of the passengers and looking after their well
being
constantly. He is not only knowledgable, as are most
of the guides I have seen in Costa Rica, but he wants
to make absolutely sure that every single passenger is
happy. He is well experienced, but it looks like it´s
his first day on the job.
Unlike the public bus drivers, this one drives quietly
and very disciplined through the crazy traffic.
The
trip from San José to Puntarenas takes you through
mountains that are not as steep as the other ones
surrounding the capital and the scenery is, of course,
breathtaking. A good breakfast lifts the spirits in
the early morning and the interesting trip to
Puntarenas doesn´t take long after that. Puntarenas
used to be important as a harbor for the coffee
export. Nowadays I think it is more known as the
import harbor for Korean cars (doesn´t everyone here
have one?) and, of course, for fishing.
You´ll step on a beautiful boat and as soon as you set
sail three musicians start playing nice marimba tunes
and you really feel like taking part of something
special. The crew is perfectly dressed and serves you
fruits, ceviche (gentlemen, try it and keep up with
the Tico´s!) and drinks.
Isla Tortuga is something else. During his happiest
days Robinson Crusoe must have felt like you do there.
Caribbean style in the Pacific. Relax, take a swim,
snorkel or rent a kayak. Enjoy the music, that
materializes on the beach and the great lunch that the
crew has installed there, while you were not looking
for a second. Flawless operation! Enjoy the
spectacular views offered by the Gulf and Peninsula of
Nicoya. Feel free.
One island, close to Isla Tortuga
used to serve as a prison. Would I like to be a
prisoner there...................?
One negative aspect of the whole trip is that you have
to leave the island. What a shame! Back to reality:
war, hunger and other misery.
You leave the pelicans behind and staring at them from
the boat one stared back at me and I saw him thinking:
Hasta la vista Baby!
A perfect trip. I recommend it to anyone who is on
vacation here and who wants to experience : SOMETHING
ELSE.
Paul
Hovinga is a travel consultant. He and his staff will
help you design your perfect holiday in Costa Rica.
Contact them at
baulatours@racsa.co.cr
or
tel. (506)
256-9792 fax (506) 221-0346
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