Review - Tortuguero "plus" with Diana & Papito - Jan 25, 2005

[Chick & Ellen]

On January 25th, our boat docked at 7AM EST (6AM Local), and we disembarked as soon as they let us. Because of the hour, there wasn't a ton of activity ashore but we were determined to get an early start, since we thought we probably had a better chance of seeing wildlife that way. There were two tour operators selling tours under canopies - they both had signs listing (the same) prices and tours - canals, tram, zip lining etc. There were six of us (including three children) and both signs said $45 each for the canals; we chose one after we asked for and received a 50 percent discount for the kids. We probably could have negotiated further but we were satisfied with that price so we signed on.

 

We got into a very spacious air-conditioned van with our driver Alonso ("Papito") and our tour guide Diana. We loved having our own private tour - just our party, our driver, and our own guide. Diana is a college student, majoring in English. She was very knowledgable and pleasant, and her English was excellent. Papito had one of those jokey signs about being retired, but he didn't seem much older than 50 to me. He was a great guy, and he also had a good command of the English language. Both were lifelong residents of Limon who were proud of their home.

 

We drove straight to the canals, with Diana pointing out sights along the way. When we got to the docking area, the six of us, Diana, and 2 more tourists got onboard a boat that had room for more people. The boat's captain spoke no English but Diana translated for him. We slowly motored down the canal for about an hour and 15 minutes. Whenever we spotted wildlife the captain maneuvered the boat for the best view. We didn't see as much wildlife as we'd hoped, but we enjoyed the trip nevertheless. We saw several sloths (including a mom and her baby) along with a close up view of these very amazing fish bats, and several iguanas. Of course, there were lots of beautiful birds and the flora was simply amazing. When we reached the "end" of our tour, the driver revved up the engine and sped us back to the starting point in about 10 minutes (we stopped for some wildlife on the way back too).

 

Our three kids (9, 10, and 12) were excited when we saw the sloths but they were disappointed that we didn't see any monkeys. To remedy this, Diana and Papito took us to a private home which is also a sanctuary for a variety of animals. The owners (a woman and her son, who is a college student) explained that they take in animals that need help, and then return them to the wild, or to zoos or other sanctuaries. They had sloths (both two and three-toed), monkeys (spider and capuchin), macaws, toucans, a large variety of small/local birds, all surrounded by a large variety of tropical plants. The son was a enthusiastic and gregarious host, encouraging the kids to hold/pet the animals (they LOVED holding the baby spider monkey) and informing us about the animals and plants. His mom cut a coconut and gave us each a slice - yum! This place was the highlight of our day.

 

Next, we headed to the banana plantation. En route, Papito screeched to a halt and pulled the van over to the side, where there was a big grassy area ringed by tall trees. Up in one of the trees was a large group of spider monkeys! We watched them in delight for several minutes. We were thrilled!

 

Then we visited the banana plantation, where Diana explained the methods used to grow bananas (interesting) and where we watched bananas being packed (mildly interesting).

 

By now we were hungry, so they took us to the restaurant that has been mentioned by many on this board - El Forno. Our experience there was terrific: great food, great service, great music, and great views. We enjoyed chatting with Diana & Papito and bought them their lunch.

 

Diana and Papito were willing to take us to other sites, but by this time the kids were ready to go back to the boat for a swim, so we asked them to take us back. We also asked them to help us buy swimming goggles. Unfortunately, we didn't locate any but we were very impressed with how hard they tried to help us!

 

Next back to the pier, where we said our goodbyes. We never did add up how much we spent, but I am sure it was under $350 including lunch for 8 (with appetizers and beer) and nice tips (for Diana, Papito, the boat captain, and the sanctuary.) If we had taken the canal tour offered by the cruise line, we would have spend $453, and for that, we would have only had the canal tour and a tropical fruit buffet. No lunch, no plantation, no sanctuary....and we wouldn't have had our own tour guide!

 

We had such a great day, we promised Papito & Diana that we would let others know about it. Papito gave us his card, here is what it says:

 

Front:

Alonso "Papito" Morris Tour

Special Offer: Rain Forest, Canal Tortuguero (Boat Riding Included), Banana Plantation, City tour, Cahuita National Park $50 per person Minimum 6 person.

e-mail - alonsomorris@costarricense.cr

van 1052

 

Back:

Papito Morris Special Service & Tours

Tours to: Tortuguero, Parismina, Las Tilapias in Siquirres, Manzanillo, Gandoca

Beach, Fishing, Snorkeling..

tel (506) 758 - 1879

cell (506) 821-9440

[gacruiser123]

Thanks so much for your review. We are heading there in December.........such a long wait, but I am looking into all possibilities for a tour operator.

[Chick & Ellen]

In case anyone is interested, here are a few pictures from our wonderful day in Limon. Most of them are of the sanctuary but there are a few of Diana, Papito, and El Forno.

 

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeEMWjlo3aN3BA

[kittys]

Thanks for the review. Sounds like a good time. Also enjoyed the pictures. We will be going in December and our looking at different options for tours. We will keep Papito and Diana in mind.