www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am all set for my September 1 - 10 trip and meeting my brother mongers at the party. There are several day trips I also plan on taking and I stumbled onto Calypso tours. One single day trip they have is aboard a sweet catamaran to Tortuga Island as well as others in the gulf. Cost is $99 and includes transportation, drinks, etc. This looks pretty choice and the Presidente Tor desk is looking into it for me, but I was wondering if anyone else has taken this and has comments.

In addition, I was wondering about the Saturday Golf outing on the 2nd and connecting for the Sunday Sept 3rd party (where when, etc.). I'll be looking for some of you when I get in on Friday afternoon perhaps at the Blue Marlin, Sportsman's Lode, and Zona Blue then.

Thanx!

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"Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see..."

The Calypso Tour to Tortuga Island is pretty good. Although you are on the island for about 4 hours, there best things to do is rent one of the boats or crafts they have (yes, you have to pay more for that) and go out yourself elsehwere to the other islands across the way. You can do the snorkling which is ok. The area they put you in is just a small area of the island as you can not venture off anywhere else, the rest of the island is privately owned. Forget about the so called canopy ride, it is only about 300 yards long!! Only good for Ch*ldren.
The catamaran ride is cool enough. They have a bar down below, but of course, you have to pay for those drinks. The rest of the food and drink is included. If you like small islands, boating, and sun, it is not a bad way to spend a day.

If you want to save a couple of bucks there is a tourism office a couple of blocks down from the presidente on Avenida Central.

I enjoyed the trip very much, but it is very long. I believe we left around 6 in the morning and returned around 7 at night. We enjoyed the snorkeling, but the water is not as clear as the reefs in Jamaica.

Overall a very fun trip, but be prepared for a long day and bring snacks, music, towels and a change of clothes.

Hmm, sounds like maybe I should just go to Jaco or do some more mongering around San Jose?

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"Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see..."

If this is your first trip to CR, then be aware that plans don't mean much there. You might find somebody who will keep you busy and happy, and you won't want to get out of your room. It happens to me every time I go there. Oh, the memories!
By the way, are you Cuban? I'm Matancero.

You can also do the Calypso from Jaco, if you decide you want to go.

I have been on The Original Calypso Tour about 30 times. I loved it! Book direct with them and ask for the Tico rate. Usually about $79-$89 . Take a girl. Book for a Sunday (Nothing else happening) and have a great day. By the way, it is my understanding they have recently changed owners. This means. of course, "Your Mileage May Vary".

I've taken that tour with Calypso two times and enjoyed it both times.
I highly recommend it. The first time, the tour company owner's
daughter was the tour guide. She's one of the most intelligent and
most beautiful chicas I've ever met in CR. I don't know if she still does the tour, but if she is in fact the tour guide on your trip, you'll have a great time! She's probably in her mid-thirties now.

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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

Wow, sounds like maybe I should go ahead and do the tour. In response to a couple of questions, yes I am Cuban but was born in the states. The first generation of my family to do so. About half of my family is still in Cuba. No, this will not be my first trip to CR but my second. I loearned a lot from my first trip which was enjoyable, but could have been a lot better with the knowledge I have now from that trip and especially this website.

Thanx!

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"Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see..."

I have to echo Royboy and Gringotim. Have taken the trip about 4 times and have paid from 79.00 to 89.00 each time. Anyway, whatever you pay, you get your money's worth. Great trip.
LVSteve

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Just an old horney, fat gambler.

I was thinking it would be a good escape from the city for a day and an opportunity to relax and recharge the "Leche Sacks" for continued Mongering...

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"Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see..."

I highly recommend the Calypso cruise. During my first 3 or 4 trips to CR, I managed to squeeze in 6 day tours. By far, the Calypso cruise and trip to Arenal were my favorites.

The morning boat ride is very relaxing...and an excellent opportunity to start your tropical tan. Among the 90 or so passengers, you will find some very enticing eye candy wearing string bikinis. Who knows, you might get lucky with one of them! The four hours on the island is a time to chill or explore. You can go snorkeling, take a sea kayak or boat ride to explore or just relax on the beach to continue working on your tan.

Our tour guide, Daniel, was excellent. He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the nature and history of the area.

Around 2 or 3 O'Clock, an excellent lunch is served consisting of cerviche, fresh fish and other "healthy fare."

The trip back to Puntarenas includes a view of the islands at sunset...make sure you bring your camera as you will be able to get some breathtaking shots.

When I booked the cruise in January 2005 (dry season), it cost me $89. Since you will be taking the cruise during the green season, you may be able to negotiate a better price.

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Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Is the old man still playing the 'vibes' during the meal on the island?
He was very good. The last time I took the tour was about five years ago, so he's probably dead now. He must have been almost ninety years old at the time.

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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

This tour sounds exciting. But i was wondering if anyone knew how much it cost extra for the snorkling excursion and is it worth it? I've learn how to swim.... like 20 years ago so I'm not very good at it, I could probably do it but barely. Will that be a problem, I've never done it but I strongly think drowning would really ruin my virgin Costa Rica trip.

RYU

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