Our first stop in Costa Rica after flying into San Jose was Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero. It’s a village on the Caribbean side of the country that is known for the turtles who nest and hatch on its beaches. The village is only accessible by boat or plane. Our options were to rent a car, drive to a nearby village and take a boat, or we could take a 30-minute $90 flight (for both of us) to Tortuguero. We did have the option to take a guided tour with everything included, but we prefer to be on our own.
The Nature Air flight made getting to the lodge extremely easy. We called the lodge the day before we landed and told them we’d be arriving at 7 a.m. They said they’d have a boat waiting for us at the air strip. When our flight landed, we deboarded the plane to see a young man, who asked if I was Mrs. Flora. He was there to help us with our bags and escort us to the boat that was waiting. The boat took us on a two-minute ride across the river to the lodge. How convenient is that?!
We were early for check-in and our room wasn’t ready yet, so we headed to the lodge’s restaurant for breakfast. We ate al fresco while admiring the scenery. I opted for the gallo pinto breakfast.
After breakfast, we checked into our room, which was located in the building next to the office. On one side of our room we had a view of the river, and on the other we had a view of the grounds, which led to a nature preserve area that is part of the property. We received a map of the trails on the property; they allow you to hike on your own and see monkeys, birds, iguanas and tiny dart frogs. Guided nature walks are held every morning around 6 a.m. and you can also book private walks at any time. For your convenience, rain boots, walking sticks and maps are available at the start of the trail (behind the office). It was such a treat being able to hike whenever we wanted. The hikes allow you to see animals in their habitat, but the iguanas weren’t shy about roaming the grounds.
We hiked every day we were there. It was so beautiful and serene. We could start our hikes right outside our door, and we roamed every trail on the property several times a day.
Each morning, we awoke to the sounds of howler monkeys, which the lodge called nature’s alarm clock. You really have no choice but to adjust your schedule here because the lodge rooms have no windows, only screens. Every room has hammocks and chairs outside your door where you can sit with your coffee and watch the sunrise. You are open to nature, and this trip is about relaxing and exploring. You won’t find a TV or A/C in the room; the lodge considers itself eco-friendly. We found that we were OK with the fans that were provided. At any time we could ask for ice from the bar or a wet towel.
The property also has a pool and hammock area. Boats wait at the dock and regularly take guests into town. You can also book a water taxi if the lodge boats aren’t running. If at any time you want to go to the beach on the other side of the air strip, you can ask for a boat to take you and they will gladly do so. When you want to return to the lodge, you simply wave your arms in the air. People in the office will see you and send a boat to go get you.
The weather tends to be unpredictable. It might start off raining but turn into a gorgeous sunny day. Or vice versa. That’s why those rain boots are necessary! The lodge has umbrellas and bug spray waiting outside the office for guests to use at any time. You can sit and watch the rain from chairs that are set up with a view of the river.
The service was excellent. When our transportation out of Tortuguero left us, one worker called multiple times to straighten out the situation, and another waited with us and tried to console me. I really appreciated their kindness. I would definitely stay at the Tortuga Lodge again.
Have you been to Costa Rica? What was your favorite thing to do?
Read more about Costa Rica
Tortuguero boat ride
Nature Air flight to Tortuguero
Ziplining in Costa Rica
Pescatarian diet in Costa Rica
Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
Caribbean Costa Rica itinerary
The lost GoPro
How I prepared for a Costa Rica trip
Cahuita National Park
Ecothermales Hot Springs
Getting Around Costa Rica without Renting a Car
Physis Caribbean Bed and Breakfast, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
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Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.