WHAT DO I BRING?

Casual is about as dressy as it gets at Turtle Beach Lodge. Comfortable, light-weight clothing is recommended - shorts, sandals, bathing suits and other beachwear are always appropriate.

- A long sleeve shirt and/or pants for jungle walks and evenings

- During turtle nesting season, please bring a set of dark clothes for the turtle tour

- Lightweight rain coat or poncho

- Insect repellent and/or many of our guests swear by "Buzz Off" clothing

- Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen

- Swimming attire and flip flops

- Hiking boots or rubber boots (we do provide rubber boots to wear in the jungle)

- Camera, lots of film or memory cards and a charger or extra batteries

- A lightweight daypack to carry cameras, poncho, sunscreen, water, etc.

- Waterproof camera bag

- Binoculars

- Prescription medicine

IS THERE INTERNET?
Why yes, yes there is! As to high speed internet, well, that is kind of relative in Tortuguero : ) Currently the Lodge has satellite internet which, while it works, cannot be considered high speed by most countries standards. It is fine for checking email, but if you plan on doing anything more than that, it might be an issue. We are in the process of upgrading, but have no idea when it will be ready. Things move pretty slowly out here in the jungle, and it is still kind of amazing that there is internet there at all!

HOW MANY ROOMS ARE THERE?
We have 55 bright and airy cabinas, from singles up to quads, with two larger "family" rooms, which are subject to availability.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE TOURS?
We pride ourselves on personalized service and want you to enjoy your tour experience, so we try and keep tours limited to 10 to 15 people. Even during our busiest periods, there will never be more than 20 people.

WILL I SEE TURTLES?
While we can never guarantee you will see turtles, your odds are pretty good from about May through October. More specifically, prime season for green turtles is from July to October. Leatherbacks nest frequently along the Caribbean coast from March until June and Hawksbill and Loggerheads, while less common, also nest along the Caribbean during the summer months.

Incubation of the eggs is roughly 60 days, so the first batch of babies will be hatching towards the end of the season while the moms are still laying. August and September are really good months to see both.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS TO GET TO OTHER AREAS OF COSTA RICA?
Once you are done in Tortuguero, you do not have to go back to San Jose. We can make arrangements for a shuttle bus or private transport to other popular Costa Rican destinations, including the Southern Caribbean (Limon/Puerto Viejo/Cahuita) and La Fortuna. We can also make arrangements to have a rental car waiting for you at the dock at Cano Blanco, or even help you with local public bus schedules – just let us know where you would like to go!

IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
The water at the Lodge is on a well and is tested regularly. It is perfectly safe to drink!

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
Because each person's medical needs are different, we strongly suggest you discuss your trip with your doctor for his or her recommendation. The CDC has a good checklist of considerations for travellers HERE.

WHAT IS COSTA RICA LIKE?
The Costa Rican tourism bureau has put together a great list of what to expect while you are travelling in Costa Rica. Click HERE to see their suggestions!.