Highlights
- Charming riverside property
- Near Tortuguero National Park
- All 26 rooms have river views
- Cultural and wildlife activities
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 0203 291 2907
EnquireTortuga Lodge is a wonderful riverside property set amidst lovely gardens in its own private reserve just a short distance from the town of Tortuguero which is famed for its sea turtle hatching sites. Tortuguero National Park is also nearby, a large protected area that remains Costa Rica’s third most visited national park, despite being relatively remote and accessible only by boat or plane. The lodge lies on a pretty riverbank directly opposite the airport and a convenient 10-minute boat ride from the town. This decidedly laid back, eco-friendly retreat has a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar, and successfully combines elegance with a rustic ‘back to nature’ feel.
The accommodation comprises 26 rooms, all with river views. There are 23 standard rooms, along with two suites and a larger penthouse. Of the standard rooms, 11 are on the ground floor and come with their own terrace, while the remaining 12 are up on the first floor and have their own balcony. Ceiling fans are provided, but there is no air conditioning or TV in order to encourage genuine immersion in the amazing sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest. Other amenities common to all rooms include hot water, a hair dryer, reading lamps and an enticing outdoor hammock.
There’s a wide range of activities on offer and a stay of at least three nights is ideal in order to allow plenty of time to visit the town, explore the national park and also to relax and enjoy the lovely hotel gardens and facilities. Boat trips at dawn, evening walks, fishing trips and kayaking sessions are a delight - all of these are led by an expert nature guide and are a great opportunity to explore the rainforest and the national park, and to learn all about the resident wildlife. Cultural activities are also possible; these include guided visits to Tortuguero, as well as participation in the hotel’s local English language teaching program in which guests get actively involved and support students in the classroom.
Children of all ages are welcome, and up to two children under the age of 10 years can share a room with two adults. There’s a children’s menu and plenty of activities tailored to families. Parents are reminded, due the rural location of the lodge and the proximity to water, to keep their children under adult supervision at all times.
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024