Expert: Beatrice Blake - 9/25/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I'll be in Costa Rica mid-October. I've been looking for a good tour group since we're coming in on a cruise and will be there for only one day. I'd like to take a ride in the canal, see the rain forest, visit a banana and a coffee plantation, and and buy some coffee and chocolates.

So far, I've checked out Oscar Brown Tours, You're Lucky Tour, and Gekko Trail Adventures. However, I've heard that it isn't necessary to book ahead of time with a large tour agency and that there are tour buses/vans that wait for people who are looking for tours.  Do you know how much these tours charge? I've heard that these tours are actually really good. Is it better to go on these tours or is it better to prebook with a bigger tour company?

Also, I've never had Caribbean Lobster before.  Are there any particularly good restaurants that serve lobster?  Also, how much is considered reasonable?

Thank you!

ANSWER: Dear Sarah,

I'm afraid I don't know much about the tours that are offered for cruise ships. Can you remember who told you about the smaller tours? it is true that some of the smaller tours can be really good, but I don't know enough about it to recommend any. Maybe you could find out more on Trip Advisor or in a forum on cruises to Costa Rica. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Beatrice Blake
keytocostarica.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, Beatrice.

Thanks for getting back to me. I read about the smaller tours from one of those discussion forums like Trip Advisor.  Also, would you happen to know if I can get Caribbean lobster somewhere in Costa Rica?  I've never had one so I'd like to try it while I'm down there.

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Sarah,

Go to a local restaurant that specializes in seafood. The lobster on the menu will be Caribbean lobster. It's kind of disappointing for those who are used to Maine lobster. Smaller and tougher in my experience, but I haven't had it for a long time.

Pura vida,

Beatrice, keytocostarica.com