Hotel: Laguna Lodge

Laguna Lodge's reception area is as intriguing as it is incongruous: a sloping Gaudi-inspired structure roughly in the form of a huge conch shell. It makes for a memorable first impression of this agreeable resort. Nearby are a bevy of long wooden cabins nestled in the tall trees, each housing four to six guestrooms. The rooms are simple but attractive, with hardwood floors, clean tiled bathrooms, and cheerful interiors. There's no air-conditioning but there are ceiling fans and ventilation from the high ceilings and screened windows cool the rooms effectively on all but the muggiest days. Meals are okay, not great, suffering mainly from a lack of variety. Laguna Lodge is located on the ocean side of Tortuguero's first main canal, which means you go for a stroll down the beach or into Tortuguero village without having to arrange a boat ride across the canal. (However the lodge discourages guests from swimming in the ocean, especially during turtle season, due to the large number of

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Laguna Lodge's reception area is as intriguing as it is incongruous: a sloping Gaudi-inspired structure roughly in the form of a huge conch shell. It makes for a memorable first impression of this agreeable resort. Nearby are a bevy of long wooden cabins nestled in the tall trees, each housing four to six guestrooms. The rooms are simple but attractive, with hardwood floors, clean tiled bathrooms, and cheerful interiors. There's no air-conditioning but there are ceiling fans and ventilation from the high ceilings and screened windows cool the rooms effectively on all but the muggiest days. Meals are okay, not great, suffering mainly from a lack of variety. Laguna Lodge is located on the ocean side of Tortuguero's first main canal, which means you go for a stroll down the beach or into Tortuguero village without having to arrange a boat ride across the canal. (However the lodge discourages guests from swimming in the ocean, especially during turtle season, due to the large number of sharks--yikes!) Like other lodges in Tortuguero, Laguna Lodge's main excursions are boat rides in the canal to spot wildlife, and nighttime walks on the beach to observe nesting sea turtles (typically July to October). A visit to Tortuguero village and the local turtle museum are also included in most packages, and sportfishing trips can be arranged. There's a butterfly garden and kayaks are available for exploring the canals on your own. The lodge maintains several trails in the surrounding forest, where there's good birdwatching, and a large free-form pool and numerous hammocks strung around the property are perfect for relaxing between outings.

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Gradeschoolers and teens interested in wildlife and willing to rough it a bit without air-conditioning will enjoy the Caribbean coast's eco-lodges. The 80-room Laguna Lodge, situated on a strip of land between the sea and the Tortuguero lagoons, provides easy access to Tortuguero National Park and its canals. Laguna has comfortable rooms with ceiling fans and private baths. When not exploring the canals by boat or kayak or on night turtle walks (mid-July through September), swim in the pool, fish for tarpon, snook, and red snapper, and walk the trails in search of birds.