1

Unless I am mistaken, turtle nesting on the Pacific side is in season in January, Playa Grande near Tamarindo, and possibly just south 2.5 hours, is Playa Ostional near Playa Nosora. Of course the lunar cycle plays a big part in this spectacle too.

http://www.lastortugashotel.com/

http://www.lagarta.com/activities-turtle.htm

Not sure about the caribe side at Playa Tortuguero, the most popular turtle nesting destination, as well as wildlife.

http://www.tortuguerovillage.com/english/english.htm

http://www.latortugafeliz.com/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=38

2

I didn't think there was anything special about Tortuguero the town. It is a long way to get to and it was really only worth it for the turtles. Puerto Viejo is about the same amount of time from San Jose and has the same Caribbean vibe that Tortuguero town has.

3

How many places in Costa Rica can you get to, only via a boat, thru endless canals laden with wildlife and jungle, to a small village of indigenous afro caribe people that are almost a separate culture from the mainland, and even Pt Viejo?

I think Tortuguero, like Corcovado, is a must see when it comes to its diverse eco system, lots of bio diversity and also the preservation of the Tortuguero indigenous peoples that live there and unique way of life.

Pt Viejo is a small town of commercial businesses, cafes, nightlife, and commerce, on a huge level compared to Tortuguero, making the comparison is pretty bad, but its what you make of it.

I presume you didn't take a canoe out, tour the canals for wildlife, or rent a kayak, or go fishing.

4

Tortuguero National Park is home to 4 species of sea turtles. It is the largest nesting site for the: Leatherback (their highest nesting period is from around March to May), Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Turtles (appear in smaller numbers around the same time) and Hawksbill's (nesting season runs from March to October).

5

I've spent a total of about 12 months in Tortuguero, and there is certainly more to it than turtles. But you kinda have to be into the jungle stuff. If you went there for a couple of days, canoed the canals etc., and then headed south by canal you could do Tortuguero, Cahuita & Puerto Viejo. It's a nice trip.