We really liked Finca Maresia, but as you note it's not on the water. Jinetes seemed like a nice place, but it is a bit more expensive and the rooms aren't quite as nice as FM.

cr have you looked at Ranchitos Las Cotingas? Haven't stayed there but it's on my list. Seems like a nice place & hands on owners.

We stayed at Las Caletas a few years ago. For adults, it was a good budget choice. Lovely beach with calm water, very laid-back vibe. Use of kayaks and could walk to and from town or to the river.

We stayed in a cabin somewhat separated from the rooms on a steep hill. At the time, it had no hot water, and required a rather lengthy procedure to lock and unlock bedroom doors (this was recommended - monkeys?) and climb up and down some narrow stairs if we needed to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Kind of Robinson Carusoesqu; we rather liked it!

Las Caletas is the best located, by far. You might also look into the packages offered by Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, which is an excellent option out there, w/ great grounds and beautiful location right on the water. These might just come in at yr price range, or be worth the splurge.

Thank-you all for your help. We have decided to stay at Las Caletas.T
There will be 3 of us sharing and they had the perfect solution-
a duplex with 2 BR and ocean view. For $85/person per day,
including 3 meals, it was too good to turn down. Can't wait-
I've never been to that part of the OSA. Has anyone done the
Cano Island snorkeling tour? Is it worth a full day? I have never
thought of CR as a snorkeling destination, but if someone can convince
me, I'll go. Muchas gracias!

Be sure to do the night bug tour w/ Tracie Stice

Oops, and didn't answer yr snorkeling question. It can be pretty good and fun, and I've even seen white tipped sharks (perfectly safe) and rays. That said, it is absolutely nothing like snorkeling anywhere in the Caribbean or South Pacific. But even if the snorkeling is only mediocre, the scenery and picnic lunch on Isla del Cano is great.

Yes, "Bug Lady"!, for sure! And ask about a private trail near Las Caletas. For a small donation, you could walk on a trail through undeveloped rainforest and see monkeys and other creatures. To get there, turn left out of Las Caletas, and it will be up a ways on your left.

DBWD is nice because it's on the water but also has the luxury of a pool, one of the only ones in Drake Bay. The cash discount was 20% or something when we went so the cost including food and tours actually ended up costing less than Caletas. They offer free use of kayaks as well. I've only snorkeled at Cano Island once and it was pretty blah, but a fun trip anyway. The hike through Corcovado was a highlight because it was where we saw our first Tapir.

totally agree, Caletas is in my opinion the best place in this area. Drake Bay is my favorite place in the South side of Costa Rica

Bookmarking for future trips!

Hey I Did Cano island. The snorkeling was really good. The schools of fish were amazing to see. The island was interesting to hike only if you do not have any other planned hiking excursions. I did one to corcavado. It was good and really hot there. One thing i will say the types and amount of fish were amazing but dont expect to see amazing coral structure and white sand. Cano is for the wildlife. Bahamas and other places are for the white sand and beatiful coral structures.

Thanks everyone, because we are only going to be in Drake Bay for 2 days, think I'll take Cattail's suggestion
and just explore the immediate area. I have snorkelled
in the Red Sea in The Sinai Desert, and I don't think
anything would compare to that. So, think I'd rather chill
and focus on the immediate area. Happy election day to all American posters!