Modesto and Fran Watson are highly experienced guides. They know the canals intimately, and with their trained and knowledgeable eyes, the shy inhabitants of the jungle and canals become visible. Modesto’s eyes are a local legend — he will ease the boat into the river bank to get a better look at the monkeys he has spotted; or he will cut the engine in a particularly beautiful spot to allow you to appreciate the silence… This is a personal tour, conducted by affable people who know and love the jungle.

Insight Pocket Guide, Costa Rica

Riverboat Francesca Nature Tours, known for top-quality personalized tours, bilingual, knowledgeable naturalist guides.

Exploring Costa Rica 2008/9

Modesto Watson, a local Miskito Indian guide, is legendary for his bird and animal-spotting skills as well as his howler monkey imitations. The family’s Riverboat Francesca can take you up the canals for excursions to Tortuguero.

Fodor’s Costa Rica 2008

Thank you, Fran and Modesto. No one could surpass the love and care you demonstrate in your lovely Riverboat Francesca tours.

Carolyn Underwood, GUIDE Magazine

“Jungle Canals Delight — Tortuguero Canals Hold Plethora of Wildlife — Birds Galore, Turtles Too!”

Article title featuring “The Riverboat Francesca, Tortuguero Tours” by Susan Liang,
THE TICO TIMES, July 24, 1998