Help: Costa Rica excursions & shopping?

Hello,

We will be sailing on the Legend of the Seas in February and have a 12
hour stop in Costa Rica (Puerto Caldera). We would really like to
venture out and see more than just the port as well as have some time
for shopping. Would like to know if anyone has any recommendations.

We are interested in a tour that is not sponsored by Royal Caribbean.
This tour is a catamaran that takes you to Tortuga Island. It seems
that there are several tour operators and I was hoping somebody out
there might have experience with one of them. I am particularly
interested in making sure that the tour isn't too long and that we
will be back with plenty of time to get some shopping done. Has
anyone been on one of these tours?

The other question is regarding the better shopping areas. I have
heard of Sarchi but I don't know how far it is. Is it accesible via
taxi? Does anyone have any other shopping suggestions?

I would appreciate any responses to be sent directly to my e-mail
address: . Unfortunately I don't have the
opportunity to check back with this group as often as I'd like.

Thank you
Gina