(Also posted to soc.culture.costa-rica)

I'll be on an all-too-short visit to Costa Rica in March.  Arrival is
afternoon on Wednesday and departure is early the following Tuesday.
Given the duration of the visit, do I have enough time to visit the
Osa Peninsula?  As best I can tell, it will take the majority of a day
to get there and back, which will consume my Thursday and Monday.
It's definitely the destination of choice, but to spend half the trip
traveling is not ideal.

What's the scoop on travel between these two areas?  Is there any
conceivable way to get to the Osa Peninsula region in an afternoon?

If no, any suggestions for areas which are more easily accessible from
San Jose (realizing that accessibility is typically inversely
proportional to singularity)?  We're a young couple looking for the
usual ecotourism (good diving would be a plus, but not essential) and
are budgeting about US$80/day for accommodations & meals.

Muchos Gracias Amigos,
TFC