National Geographic Sea Lion had spent the night in a peaceful bay known as Drake’s Bay, in the Osa Peninsula. As the sun began to rise, a group of early risers gathered up at the bow to enjoy the gorgeous event. A pristine forest was revealed to their eyes while the sky was painted by a group of scarlet macaws that passed by.
The Osa Peninsula is well known to be one of the most remote areas of Costa Rica. It is an area loaded with a great diversity of plants and animals. Today we had the great opportunity to visit this spectacular place.
Right after our expedition leader Gustavo gave us our wake-up call, our captain ordered to weigh anchor. We were going to move to our morning activity in Caletas Reserve. Our guests were offered different options for the morning. Hikes through a mature forest, landing craft cruises and horseback riding were the options.
Shortly after breakfast we went ashore to explore the premises of this stunning paradise. As the landing craft cruised, bordering the coast, we enjoyed the closer view of the forest. The calls of the scarlet macaws were easily heard together with the distinctive song of the black-mandibled toucan. Interesting sightings were pointed out by our naturalist as the snapping sounds of cameras were trying to immortalize the experience.
The morning activity ended with a delicious picnic lunch prepared by our galley. Our lunch was embellished by a troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys staring at us and grooming each other. It was, without a doubt, a great encounter with the local wildlife.
Back on board, our captain took National Geographic Sea Lion to its afternoon destination, Corcovado National Park. When we heard the anchor drop, we already had our gear ready. Once on shore, we divided in two groups. One group went to the waterfall and the other to an interesting trail that leads to a small river. Both groups returned satisfied with their activities. Spider monkeys, fasciated and bare-throated tiger herons, coatis, and many others mammals were observed by our guests.
It was a great day in Costa Rica!
