Casa Oquideas & Esquinas River, 2/1/2017, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
On our first day in Costa Rica, we visited the famous botanical garden of Casa Orquideas, created by Ron and Trudy McAllister two American expats that 35 years ago, made the remote Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica their home. Out of their love for plants slowly created an incredible exhibit of the flowers, fruits, and spices of the tropics, imbedded into the surrounding pristine forest.
In the afternoon we visited the important mangrove ecosystem on the mouth of the Esquinas River. By kayak and expedition landing craft we explored the meandering canals while watching many birds along the way.
Nicknamed “Indio” (Indian) because of his powers of observation and quiet nature, José has almost two decades of experience working as a naturalist and photography guide; as well as being recognized as an expert birder and nature photographer in Cost...
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After a wonderful time in Panama, our team on National Geographic Quest began our exploration of Costa Rica in Golfito and Rio Seco. Our morning began with thrilling Zodiac rides through waterways and serene kayaking adventures, bringing us closer to the lush tropical environment. In the afternoon, we ventured on hikes tailored to various fitness levels, weaving through private gardens alive with the sounds of nature. The wildlife was mesmerizing, with scarlet macaws painting the sky with flashes of crimson and gold while playful capuchin monkeys swung effortlessly between branches. We spotted sloths lazing in treetops and countless other special sightings of birds, mammals, reptiles, and marine life. It was a wonderful first day in Costa Rica!
First there were three, then four, then six spotted dolphins catching up with National Geographic Quest, slipping in front of the bow and riding an unseen wave pushed out from the front of the ship. It was like a perpetual wave in an amusement park, requiring no admission ticket and lasting for as long as the dolphins wanted to play. As compelling as this spectacle was for the early rising guests, it was not without competition. Off the stern, the new sun reached through the trees of a nearby island with long, slender fingers tickling the silvery sea below, accompanied by dark gray clouds above. Small groups of guests and staff gathered at each end of the ship, some journeying back and forth taking photos, afraid of missing any magical moment. Had our day ended with the sun disappearing behind the clouds and dolphins slipping away unseen in the brine, nobody present would have complained. Such was the completeness of the moment. Of course, the day did not end at 7:00 this morning but continued, including snorkeling with whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and a playful encounter with a pair of curious capuchin monkeys. It was a full and wonderful day.
Today, we cruised across the Gulf of Panama to the stunning Iguana Island, a protected wildlife refuge. The island greeted us with its pristine white sand beach and lush surroundings. We set out on an exhilarating snorkeling adventure, exploring the vibrant coral reef teeming with a variety of colorful fish. Afterward, we took a guided walk across the island where we observed the nesting site of the magnificent frigatebirds, marveling at their graceful flight and impressive nests. The island’s namesake, the iguanas, were in abundance, basking in the sun and roaming freely across the terrain. With its rich biodiversity and serene landscapes, Iguana Island proved to be a highlight of the expedition, leaving us with unforgettable memories of nature at its finest.
