This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion, anchored off a pebble beach in front of a piece of property, purchased by an American couple, that they call Casa Orquideas. Casa Orquideas, house of orchids, is a tropical botanical garden, that has various plant and bird life. There were numerous spottings of different bird species, including Cherrie’s Tanager, Kiskadee, and Golden Nape Woodpecker to name a few. Some of the plants that were on the property, are Strangler Figs, which eventually envelops it’s poor tree, constricting and shading it, killing it. Some flowers located on the property, just a few among many, Heliconias, Orchids, and the Ginger Flower. Those who joined ashore, had a choice of breaking up into a photo centered walk, and several naturalist led walks all led by a member of the expedition team. To finish up our remaining time at Casa Orquideas, we took advantage of the beach, going for a short swim or had a chance to learn how to use the paddle boards of the calm waters of Golfo Dulce.
After lunch, we repositioned to Golfito, our choice of activities were to take a long Dib ride around the shoreline narrated by a naturalist where they spotted White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Green Herons, Snow Egret, and Spotted Sand Pipers. There was also another opportunity to go on a destination kayak trip as a group led by a naturalist. Several bird Species were spotted, along the way. As the kayak adventure came to an end, a nice cold beverage from a local restaurant finalized job well done after a long two and half miles of exploring Golfito’s shoreline by kayak.
