Manuel Antonio National Park & Osa Peninsula
It’s great to be back in Costa Rica! We were treated overnight with genuine Costa Rican green season weather… misty rains, breezy winds and acrobatic swells beneath our hull. After day-break National Geographic Sea Lion dropped anchor in the bay just off Manuel Antonio National Park. Zodiacs backed us onto a beautiful sandy beach for two different interpretive walks. Some hiked up the Punta Catedral trail, affectionately referred to by our Expedition Leader Bernal as the “tropical stairmaster”. As predicted, the trail wound up through muddy steps of this vital ecosystem displaying scenic views over the ocean, and revealing abundant wildlife: blue morpha butterflies, agouti, crab-eating raccoon, coati, capuchin and howler monkeys, and plentiful birds. The rest of the group took the sloth valley walk along shoreline and dirt/stone road. As evident by its name, many two- and three-toed sloths were seen hanging high up in the trees. Also sighted were iguanas, fiery-billed, aracari and many birds. Upon returning to the beach some punctuated the morning with a refreshing swim.
Once back aboard, National Geographic Sea Lion pulled anchor and was underway toward our late afternoon destination: the calmer waters of Drake Bay for a special treat. Zodiac cruises for a closer look at wildlife on the Agujitas River. Immediately after entering the river’s mouth we were greeted by a troupe of white-faced capuchin monkeys eating fruits and scurrying around the branches. Then, much to our surprise, a 4-foot crocodile surfaced about 20 feet behind us! We also saw a green iguana on top of a coconut palm. The highlight of the tour… as we rounded a bend in the river… spider monkeys! And right before our eyes the baby clinging onto its mother’s back, and two single monkeys leaped across the trees from one side of the river to the other. The most exciting thing about watching these creatures was the way they used their super long limbs and prehensile tail. What a sight to finish off our magnificent first day in appropriately-named Costa Rica. Indeed, a rich coast. Pura vida!
