Caletas and Corcovado National Park
This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion anchored at the Drake Bay area. This is a remote location located within the Biological corridor that connects several private reserves with Corcovado National Park. The park is located in Osa Peninsula. After breakfast we disembarked to visit one of those private preserves at Caletas Beach. Some of us decided to horseback ride along the beach towards the Rio Claro. This river has crystal waters that change dramatically during the rainy season in size and shape. The river also changes the margin of this beautiful place. Most of the riders got the chance to see spider monkeys and experienced the flavor of exploring the cream color beaches all along Rio Claro.
Those who decided to walk the grounds of this private reserve got the chance to see ant birds, toucans, manikins, tanagers as well as monkeys. After all the groups gathered together, a picnic lunch took place at the beach. We left a little later in order to reposition the ship just to be on time for our second part of the day. After a refreshing siesta, Zodiacs began disembarkation and so did our exploration of San Pedrillo. This station is within Corcovado National Park.
Corcovado National Park is actually one of those miracles in conservation efforts, not only because of its origin as a National Park but because of the importance it has for scientists, naturalists and everybody else who tries to preserve areas in Costa Rica. This region has a very high biological relevance, and it is as pristine as possible.
After disembarkation, we began our exploration of the area. Some of us went for a longer walk in which the forest and its complex structure became the most important element. Spider monkeys and giant purple grasshoppers where part of it as well as nesting birds like female blue crown Manikins.
Others decided to visit the little waterfall of San Pedrillo. This is a vibrant cute place that allows our hikers to refresh in its waters. We had the chance to see a young crocodile that, completely unaware of our presence in the area.
The day ended with a beautiful sunset while we were repositioning the ship towards Drake Bay to enjoy a pleasant dinner.