Caletas & Corcovado National Park
It was 0545 and it seemed like the sky had broken, and all the rain water you can imagine was falling on the National Geographic Sea Lion. I bet millions of gallons of fresh water mixed one more time with the eternal ocean. Oh gosh, I forgot to say Welcome to the Dry Season in Costa Rica! While I observed this powerful manifestation of Nature, I couldn’t stop thinking about the thousands of organisms in the rain forest that depend of this divine liquid to survive; including us of course. But then, like an act of supreme will, the same forces that brought the rain, took it away, and the sun broke free across the renewed horizon. A new day started for all our fellow travelers on board our vessel.
Everyone enjoyed the end of the “monsoon” and our guests prepared for the activities planned for the day at Peninsula de Osa. Playa Caletas welcomed our first guests who were about to partake in, the always exciting, rain forest horseback riding. All of our “sabaneros” left on time, and our guests that chose to walk started their own personal experience in communion with the forest. The spirit was high and the enthusiasm at its best, for all those who decided to struggle with our legendary trails. Very soon, the peace that characterizes Caletas was back, as the adventurers left the camp. Nevertheless, the “beach vendors” did remain at their posts expecting good luck and better sales. An array of items made of stone, coconut, rosewood and many other materials were on full display to anticipate the return of our guests.
The improvised “cowboys” came back, as well as the walkers, and a special festive atmosphere covered this amazing site. The participants of the different activities shared their personal experiences, including their rewarding trip into the woods. We all returned to the National Geographic Sea Lion for a great lunch. Soon after lunch, the Lex Global Market opened and our customers started browsing around baskets, necklaces, clothe and many more interesting things that caught the eye of many.
All of a sudden, a message on the radio alerted us about something unusual, something special that immediately turned the crowded lounge into a “ghost ship”, sort of speak. Yes, that’s right; the message was the unmistakable word we all want to hear: Whale, whale at bow port side! Some of the guests started running up to the sundeck to have a glimpse on this marvelous marine creature. The incredible animal decided to stay with us for more than 30 minutes to the delight of everyone who gathered on the upper decks. Furthermore, we soon realized that this was not about one whale but two: mother and calf. These were magnificent moments we enjoyed observing this gentle giant playing with her child in the quietness of the Drake Bay waters. According to Mother Nature, the story was not over; we still had more surprises left. In the middle of the vast ocean, we could see spotted dolphins playing, adding wonder to the idyllic scene of mother and calf.
Once we landed for the second time at Osa Peninsula, precisely at Corcovado National Park, the groups started their way through the forest. One group reached a revitalizing waterfall and –of course- took a dip in the nice waters of this little creek. Other guests went along the shoreline with a naturalist, well determined to obtain the best of Corcovado on their walk.
While we were reposition the National Geographic Sea Lion towards Drake, both the sunset and the whales accompanied our sailing. Simply to end a perfect day with one of the most memorable times of our lives!
