Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

After a night’s sail from Golfo Dulce, we anchored off Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. We began our day with early morning hikes through Corcovado National Park, exploring the country’s most pristine rainforest, a region known globally for its stunning biodiversity. We encountered iridescent blue morpho butterflies, spider monkeys, basilisk lizards (nicknamed “Jesus Christ” lizards because of their ability to run across the water’s surface), and tree and plant species too numerous to mention. We even had the rare opportunity to glimpse white-lipped peccaries. Some swam in a cool crystalline pool capped by waterfalls, while others bird-watched on the beach.

After a quick return to the boat and a short sail to another part of the peninsula, we anchored in Drake Bay. Onshore, we savored a picnic barbeque by the beach. Afterwards, we explored the coast on horseback and on foot, while others relaxed in hammocks or swam the afternoon away in the warm, gentle surf. Truly paradisiacal, with the beach rimmed by rainforest. The wildlife highlights: a group of seven scarlet macaws perched in low branches – some mating – and a visitation by a troupe of 20 or so white-faced capuchin monkeys, including some mothers clutching infants.

After dinner, many relaxed under a brilliant full moon, and watched fish-eating bats hunting in the wake off Sea Voyager’s fantail.

In the wee hours, we set sail for Manuel Antonio National Park and our next day’s adventures.