Crossing from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific through the Panama Canal, we woke this morning in Costa Rica’s southern port town of Golfito. Once there, we wasted no time breaking from the ship to explore the coastline and the adjacent mangrove forest. 

That afternoon we ventured toward the famous botanical garden of Casa Orquideas. The garden sits deep inside the Bay of Dulce and is accessible only by ocean. Surrounded by an expanse of primary forest, Casa Orquideas is its own small paradise. This garden was created and is managed by Trudy and Ron McAlister, two American expats who have made this tropical sanctuary their home for the past 35 years. Casa Orquideas showcases an incredible diversity of colors, florals, fruits, and spices the tropics have to offer. 

A great first day in Costa Rica to be sure!