The National Geographic Sea Lion gently crossed the border into Costa Rica from Panama while I was fast asleep. After having a great time these past days, crossing the Panama Canal, visiting pristine islands, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, we entered the extremely calm waters of the Dulce Gulf in Costa Rica. This area is known for its tranquil waters and is surrounded by low hills covered with thick lush green tropical forest.
Every time we come here, I go to the bow of the ship to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this bay, and to breathe in the positive energy of this natural oasis. Costa Rica has done well protecting its land!
Before daybreak, we briefly stopped at customs (all of it done behind scenes by our purser) at the lethargic port of Golfito, once a very active port for the exportation of bananas. Today the rusty peer where we docked is a just a memory of the long past good times.
As the sun started to peek over mountains we sailed a short distance to our destination for our morning activities, to Casa Orquideas. Orquideas is a botanical garden put together by thirty years of the hard work and loving care of Trudy and Ron McAllister, two American expatriates. They purchased a small chocolate farm in the middle of the jungle of this remote place, and call it home.
Little by little, they raised their children along with tropical plants. Today they have grandchildren and a well-known botanical garden, full of the colors and flavors of the tropics.
We enjoyed various plants gathered upon the trails of Orquideas and marveled at the fruits and flowers of many shapes and colors. We also tried the exotic spices and medicines that grow here. We saw and heard several birds, some visiting briefly from neighboring forests, amongst them were flycatchers, tanagers, toucans and the always rambunctious, scarlet macaws.
In the afternoon we explored aboard our kayaks and expedition landing crafts. We had the option between going to the mouth of the Esquinas River or walking Finca Saladero.
We learned about the importance of the preservation of the mangrove forest through seeing it firsthand filled with its inhabitants.
Sunset and a tropical heavy rain caught us anchored at Golfo Dulce. We sure had a wonderful time here…We always do!
