Golfo Dulce, Playa Blanca and La Palma, 12/10/2019, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today, on the second day of our journey through Costa Rica and Panama, we woke up inside the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, the southernmost gulf. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, green lush vegetation and exuberant forests; the Gulf is home to wildlife, but most importantly to 7,000 Costa Ricans that make a living mostly out of agriculture and tourism. We visited five projects: a. Gold panning and sugar mill combo, b. the Jacana/hearts of palm project, c. the Cacao-Kobo farm, and d. the Danta lodge trail.
Although Maguil was born in San Jose, he was raised in the countryside of Costa Rica, and it was this experience that provided him with a deep knowledge of and a profound love for the rural life of Central America. It was this passion for nature tha...
Nicknamed “Indio” (Indian) because of his powers of observation and quiet nature, José has almost two decades of experience working as a naturalist and photography guide; as well as being recognized as an expert birder and nature photographer in Cost...
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This morning, we were greeted by the calm waters of Golfo Dulce as National Geographic Quest approached Playa Blanca, the destination of the day in the heart of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Today was dedicated to immersing ourselves in the sustainable practices and vibrant culture of local Costa Rican families. In the morning, guests had the opportunity to explore various facets of local life. Some ventured into the heart of the Osa Peninsula to observe gold panning and visit a historic sugar mill, while others toured cacao plantations or hiked through the lush rainforest. Another group visited a women-run hearts of palm farm, learning about its eco-friendly practices. After returning to the beach for a BBQ lunch, guests were treated to traditional Costa Rican dances. In the afternoon, we resumed our explorations, visiting more local sites. Later, scientists from the Latin American Sea Turtle Association shared their efforts in protecting these remarkable creatures. We had the incredible experience of watching them release rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean—an unforgettable way to end the day.
Today, we arrived in Drake Bay at 5:00 AM aboard National Geographic Quest, marking the beginning of an exciting day of exploration in this vibrant region of Costa Rica. Our first adventure took us on a cruise along the Agujitas River where guests enjoyed a serene journey through the primary rainforest. The calm weather allowed for excellent wildlife spotting, including numerous bird species. The lush surroundings were a highlight, with guests immersed in the beauty of this rich ecosystem. After returning to the ship, we hosted our first presentation of the day, focusing on the fascinating Osa Peninsula and its ecological significance. This provided valuable insight before the afternoon's activities. In the afternoon, we landed at Caletas Beach, where we embarked on our first rainforest walks. There were several trails offered, catering to different levels of difficulty, allowing all guests to enjoy the natural wonders of the area. Highlights of the walk included a variety of wildlife sightings, such as colorful birds and unique plant life, ensuring that every guest had an unforgettable experience in this pristine environment. The day was perfect combination of adventure and education leaving everyone with a sense of awe and gratitude for the wonders of the Osa Peninsula.
We started the day bright and early to access the Rio Agujitas, a stunning a river in the Drake Bay that is only accessible at high tide. On board we had three exceptional local guides that drove our Zodiacs down the river and helped us spot all sorts of Costa Rican wildlife! One exceptional find were the howler monkeys and the basilisk. The basilisk is not a snake but a lizard! In the afternoon, we had four different options to explore Punta Caletas. On the forest trek, we saw a yellow-throated toucan, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, red-capped manakins, and many more. The Costa Rican jungle was alive for us today! What an amazing way to end our incredible expedition.
