Granito de Oro, Coiba Island National Park , 12/4/2019, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
After visiting Granito de Oro, it would lead one to think that if you look at the word “paradise” in the dictionary, you will find the name of this gorgeous little space. Coiba Island National Park it’s one of the most pristine and well protected parks in Panama, and the little islet of Granito de Oro offers some of the best snorkeling in this region, a rocky reef with hard coral and many, many fish.
Known for his passion for nature and dedication to conservation and ecotourism, Max Vindas has been guiding natural history trips in Costa Rica since 1993. On his first trip to the rainforest at age eight, Max realized his love for the outdoors and w...
Federico Chacón, or “Fico” as he is better known by his friends, started guiding one-day nature tours on weekends and holidays at the age of 18 right at the time he started studies at the University of Costa Rica. It was just a part-time job, that wa...
Enter travel details to receive reports from a single expedition
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Send Daily Expedition Reports to friends and family
*By clicking the submit button, I authorize Lindblad Expeditions to email me; however, I am able to unsubscribe at any time. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Please note: All Daily Expedition Reports (DERs) are posted Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours. DERs are written onboard the ship only and do
not apply to land-based portions of expeditions.
Today, our group embarked on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Starting at the Las Pailas trail, we were greeted by bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, a vivid reminder of the park’s volcanic activity. The strong smell of sulfur contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery around us. The highlight of the day was a sighting of a group of white-faced capuchin monkeys playfully moving through the canopy. Their acrobatics added an energetic touch to the serene environment. Along the trail, we identified tropical dry forest flora like guanacaste trees and gumbo limbo, marveling at their adaptations to this unique ecosystem. At the seasonal waterfall, the group enjoyed a refreshing break. Bird enthusiasts were delighted to spot keel-billed toucans. The day concluded with a breathtaking sunset on the Pacific Ocean, framed by a dramatic sky. This expedition showcased the park’s blend of volcanic wonders and rich biodiversity, leaving everyone eager to return for more adventures.
Today’s adventure began with an invigorating hike through the lush rainforests of Drake Bay. We ventured deep into the well-preserved primary forest, where nature flourished in its undisturbed splendor. The sound of exotic birds filled the air, and we were fortunate enough to observe toucans with their vivid beaks, and black hawks soaring high above. The forest, rich in biodiversity, is a testament to the conservation efforts that have kept it thriving. We marveled at the towering trees and the vibrant foliage, our guides explaining the delicate balance that sustains this remarkable ecosystem. In the afternoon, we embarked on an exciting boat journey along the Agujitas River. The river offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding environment, and the birdwatching was nothing short of spectacular. We spotted a tiger heron standing tall and regal along the riverbanks, while slaty-tailed trogons flashed their colorful plumage. Other sightings included the impressive ringed kingfisher, as well as black-crowned night herons, and boat-billed herons. As we continued, a playful monkey made an appearance, leaping from one tree to another, providing a delightful spectacle for all of us. Today's adventures were a beautiful blend of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, showcasing the diverse wildlife that thrives in this stunning corner of Costa Rica.
On our second day of the year, we had the amazing opportunity to explore another area of Golfo Dulce, landing on Playa Blanca. We explored the most important area of the Costa Rica Osa Peninsula where one can find 3% of the biodiversity of the world, making this area very attractive for nature lovers. Today we also had the opportunity to learn how the locals have developed ways to protect the rainforest and also, through entrepreneurial efforts, benefit from its offerings. It was a great day getting a glimpse a day in the life of Costa Ricans. National Geographic Quest guests enjoyed panning for gold, learning about sugarcane production, and visiting chocolate and hearts of palm farms. We finished our excursions with a nature walk through the rainforest. It was a wonderful day exploring this unique destination.
