Mother Nature presented a delightful sunrise this morning, as the National Geographic Sea Lion, floated towards Manuel Antonio National Park. Dropping anchor in the bay just off Manuel Antonio National Park, and disembarking by landing crafts, we reached the nearest beach named Espadilla. Our morning activities consisted of two interpretive walks led by expedition staff. The walks offered, were the Cathedral Point and Sloth Valley trails, both tropical and protected ecosystems.
The Cathedral Point was once an island that over time has joined with the mainland by sand deposits. The trail gained in elevation, and had breathtaking scenic views that overlook the ocean. Some explorers spotted Central American agouti. Standing on the edge of the trail, you could hear them chewing on nuts that they found on the forest floor. As the one mile loop was just about completed, white-faced capuchin monkeys intercepted our path and commanded attention. As they grew tired of their audience, the monkeys wandered off, and we continued back to the main beach, making our way towards Sloth Valley Trail.
Walking on a fairly flat terrain, the Sloth Valley trail is everything the name proposes. Three-toed sloths and mantled howler monkeys were discovered high up in the tree tops, taking a mid-morning nap. On ground level, white-tailed deer were spotted munching on green leafs, lazy northern raccoon, a black river turtle scurried under dry foliage and spiny-tailed iguanas lounged on shady tree limbs to escape the heat.
The explorers on National Geographic Sea Lion took their cue from the animals and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon ocean breeze while sitting on the sandy beach, and had a great time taking a refreshing swim to cool off.
We left Manuel Antonio National Park, more aware of what nature has to offer, and able to take knowledge home with us about the importance of preservation.
