This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion visited one of the jewels of the protected rainforest in Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio National Park. We went ashore before the park opened for the public, and our landing was smooth as the sand.
We divided our guests into small groups to start our morning hikes. Long-distance hikers went up to the Cathedral Point Trail and short-distance hikers went to the famous Sloth Valley Trail. Our Christmas present was the beautiful nature and tons of wildlife sightings including two and three-toed sloths. They tested our eyesight to spot them graciously sitting up high in the canopy.
Black spiny tailed lizards walking on the beach sand and climbing up the trees were there for our delight. We saw a troop of white throated capuchins monkeys showing their incredible balance moving throughout the dense foliage. They came down very close to our hikers offering outstanding photos opportunities!
Several kinds of tropical birds making their calls and displaying various colors gave us a great challenge to see them but once we found them the reward was priceless. Black hooded antshrikes, orange cheeked parakeets, and purple crown fairies were just some of the birdlife we were able to see.
Once we finished our hikes our guests enjoyed the rest of the morning by going for a swim in the warm Manuel Antonio beach.
We headed back to the ship to recharge our batteries and then went out again for a leisurely beach afternoon in the paradise. We geared up with noodles, boogie boards, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
Our guest enjoyed the last day of the trip at Manuel Antonio National Park to the fullest. Once the made it back to the National Geographic Sea Lion, the staff organized a great farewell dinner and we set up a piñata for the children. What a fantastic day!
