Early in the morning, National Geographic Sea Lion started anchoring in front of an incredible green tropical rain forest: the Osa Peninsula. From the ship, we not only admired the famous Corcovado National Park but also got all our gear ready to enjoy this incredible destination.
Our expedition landing craft drivers mastered a challenging landing in the pristine beach of Playa Caletas so that the first group could depart for a horseback riding adventure. This group went for an excursion along the coastline beautifully decorated by pristine beaches and jungles. There were several options for hiking, many ventured in to the rain forest, over roots and in the muddy trails as the naturalists were unveiling all the mysteries of this lush ecosystem.
Close to midday, all groups were coming back from their adventure and to our surprise, the galley brought a delicious picnic lunch to the beach, so ate our lunch under the shade of giant mango trees and to the music of toucans and scarlet macaws. Later, we returned to the ship for a well-deserved siesta, rest was important as preparation for and even wilder adventure in the afternoon, this time inside the national park. And so, the ship repositioned and anchored in front for San Pedrillo in Corcovado National Park.
We arrived in search of two trails, the first being the Pargo Trail that offered the best wildlife viewing with sightings of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, peccaries and many bird species. The rest of the group took the second trail, venturing toward the waterfall at San Pedrillo, this is a more challenging hike as we walk over roots and along a river, until reaching a charming waterfall. After taking pictures of the waterfall, hikers were rewarded by the best part: a deep in to the refreshing swimming hole.
Back on board, drinks, recaps, laughter and many great memories.
