Osa Peninsula, Caletas and Drakes Bay, 2/18/2024, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
We started the morning with great views of the beautiful waters of Costa Rica and its shoreline, followed by Zodiac rides on the Agujitas River. This small river is affected by the daily tides, and is full of various animal species. We saw birds, bats, and iguanas on the morning visit. Our morning exploration was complemented in the afternoon by hikes. Some of us enjoyed a long hike along the coast of Caletas Beach, with a nice swim after our walk; another group visited a shorter trail where they saw monkeys and macaws. Costa Rica is for sure a country to visit for incredible wildlife observation.
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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.
