Panama Gulf and Panama Canal, 1/20/2023, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today was our second day in Panamanian waters, and what a great day it was. In the morning, we cruised the rich waters of the Gulf of Panama with seabirds as our escorts. In the afternoon, we enjoyed the Panama Canal, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
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...
Frank is a naturalist guide with a long career path involving his beloved Costa Rica. He grew up in Escazu, a small town surrounded by blue and green mountains in the Central Valley. His admiration for nature and wildlife turned him into an autodidac...
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After a wonderful time in Panama, our team on National Geographic Quest began our exploration of Costa Rica in Golfito and Rio Seco. Our morning began with thrilling Zodiac rides through waterways and serene kayaking adventures, bringing us closer to the lush tropical environment. In the afternoon, we ventured on hikes tailored to various fitness levels, weaving through private gardens alive with the sounds of nature. The wildlife was mesmerizing, with scarlet macaws painting the sky with flashes of crimson and gold while playful capuchin monkeys swung effortlessly between branches. We spotted sloths lazing in treetops and countless other special sightings of birds, mammals, reptiles, and marine life. It was a wonderful first day in Costa Rica!
First there were three, then four, then six spotted dolphins catching up with National Geographic Quest, slipping in front of the bow and riding an unseen wave pushed out from the front of the ship. It was like a perpetual wave in an amusement park, requiring no admission ticket and lasting for as long as the dolphins wanted to play. As compelling as this spectacle was for the early rising guests, it was not without competition. Off the stern, the new sun reached through the trees of a nearby island with long, slender fingers tickling the silvery sea below, accompanied by dark gray clouds above. Small groups of guests and staff gathered at each end of the ship, some journeying back and forth taking photos, afraid of missing any magical moment. Had our day ended with the sun disappearing behind the clouds and dolphins slipping away unseen in the brine, nobody present would have complained. Such was the completeness of the moment. Of course, the day did not end at 7:00 this morning but continued, including snorkeling with whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and a playful encounter with a pair of curious capuchin monkeys. It was a full and wonderful day.
Today, we cruised across the Gulf of Panama to the stunning Iguana Island, a protected wildlife refuge. The island greeted us with its pristine white sand beach and lush surroundings. We set out on an exhilarating snorkeling adventure, exploring the vibrant coral reef teeming with a variety of colorful fish. Afterward, we took a guided walk across the island where we observed the nesting site of the magnificent frigatebirds, marveling at their graceful flight and impressive nests. The island’s namesake, the iguanas, were in abundance, basking in the sun and roaming freely across the terrain. With its rich biodiversity and serene landscapes, Iguana Island proved to be a highlight of the expedition, leaving us with unforgettable memories of nature at its finest.
