Playa Blanca, Osa Península, Costa Rica, 2/29/2024, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today we learned about the culture of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is a region of Costa Rica that protects about 80% of its land. Many locals started projects that harmonize with the culture of conservation in this region.
We landed at Playa Blanca and were greeted by many scarlet macaws as well as many other bird species. We embarked our buses to visit some of the families and to learn about their projects. We visited sites focused on gold panning and sugar, a cacao and vanilla plantation, the heart of palm projects, and explored the forest trail of an old farm that has recovered their ecosystem for conservation.
Known for his passion for nature and dedication to conservation and ecotourism, Max Vindas has been guiding natural history trips in Costa Rica since 1993. On his first trip to the rainforest at age eight, Max realized his love for the outdoors and w...
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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.
