Santa Elena Bay and Junquillal Wildlife Refuge , 11/23/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today we had a great day exploring the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, including Santa Elena Bay, part of Santa Rosa National Park. National Geographic Quest is the first ship that has ever anchored in this beautiful bay.
We were the only people in the area, and we took advantage of the privilege. We had the bay and the trail to ourselves, and we explored the area at our leisure. We observed the unique dry forest ecosystem and some of its beautiful flora and fauna.
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...
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Santa Elena Bay, nestled within the stunning Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica, offers a breathtaking blend of unspoiled nature and serene ocean beauty. Approaching the bay from the sea is a captivating experience, as the turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs and lush greenery. Our journey begins with gentle waves lapping our pangas and Zodiacs with the calls of seabirds echoing in the distance. As the bay unfolds, its pristine, crescent-shaped shoreline reveals a golden beach framed by dense tropical forests. The untouched wilderness is a sanctuary for wildlife, where howler monkeys can be heard in the canopy and deer sometimes wander near the shore. Santa Rosa National Park, beyond the bay, boasts a rich biodiversity and a storied history as the site of Costa Rica’s legendary Battle of Santa Rosa. Exploring its trails offers glimpses of ancient trees, orchids, and panoramic views of the Pacific. The visit to Santa Elena Bay is a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility, a reminder of the raw beauty and ecological richness that Costa Rica proudly preserves. A place where nature reigns supreme.
Today aboard National Geographic Quest, we visited two remarkable locations. In the morning, we explored Celestia Beach, a pristine and secluded stretch of white sand. Guests enjoyed a leisurely walk, perfect for birdwatching, where we spotted a howler monkey in the trees. The waves were inviting, providing a fun opportunity to play in the surf. In the afternoon, we ventured into the Palmares Mangrove Forest despite a light rain. The weather did not dampen our spirits, as we observed a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, herons, and flycatchers. A highlight was seeing an American crocodile resting near the water's edge, a true spectacle. As the day came to a close, we returned to the ship and were treated to a breathtaking sunset, the perfect ending to a fulfilling day of exploration.
Today was a wildlife fiesta. Along our forest walks in Curu we saw scarlet macaws (Ara macao), greater, white-lined bats (Saccopteryx bilineata), Central American agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata), white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus), howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), and banded owl butterflies (Caligo atreus). Curu is a multi-use sustainability development project that prioritizes forest protection, sustainable agriculture, and wildlife conservation. Clouds broke in the afternoon for a lovely beach excursion to Isla Tortuga where guests swam, drank rum coconuts, and observed charismatic collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). It was difficult to leave the beach, but we had the world premiere of our Guest Slideshow to enjoy, prepared by our magnificent photo instructor, José Calvo. This week we were lucky enough to experience the tail-end of rainy season here in Costa Rica, a climactic rhythm that defines the beautiful biodiversity that drew us here to begin with. Thank you, rain, for all you make possible.
