This morning, we began our exploration by walking the trails of Dolphin Quest Reserve, an ex-cacao farm turned conservation project that now practices rural tourism. Some guests participated in a forest walk while others decided to explore the property. In the afternoon, we repositioned National Geographic Quest in Golfito, a former banana harbor. Some guests explored by kayak and others enjoyed a Zodiac tour to visit the mangroves. It was a beautiful day. We had the chance to see scarlet macaws, toucans, wrens and tanagers. We also saw all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys. When we came back from our exploration, bartenders offered mojitos to guests in the ship’s fantail. We ended the day by sailing toward Panama. We left behind us the mountains that surround Golfo Dulce, a beautiful gulf.
2/26/2022
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National Geographic Quest
Osa Peninsula and San Josesito
Today, National Geographic Quest arrived in the gateway of Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s most ecologically intense rainforest. Its diversity is unparalleled. In the morning, our guests enjoyed either a long hike or a walk along the coastline. In both activities, guests spotted scarlet macaws, their colors blazing in the tree canopy. Other tropical birds also displayed extraordinary colors. Among others, we spotted scarlet-rumped tanagers, bay-headed tanagers, and red-legged honeycreepers. We also observed land mammals, including white-nosed coatimundis, on the grounds of the coastal walkway of San Josesito Beach. Later in the afternoon, we repositioned to San Pedrillo, one of the stations of the national park and a highlight of our voyage. The chance to dip into a waterfall pool made every meter of the walk worth it. Along the hike, guests spotted American crocodiles and many types of tropical birds. The importance of this area is demonstrated by the size of its trees. The park, 80% of which is protected, maintains a good balance of the species that inhabit this gorgeous rainforest. The pargo trail was another option for hiking today, and guests enjoyed great sightings of spider monkeys, black-hooded antshrikes, dot-winged antwrens, and rufous pihas. After the afternoon activities, we headed back to the ship. We enjoyed the recap sessions, a great end to this day.
