Guests of National Geographic. Sea Lion awoke this morning in the calm, lake-like waters of Golfo Dulce near Casa Orquideas—a tropical botanical garden accessible only by boat—and our first visit of the day. As the sultry sun broke the horizon, guests were able to explore this photographer’s paradise full of orchids, and gingers, tanagers and toucans. Our wellness specialist, Alexis Mutchler, arranged for a special morning yoga session amongst this lush paradise of plants for the fitness inclined in the group. Thanks to the time of day, not only was the light absolutely ideal for photography, but the tropical birds were at their most active, offering multiple opportunities for everyone in the group to create excellent photos. Two scarlet macaws treated us to an extended and lively discussion on a tree-top within easy reach of most camera lenses.
After our adventures of the morning, National Geographic. Sea Lion repositioned to our next destination, Corcovado National Park—a biologically complex area of land that is home to over 500 species of trees. Protected in the 1970’s, one of the largest threats to the National Park was the once abundant quantities of gold found in the area. Miners and panners posed a grave environmental threat the park until they were removed by the Costa Rican police in the 1980’s.
In the park, guests were able to explore one of two challenging trails thought the rain forest. The first leading to a beautiful waterfall and swimming area, and the second that worked its way along the coastal forest. As always, the interpretation by the excellent natural history staff provided insights and meaning to the many plants and animals spotted in this unique area of the world.
