Daily Expedition Reports
Coiba National Park

José Calvo, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor, January 2020

View all info

  • Daily Expedition Reports
  • 29 Jan 2020

Coiba National Park

  • Aboard the National Geographic Quest
  • Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Our last day in Panama was just wonderful, we had so much to do, there was a hike in the rainforest, the monkey trail in the main island, a birding walk in the range station as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling for two different sites. In the morning was Coco Islet and in the afternoon was the famous Granito de Oro; a gorgeous little islet with amazing coral and rocky reef.

Article by

Max Vindas, Expedition Leader

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 wildlife observation. Since then, he spends as much time as he can in the forest, sharing his knowledge with visitors to his country.

Photography by

José Calvo, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

Nicknamed “Indio” (Indian) because of his powers of observation and quiet nature, José has almost two decades of experience working as a naturalist and photography guide; as well as being recognized as an expert birder and nature photographer in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity — over 893 bird species have been recorded in the country. Since very young José spent all of his free time in the outdoors in the forest, where he soon fell in love with the birds. He particularly enjoys listening to their calls, and watching their behavior. Oddly enough, another one of Jose’s passions is science and technology, and because of this, he was among the first in Costa Rica to experiment with digital photography. As the technology quickly improved so did his love for it.  He truly believes that nature photography is the perfect combination of both of his passions.

Previous Article

The Beagle Channel and Ushuaia

Next Article

Hull Canal and Boca de Soledad

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

VIEW ITINERARY

Related Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

Mar 20

Read

National Geographic Quest

Caletas Bay and Corcovado National Park

I love my country. I love its people and food and more than anything else, its natural resources. After 29 years as a guide for Central America, especially Costa Rica and Panama, traveling widely around the world with the work I do (I am also a tropical biologist), the Osa Peninsula is my uncontested favorite. Not a single time in my life have I come here and not be wowed by its lush forest, green waters, blue mountains and unmatched biodiversity. Our itinerary was split between two destinations: This morning we disembarked onto Caletas Bay, owned by our friend Banbam (Enrique), and in the afternoon we went to one of the Estacion San Pedrillo ranger station. Choices this morning: A wonderful horseback ride to Rio Claro, a two-mile hike to Agujitas River, a longer paced hike through the forested trails of Caletas Wildlife Refuge, or a casual tour of the wildlife refuge’s gardens. We loved all, coming back with unforgettable wildlife sightings, including a mother three-toed sloth with her baby, a bird eating snake straight from the trail, and a lot of bird sightings such as riverside wrens and black-hooded antshrikes. With the afternoon came the icing on the cake: Corcovado National Park. Again, more opportunities: walking the longer, more strenuous trail to the San Pedrillo Waterfall, and a waterhole to come with it or the Pargo River trail to explore the lowland forests. What a way to finish our trip! From army ants, to basilisks, to pale-billed woodpeckers, howler-, spider- and white-throated capuchin monkeys, to the very scarcely seen Central American Tapir. We could not have asked for a better last day in our trip, and an amazing way to say farewell to Central America, for the time being.

Daily Expedition Reports

Mar 20

Read

National Geographic Quest

Playa Blanca and the Osa Peninsula

Today was the day to acquaint ourselves with Costa Rican families partnered with Lindblad, to witness their way of living within the rainforests of this region. We anchored in front of Playa Blanca, where we spent much of the day visiting several Costa Rican families, learning how they produce sustainably in harmony with nature. This peninsula has set aside 80 percent of its land for conservation, so it is crucial that locals combine their daily activities with the industry of eco-tourism. We toured four different operations. At Rancho Quemado, the two families showcase the historic methods of panning for gold and sugar cane for local consumption. The heart of palm operation shows the production of this delicious crop while Ms. Eida herself prepares delicious empanadas made with freshly harvested heart of palm. The cacao plantation has a wealth of fruit trees, and of course we opt to taste the pure, unprocessed chocolate. And then finally the rainforest trek for those who wanted to look for wildlife!

Daily Expedition Reports

Mar 20

Read

National Geographic Quest

Golfito & Casa Orquidea

Today we entered the second country of our journey, Costa Rica. We came into the Southernmost Gulf called Golfo Dulce – the Sweet Gulf – and into amazingly green and lush tropical rainforest covered mountains. Even deep into the dry season, this area offers green dense vegetation to meditate. Early this morning we had Golfito Port authorities check us into the country, and we began with our activities. First, in hand the kayaking or Zodiac ride amongst the Golfito estuary and in the afternoon onto the beautiful Casa Orquidea Botanical Garden. Off we went early in the morning to enjoy the scenery of the mountains surrounding Golfito and we hoped to spot some wildlife in our kayaks or Zodiacs. We were not disappointed; both outings had the chance to see many animals, from birds to mammals to reptiles: howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, little blue-green and tricolored herons, great and snowy egrets, American crocodile, yellow-headed caracara, common black hawk, and many more. Back on board for a presentation in Costa Rican history, lunch and a quick rest to get ready to disembark onto Casa Orquideas. Ron and Trudy McAllister have been living in this area for the past forty years. They left their homeland to go south and this is as far as they reached. They fell in love with the lush forests and the nice people and decided to stay, live and raise a family. Into the garden we went, and were not disappointed: heliconias, orchids, bromeliads, aroids, giant palms, toucans, macaws, flowers and fig trees welcomed us into their realm. What a great way to start our trip in Costa Rica.