Corcovado National Park & Playa Caletas, Costa Rica
The National Geographic Sea Lion repositioned from Golfo Dulce to the most southern boundary of Corcovado National Park. The ship dropped anchor right where the green drapery of this ancient forest meets the wild waters of Pacific Ocean.
During the morning we explored the quiet realms of a privately owned reserve. This property, like many more, represent perhaps the secret for a successful conservation system in Costa Rica. The privately owned reserves provide important buffer zones to the already fragile limits of National Parks. Evidently, the creation of such government protected areas triggered a growing interest in developing the surroundings. Fortunately enough for our country, a lot of this acreage has been kept as secondary forest in order to promote ecotourism in the region. The heart of all conservation efforts in Costa Rica resides in the eco-tourists who come and leave nothing but their footprints as they say!
The walks were quickly organized on the beach and our guests started their enthusiastic exploration right after a very wet landing in Osa Peninsula. Horseback riders took off while avid birdwatchers scanned the area hoping for a new species on their lists. The first part of the day was completed and the missions accomplished.
The National Geographic Sea Lion then started the second reposition maneuvers to our anchorage in front of San Pedrillo Ranger Station. On our way, and after a quite invigorating lunch, many of our guests stayed on deck ready for marine mammals to show up. The Pantropical Spotted Dolphins came to their expected afternoon date with the ship and gave everyone their unique “bow-riding show.”
Once in San Pedrillo, our guests had the chance to take a challenging but rewarding walk to the waterfall. Whoever took this walk could enjoy a full function put on by the “Osa Peninsula Spider Monkeys Entertainment Company.” It really seemed like these monkey were jumping and trying their best athletic acts just for the fun of it. Everyone had a blast with these aerial acrobats while many played in the inviting waters of the pristine river that comes straight from the core of Corcovado National Park.
Many more guests decided to accompany one of the naturalists in his “soft beach walk.” The walk was amazing and also produced enormous excitement when a magnificent King Vulture decided to perch near our expeditionary team. All our guests could perfectly enjoy the exquisite and somehow rare beauty of this mythical bird. The Scarlet Macaws adorned the blue sky while we were preparing to leave this wonderful region of Costa Rica. The swell was remarkable and battered our zodiacs while our skillful drivers found ways to get everyone out of there safe and sound back to our mother ship.
All too soon we were on our way for another calm night anchored in the sheltered waters of Drake Bay. Tomorrow another day and another adventure in the Central American Tropics!
