Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
After two days of exploring some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks on foot, we took time today to explore by Zodiac. On the morning’s rising tide, we motored up Rio Esquinas, in the northeastern part of Golfo Dulce. We speculated that this gorgeous, winding river may have been named for its many “corners,” as we found more birds, flowers and stunning views around each bend. We learned about the importance of the mangrove ecosystem, as nursery habitat for marine fish and invertebrates as well as how marvelously adapted they are to either exclude or exude salt.
Once past the mangroves, we experienced a true tropical riverine forest, complete with hanging vines and giant tree ferns. During the morning’s explorations, we saw numerous wading birds like cattle and snowy egrets, little blue herons, white ibises, whimbrels and willets. We also spotted a laughing falcon perched high in a snag, green and boat-billed herons camouflaged in the vegetation, tiny mangrove warblers flitting from branch to branch, and a flock of white-crowned parrots busily eating new leaves. Perhaps the highlights of the morning were some sightings of the reptilian kind, with a rainbow tree boa curled on a limb, and a crocodile resting on shore. We all returned to the ship happy for the chance to explore this remote and unspoiled corner of the world.
In the late morning and early afternoon, we swam and took the kayaks out for a paddle, all from the stern of our ship. By mid-afternoon, we were ready to go ashore at the lovely botanical garden called Casa Orquideas. The flowers and tropical vegetation that Ron & Trudy McAllister have cultivated here are amazing, and we took many photos along the gentle paths. We were also more than impressed with the abundance and variety of tropical birds to be seen, watching red-legged honeycreepers, blue-gray tanagers and more. One more quick swim from the beach, and then we were headed back to the National Geographic Sea Lion for showers, a cold cocktail and a delicious dinner.
