Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
This was our last day in Costa Rica, and it could not be spent in a more beautiful spot than the southernmost gulf in the country. Golfo Dulce - or if translated literally, the Sweet Gulf - is one of Costa Rica’s greatest scenic treasures, as it is one of the few tropical fjords in the world. This Gulf is not only deep enough to harbor occasional whales, as it can have depths of even 250 meters, but it is also one of the most scenic places in the area with dark green forests draping the shores and dark blue waters. Just stepping outside your cabin is an experience all on its own. If, on top of that, we add occasional views of dolphins and a few abundant species of birds, we can already say our day was made.
Nevertheless, our experience within the Gulf went beyond that. Early this morning we anchored just off the large mouth of the Esquinas River, which is located on the northeastern side of the Gulf. We exited the ship onto our Zodiacs and took an exploratory ride up the very dense mangrove forest of the river’s edge. Mangrove forests are important for the ecosystem as they function as buffers to the rainforest trees and as nurseries to many species of fish and invertebrates that seek refuge within their roots. We took great looks at white ibis, great egrets, northern tree boas, green iguanas, swallowtail kites, and a quick glimpse at chestnut-mandibled toucans.
During the afternoon we visited Casa Orquidea, or the Orchid House, which is a privately owned piece of land, once a cacao plantation, turned into a phenomenal botanical garden. Its name is, in my perspective somewhat misleading, as orchids really do not have a blooming period in the tropics and the garden offers a whole lot more than just one type of plant. Palm trees, bromeliads, giant tree ferns, gingers, fruiting trees, tent-making and long-nosed bats, basilisk lizards and even a friendly dog welcomed us into their home. As we walked through Ron and Trudy McAllister’s garden and home, we could hardly understand how someone could leave their homeland, their belongings and come to live in a place remote enough to have no road… We are truly glad they did though, because we can then enjoy it!
