Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
This morning we sailed into Golfo Dulce (Spanish for “Sweet Gulf”); one of Costa Rica’s most remote regions. It was a warm and sunny morning when we began disembarking at the mouth of the Esquinas River. Zodiaks and kayaks deployed, we commenced our exploration of the tall and magnificent mangrove ecosystem that fringes the river. Sightings of herons, ibis, and other birdlife, along with green iguanas, tree boas, and crocodiles comprised some of the highlights of our morning.
Later in the day the National Geographic Sea Lion repositioned a few miles east. We eagerly shuttled ashore to stroll around the gardens of Casa Orquideas. Nestled at the foot of a coastal mountain range, Casa Orquideas epitomizes the exuberance of all things tropical. With towering trees, luxuriant flowers and manicured trails, these gardens show the love and dedication that its owners have bestowed on them for more than twenty-five years. After our guests had divided into different groups and enjoyed the sightings of toucans, tanagers and even roosting bats, a light drizzle began to set in. It lasted for about a minute before the unmistakable signs of a tropical downpour began to appear in the form of dark clouds. Sooner than we could seek shelter, we were engulfed by a torrential deluge. Minutes later however, the clouds had passed allowing us to resume our exploration of these magnificent gardens and enjoy the last few hours of our journey in Costa Rica.
