Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
In the 1970’s scientists realized that the Osa Peninsula was one of the most rich and diverse tropical areas in the Central American, if not the Mesoamerican, region. The tremendous rainfall and remote location helped protect the great variety of unique habitats that make up the area, but that did not keep it away from loggers and gold-panners wanting to come in. Protecting the area was imperative, and the area was declared a national park in 1975. Since then, the park has been the site of much scientific research where 500 species of trees, 285 birds, 139 mammals, and 116 amphibians and reptiles have been identified.
We were lucky enough today to be able to visit this amazing place. We split into three different groups: the long walkers, the waterfall walkers and those who took the smoother beach walk. None of us were left unsatisfied; monkeys, toucans, macaws, herons, snakes, and a magnificent waterfall allowed for a great day’s account. Just before lunch we went back on board the Sea Voyager and our Captain repositioned our ship towards our afternoon destination. Playa Caletas is a privately owned preserve where the owner, Enrique, welcomed us onto his picnic area and we had a very good BBQ lunch. The menu included both beef and veggie burgers, ribs, vegetable kabobs, salads and delicious brownies. The afternoon was nothing short of the morning: monkeys, toucans, snakes, but the most incredible sighting for all naturalists and guests alike was the sighting of white-lipped peccaries. At least 35 of this largest boar-related animal in the Costa Rican forests were sighted, and naturalists that have roamed the region for fifteen years or more had only seen these animals three or four times! Incredible luck! Horseback riding was also part of the activities and those who went on the ride came back exhilarated and sore. We can only imagine what tomorrow has in store for us.
In the 1970’s scientists realized that the Osa Peninsula was one of the most rich and diverse tropical areas in the Central American, if not the Mesoamerican, region. The tremendous rainfall and remote location helped protect the great variety of unique habitats that make up the area, but that did not keep it away from loggers and gold-panners wanting to come in. Protecting the area was imperative, and the area was declared a national park in 1975. Since then, the park has been the site of much scientific research where 500 species of trees, 285 birds, 139 mammals, and 116 amphibians and reptiles have been identified.
We were lucky enough today to be able to visit this amazing place. We split into three different groups: the long walkers, the waterfall walkers and those who took the smoother beach walk. None of us were left unsatisfied; monkeys, toucans, macaws, herons, snakes, and a magnificent waterfall allowed for a great day’s account. Just before lunch we went back on board the Sea Voyager and our Captain repositioned our ship towards our afternoon destination. Playa Caletas is a privately owned preserve where the owner, Enrique, welcomed us onto his picnic area and we had a very good BBQ lunch. The menu included both beef and veggie burgers, ribs, vegetable kabobs, salads and delicious brownies. The afternoon was nothing short of the morning: monkeys, toucans, snakes, but the most incredible sighting for all naturalists and guests alike was the sighting of white-lipped peccaries. At least 35 of this largest boar-related animal in the Costa Rican forests were sighted, and naturalists that have roamed the region for fifteen years or more had only seen these animals three or four times! Incredible luck! Horseback riding was also part of the activities and those who went on the ride came back exhilarated and sore. We can only imagine what tomorrow has in store for us.
