Manuel Antonio National Park
The final morning of our voyage was also one of our highlights, with a full day dedicated to one of the jewels of Costa Rica’s National Park system: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. The smallest of Costa Rica’s Parks--it is only 6.8 square kilometers—protects vital tropical moist forest and a couple of gorgeous beaches. But Manuel Antonio also presents one of the greatest dilemmas of conservation. With its small size and developed surroundings, it is virtually an island, leaving the wildlife genetically isolated with nowhere to spread or interact. In turn, this is a great place for visitors to see wildlife, and both two and three toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and iguanas were just some of the sightings of the day. On the other hand, we have to wonder how long these populations can survive in isolation, and in a National Park that draws thousands of unthinking visitors that come primarily for its beaches.
We had plenty of time to ponder Costa Rica’s great progress in conservation and challenges in developing forest corridors, spending some reflective time in the late morning and early afternoon lazing on the beach. And with a final rush of excitement and adventure, the skies opened up and we were treated to a true tropical downpour of impressive determination. Many of us frolicked in the water, others huddled under large-leaved trees, some hurried to the ship, and some just soaked it up. But all were laughing and all were wet as we boarded the Zodiacs for the final time and headed back to the fan-tail drying machines on the Sea Voyager.
The final morning of our voyage was also one of our highlights, with a full day dedicated to one of the jewels of Costa Rica’s National Park system: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. The smallest of Costa Rica’s Parks--it is only 6.8 square kilometers—protects vital tropical moist forest and a couple of gorgeous beaches. But Manuel Antonio also presents one of the greatest dilemmas of conservation. With its small size and developed surroundings, it is virtually an island, leaving the wildlife genetically isolated with nowhere to spread or interact. In turn, this is a great place for visitors to see wildlife, and both two and three toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and iguanas were just some of the sightings of the day. On the other hand, we have to wonder how long these populations can survive in isolation, and in a National Park that draws thousands of unthinking visitors that come primarily for its beaches.
We had plenty of time to ponder Costa Rica’s great progress in conservation and challenges in developing forest corridors, spending some reflective time in the late morning and early afternoon lazing on the beach. And with a final rush of excitement and adventure, the skies opened up and we were treated to a true tropical downpour of impressive determination. Many of us frolicked in the water, others huddled under large-leaved trees, some hurried to the ship, and some just soaked it up. But all were laughing and all were wet as we boarded the Zodiacs for the final time and headed back to the fan-tail drying machines on the Sea Voyager.
