Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
The second day of our expedition – is this really only the second day? – found us within the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, the Sweet Gulf. During these two days we have had the chance to walk, snorkel, swim, kayak and stroll along gardens and forest trails. This morning we took our first opportunity for kayaking and Zodiac cruising among a mangrove estuary up a river called Rincon River. The river rewarded our early rising with good sightings of sloths, birds, Jesus Christ lizards, and even a snake that had seen better days just along the river side. As the tide went down, we were impressed by how quickly the river and riverbanks changed their face. We were close to having to push our kayaks and Zodiacs out of the banks. That’s how fast the tides change. Back to the ship and rightfully warm, we took the chance to cool off with an enjoyable dip off the stern of the ship.
After lunch, our Captain repositioned the boat across from Rincon River to our next site: Casa Orquideas. This incredible botanical garden run by Ron and Trudy MacAllister is more than just a garden. It’s the reflection of their love for nature itself. For more than twenty-five years, they have dedicated their lives to cultivating native and exotic plants which we are welcome to share. For those of us, the amateur gardeners, this is an inspirational site as well as a frustrating place, as it’s not everyone who can have a botanical garden for a home. The “orchid house” rewarded us with sightings of orchids, bromeliads, lizards, toucans, tanagers, butterflies, and beautiful trails for roaming around. Back on board at sunset, we went to bed ready for our next and last day in Costa Rica.
The second day of our expedition – is this really only the second day? – found us within the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, the Sweet Gulf. During these two days we have had the chance to walk, snorkel, swim, kayak and stroll along gardens and forest trails. This morning we took our first opportunity for kayaking and Zodiac cruising among a mangrove estuary up a river called Rincon River. The river rewarded our early rising with good sightings of sloths, birds, Jesus Christ lizards, and even a snake that had seen better days just along the river side. As the tide went down, we were impressed by how quickly the river and riverbanks changed their face. We were close to having to push our kayaks and Zodiacs out of the banks. That’s how fast the tides change. Back to the ship and rightfully warm, we took the chance to cool off with an enjoyable dip off the stern of the ship.
After lunch, our Captain repositioned the boat across from Rincon River to our next site: Casa Orquideas. This incredible botanical garden run by Ron and Trudy MacAllister is more than just a garden. It’s the reflection of their love for nature itself. For more than twenty-five years, they have dedicated their lives to cultivating native and exotic plants which we are welcome to share. For those of us, the amateur gardeners, this is an inspirational site as well as a frustrating place, as it’s not everyone who can have a botanical garden for a home. The “orchid house” rewarded us with sightings of orchids, bromeliads, lizards, toucans, tanagers, butterflies, and beautiful trails for roaming around. Back on board at sunset, we went to bed ready for our next and last day in Costa Rica.
