Manuel Antonio National Park & Curu Reserve, Costa Rica
The final day of our voyage was a day in paradise for wildlife watchers. Landing on the sandy beach of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning, we radiated out along the trail system in search of birds, mammals and reptiles. WOW! White-faced capuchin monkeys stole the show, providing us with many close encounters for fabulous sightings and photographs. Howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, coatis, agoutis, fiery-billed aricaris (small toucans), spiny-tailed lizards and a grey-necked wood-rail are just a sample of our sightings. A refreshing swim in the Pacific was a cooling end to a fine morning.
Just as we sat down to lunch, Ivan’s voice came over the PA: “A whale at ten o’clock!” Leaving our food, we raced to the foredeck and the bridge deck to watch a spectacular show. A humpback was breeching repeatedly. For half an hour, we enjoyed the spectacle, as the whale flung itself out of the water time and time again. It also rolled on its back and slapped its extraordinarily long pectoral flippers upon the water and showed its flukes many times.
The final outing of our voyage came at Refugio Curu. Here we walked through lands owned by the Shutt family. The Shutts have been rescuing injured and orphaned animals of all types and recreating the tropical dry forest habitat that once covered the Nicoya Peninsula. Monkeys, both white-faced and howler, again stole the show, though coatis were also great fun to watch. White-tailed deer, scarlet macaws, iguanas… the list seems endless.
Leaving the beach behind, the clouds glowed red and parrots headed to their roosts as we returned our tags to the board for the last time this wonderful voyage.
The final day of our voyage was a day in paradise for wildlife watchers. Landing on the sandy beach of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning, we radiated out along the trail system in search of birds, mammals and reptiles. WOW! White-faced capuchin monkeys stole the show, providing us with many close encounters for fabulous sightings and photographs. Howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, coatis, agoutis, fiery-billed aricaris (small toucans), spiny-tailed lizards and a grey-necked wood-rail are just a sample of our sightings. A refreshing swim in the Pacific was a cooling end to a fine morning.
Just as we sat down to lunch, Ivan’s voice came over the PA: “A whale at ten o’clock!” Leaving our food, we raced to the foredeck and the bridge deck to watch a spectacular show. A humpback was breeching repeatedly. For half an hour, we enjoyed the spectacle, as the whale flung itself out of the water time and time again. It also rolled on its back and slapped its extraordinarily long pectoral flippers upon the water and showed its flukes many times.
The final outing of our voyage came at Refugio Curu. Here we walked through lands owned by the Shutt family. The Shutts have been rescuing injured and orphaned animals of all types and recreating the tropical dry forest habitat that once covered the Nicoya Peninsula. Monkeys, both white-faced and howler, again stole the show, though coatis were also great fun to watch. White-tailed deer, scarlet macaws, iguanas… the list seems endless.
Leaving the beach behind, the clouds glowed red and parrots headed to their roosts as we returned our tags to the board for the last time this wonderful voyage.
