Golfo Dulce, Rio Rincón & Casa Orquideas

Our day started with an amazing sunrise and the first rays of light showed the beauty of the place. Golfo Dulce is one of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in Costa Rica, providing us with an array of life zones filled with extraordinary wildlife.

Some of the ways that we had for exploring such a wonderful gulf included kayaking, nature walks and Zodiac rides. From the beginning, we were all enchanted with the beauty of the mangrove forest in Rincón River. Red mangrove and tea mangrove were easily appreciated. Whimbrels, willets and snowy egrets were seen on the fallen trees as well as American crocodiles warming up their cold blood. Later on, what better way to finish this trip than by visiting the local cantina, where we each had the opportunity to try the local drinks.

After a delicious lunch, we sailed towards Casa Orquideas, a wonderful Botanic Garden that holds an extremely large collection of plant and trees from all over the world. Araceae, aracaceae, orquidaceae and many other plants families were well represented in the garden. After the walk, we enjoyed the beach and had some good swimming wrapped in with a soothing and refreshing tropical rain.

The last day of our expedition in Costa Rica has come to an end and we all feel happy for such a great experience during our first four days of this expedition in the “Wonders of Costa Rica.” Tomorrow, we will start with our first outing in Panamanian waters, where we hope nature is willing to share its beauty with us.