Golfo Dulce, Casa Orquideas & Rio Esquinas
Golfo Dulce is located in the Southeastern end of the territory of the Republic of Costa Rica. Its waters are clean, deep and relatively fresh due to the numerous rivers that flow into its small area. Thus the Spaniards who explored it in the 16th century gave it the name of Golfo Dulce which means Gulf of Fresh Water. The beaches around Golfo Dulce are unspoiled by big development and overpopulation. As one sails through these waters one has the impression of entering into another time, a time before cattle ranching came into Central America and chainsaws destroyed pristine forests.
This morning we anchored in front of Casa Orquideas, a small but beautiful tropical botanical garden planted some 30 years ago by two Americans who settled in Costa Rica in the 1970’s. This garden is not only a great place to enjoy all kinds of tropical plants but also to indulge in birdwatching. After walking through the well-kept trails we went swimming in the ocean and for the young and the young at heart we had the banana boat experience.
After lunch the tropical sun became more intense and motivated us to go indulge in a siesta. Then as the day started cooling we went for Zodiac cruises and kayaking along the mangroves. As we came back from our expedition the weather started changing; a cool drizzle fell upon us and the wind blew stronger, yet we all made it back on the boat and continued sailing to Panama where we will be greeting the New Year.
Golfo Dulce is located in the Southeastern end of the territory of the Republic of Costa Rica. Its waters are clean, deep and relatively fresh due to the numerous rivers that flow into its small area. Thus the Spaniards who explored it in the 16th century gave it the name of Golfo Dulce which means Gulf of Fresh Water. The beaches around Golfo Dulce are unspoiled by big development and overpopulation. As one sails through these waters one has the impression of entering into another time, a time before cattle ranching came into Central America and chainsaws destroyed pristine forests.
This morning we anchored in front of Casa Orquideas, a small but beautiful tropical botanical garden planted some 30 years ago by two Americans who settled in Costa Rica in the 1970’s. This garden is not only a great place to enjoy all kinds of tropical plants but also to indulge in birdwatching. After walking through the well-kept trails we went swimming in the ocean and for the young and the young at heart we had the banana boat experience.
After lunch the tropical sun became more intense and motivated us to go indulge in a siesta. Then as the day started cooling we went for Zodiac cruises and kayaking along the mangroves. As we came back from our expedition the weather started changing; a cool drizzle fell upon us and the wind blew stronger, yet we all made it back on the boat and continued sailing to Panama where we will be greeting the New Year.
