Osa Peninsula and Corcovado Conservation Area
As we approached land, the first brightness of the sky produced a silhouetted skyline of the unbroken forest covering the protected region of the Osa Peninsula. Our entire day would be full of activities at the northern side of this lovely peninsula. We started by going ashore at the northern park station of San Pedrillo. On shore groups split for different walks. First to start were the long walkers venturing through the forest to a ridge, then following the trail along the rolling ridge line before dropping down to a small river and looping back to the landing. Keeping a steady pace the group had opportunities to see some very large trees and primary forest, as well as some wildlife such as howler monkeys.
A second group took a trail which paralleled a small stream winding its way through the dense forest. Shafts of light streamed through the canopy forming highlights on the vegetation and the babbling waters of the stream. A third group walked slowly in the forest in search of birds and other wildlife.
By mid-day we were all back on the ship and underway along this spectacular coast. Relaxing on deck we marveled at the alternating smooth sandy beaches and rugged rocky shores forming a foreground for a vast green forest covering the land behind. Just after mid-day we again anchored and were quickly shuttled ashore. Greeted by the dining room crew with refreshing drinks, we were then treated to a elegantly prepared BBQ lunch at a lovely picnic spot where we could see the ship and the beautiful coastline. For the rest of the afternoon people enjoyed a number of activities including horse-back riding, swimming from a lovely beach, walking on a forest trail, or just relaxing in a chair or stretched out in a hammock. At the close of the day we sailed northward searching for marine life and discovered scattered groups of Pantropical spotted dolphins. As a finale the sun slowly dropped below the horizon as an intense orange ball.
As we approached land, the first brightness of the sky produced a silhouetted skyline of the unbroken forest covering the protected region of the Osa Peninsula. Our entire day would be full of activities at the northern side of this lovely peninsula. We started by going ashore at the northern park station of San Pedrillo. On shore groups split for different walks. First to start were the long walkers venturing through the forest to a ridge, then following the trail along the rolling ridge line before dropping down to a small river and looping back to the landing. Keeping a steady pace the group had opportunities to see some very large trees and primary forest, as well as some wildlife such as howler monkeys.
A second group took a trail which paralleled a small stream winding its way through the dense forest. Shafts of light streamed through the canopy forming highlights on the vegetation and the babbling waters of the stream. A third group walked slowly in the forest in search of birds and other wildlife.
By mid-day we were all back on the ship and underway along this spectacular coast. Relaxing on deck we marveled at the alternating smooth sandy beaches and rugged rocky shores forming a foreground for a vast green forest covering the land behind. Just after mid-day we again anchored and were quickly shuttled ashore. Greeted by the dining room crew with refreshing drinks, we were then treated to a elegantly prepared BBQ lunch at a lovely picnic spot where we could see the ship and the beautiful coastline. For the rest of the afternoon people enjoyed a number of activities including horse-back riding, swimming from a lovely beach, walking on a forest trail, or just relaxing in a chair or stretched out in a hammock. At the close of the day we sailed northward searching for marine life and discovered scattered groups of Pantropical spotted dolphins. As a finale the sun slowly dropped below the horizon as an intense orange ball.
