Osa Peninsula, North Shores
Today would have to be described as a “Macaw Kind of Day.” The morning was heralded not only by large orange highlighted cumulus clouds hovering over the Osa Peninsula but also by the brilliant and vibrant colors of three Scarlet Macaws flying low over the beach as we landed in Zodiacs. Our morning was spent walking and hiking on trails in the large and wild conservation reserve of Corcovado. Among a number of other species of wildlife that Corcovado harbors, it is the only place where there is a natural wild population of these magnificent birds. The first group of hikers were off on a long 4 mile trip up to a ridge through some very impressive primary topical lowland forest. The most popular walk was along the San Pedrillo river to a cascading waterfall where one could take a refreshing soak in the waters. A third small group strolled inside the forest on a leisurely walk searching for wildlife. All three groups had their own special sightings and experiences. Back at the landing the surf was still producing large waves on the beach but the skilled Zodiac drivers and staff helping to land plucked all from the shores and transported us back to the ship.
En route to our afternoon stop, the Captain spotted some thing in the waters of Drakes Bay so we altered course to take a closer look. A mother and older calf Humpback Whale slowly moved along and surfaced in front of the ship. Everyone crowded to the bow and in front of the bridge to watch these graceful animals. At this time of year the Humpbacks come to these warm waters to further raise the young before progressing back northward, probably to waters off California, where they feed during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
For much of the afternoon we enjoyed another spot along the rocky and beach dotted shores of the Osa Peninsula. As we landed at Punta Caletas we were greeted by the dining room stewards serving cool drinks and nearby the galley had prepared a BBQ picnic lunch. After lunch people divided into groups for a number of activities. First off were the horseback riders for an afternoon of slow sauntering down the coast. Another group walked a short distance down the coast to a long sandy beach where the surf produced some very good but challenging swimming and relaxing. Later another group walked on a forest trail inland and a small group continued the search for tropical birdlife. But of course what everyone focused on were the Scarlet Macaws. A group of about seven raucously called and flew about in the initial stages of courting. Birds hung from tree branches and palm fronds. Just about everyone spent time with their heads tilted upward watching the antics of these vividly colored birds.
In the evening we cruised into the sunset. A few Spotted Dolphins escorted us and the day ended with special cocktails and a pastel western sky as the sun disappeared from another fantastic day in Costa Rica.
Today would have to be described as a “Macaw Kind of Day.” The morning was heralded not only by large orange highlighted cumulus clouds hovering over the Osa Peninsula but also by the brilliant and vibrant colors of three Scarlet Macaws flying low over the beach as we landed in Zodiacs. Our morning was spent walking and hiking on trails in the large and wild conservation reserve of Corcovado. Among a number of other species of wildlife that Corcovado harbors, it is the only place where there is a natural wild population of these magnificent birds. The first group of hikers were off on a long 4 mile trip up to a ridge through some very impressive primary topical lowland forest. The most popular walk was along the San Pedrillo river to a cascading waterfall where one could take a refreshing soak in the waters. A third small group strolled inside the forest on a leisurely walk searching for wildlife. All three groups had their own special sightings and experiences. Back at the landing the surf was still producing large waves on the beach but the skilled Zodiac drivers and staff helping to land plucked all from the shores and transported us back to the ship.
En route to our afternoon stop, the Captain spotted some thing in the waters of Drakes Bay so we altered course to take a closer look. A mother and older calf Humpback Whale slowly moved along and surfaced in front of the ship. Everyone crowded to the bow and in front of the bridge to watch these graceful animals. At this time of year the Humpbacks come to these warm waters to further raise the young before progressing back northward, probably to waters off California, where they feed during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
For much of the afternoon we enjoyed another spot along the rocky and beach dotted shores of the Osa Peninsula. As we landed at Punta Caletas we were greeted by the dining room stewards serving cool drinks and nearby the galley had prepared a BBQ picnic lunch. After lunch people divided into groups for a number of activities. First off were the horseback riders for an afternoon of slow sauntering down the coast. Another group walked a short distance down the coast to a long sandy beach where the surf produced some very good but challenging swimming and relaxing. Later another group walked on a forest trail inland and a small group continued the search for tropical birdlife. But of course what everyone focused on were the Scarlet Macaws. A group of about seven raucously called and flew about in the initial stages of courting. Birds hung from tree branches and palm fronds. Just about everyone spent time with their heads tilted upward watching the antics of these vividly colored birds.
In the evening we cruised into the sunset. A few Spotted Dolphins escorted us and the day ended with special cocktails and a pastel western sky as the sun disappeared from another fantastic day in Costa Rica.
