In the early pre-dawn morning aboard National Geographic Sea Lion, the constellation Orion is low in the western sky. A pair of humpback whales makes a brief appearance before the sun rises, motivating those late risers on board. The morning’s activities included snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Isla Brummel where guests saw a variety of reef fish characteristic of the tropical eastern Pacific and hiking on Punta Zapotal with sightings of a Mangrove Cuckoo.

The afternoon focused on the Tamarindo Estuary and its denizens. The mangroves of the estuary host a number of fascinating animals seen by guests including the ringed kingfisher, crocodiles, tri-colored, heron, and an osprey with its daily catch.