One of the crown jewels of the Costa Rican national park system, Manuel Antonio National park is a small piece of heaven that has been protected since 1972.  At that time, the area was poised for massive tourist development funded by foreign interests. Today the park protects a small, but plentiful remnant of the tropical forest that once covered the region; as well as some white sandy beaches and rocky headlands supporting a wide variety of marine life.  Considering that this is one of the smallest national parks in the country, it has a remarkably long list of animal species.

This morning on our last day on board the National Geographic Sea Lion, we went out to explore the various park trails. Some of us opted for a more leisurely walk onto the Sloth Valley Trail, aiming mostly at spotting wildlife, and it worked.  As we slowly made our way up the hill, red-necked wood-rails, the two species of sloths, white faced capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys, were added to the list.

For those who decided to take the more strenuous trail up Cathedral Point, we were rewarded with exercise, great views of the islets that make part of the park and the views of white-throated capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and very many agoutis.  As the morning progressed and we explored the Sloth Valley Trail, we found great views of black tailed lizards or ctenosaurs, monkeys and sloths galore.

After a week on board the ship, moving through dramatically different sites, cement Locks, blue and green waters, some very well kept coral reefs and finally the amazing green lush forests of Costa Rica, we realize how lucky we have been of having spent all this time together.  What a wonderful time it’s been!!  Until the wind brings us together again, safe travels to all!