National Geographic Quest anchored inside Golfo Dulce in front of Playa Blanca this morning. After breakfast, we disembarked to explore the area and visit several family projects. We learned about hearts of palm, how cocoa is produced in the area, and how families became involved in conservation and ecotourism. Some families got into gold panning and sugarcane production in a project that borders Corcovado National Park.

Midday, we returned to the beach to enjoy a lunch prepared by our galley. Children from the nearby community of La Palma performed folkloric dances. It was fun to see them in their colorful costumes. After the presentation, we swapped groups and visited different family projects.

It was so nice to visit these families and learn how ecotourism protects the natural resources in the area. Today was a colorful and beautiful day.