Today we had the extraordinary opportunity to visit one of the most remote areas of the tropical dry forest of Costa Rica, Bahia Santa Elena. Here our guests walked one of the new trails in the protected area; one highlight was our sighting of the famous northern tamandua anteater, a mammal which is not that common to see. Everybody went out with our local “pangas” to see the rock formations of the Bahia Santa Elena, the oldest of the country. The naturalist explained how the country first formed, and how that connects to the landforms and ecosystems of today. Later on after lunch, we split our group activities between land and water. Some guests walked into the wildlife refuge where they enjoyed the company of iguanas, lots of birds, and white-faced capuchins. Our other group of guests went snorkeling at Munecos Island to see lots of different fish species. We are thankful for this very productive day, and are feeling ready for tomorrow’s activities.
3/6/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Curu Wildlife Refuge and Tortuga Island
Today’s expedition was filled with unforgettable moments, beginning at the Curu Wildlife Refuge. The day started with a fascinating sight, a pair of gartered trogons building their nest at a termite mound, a stunning display of nature's intricacies. We also spotted a variety of bird species, including scarlet macaws and crane hawks gracefully flying overhead. The forest was alive with activity as we observed black hawk howler monkeys and playful capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees. On the forest floor, a white-nosed coati foraged for food, and a white-tailed deer elegantly moved through the underbrush. Among the most memorable sights was a rare tayra stealthily making its way through the dense foliage. Later in the afternoon, we set sail for Tortuga Island where the adventure continued. Our guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail hour, soaking in the beautiful beach scenery. Wildlife sightings were plentiful here too, with peccaries and more deer spotted on the island. The pristine beach provided the perfect setting for a swim, allowing everyone to cool off and relax after an exhilarating day. Today was an incredible blend of wildlife exploration and relaxation—a truly unforgettable experience!
