In the early morning, National Geographic Quest arrived in the northern section of the Gulf of Nicoya in the province of Guanacaste. We visited the magnificent Curú Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is privately owned but has a status of protection that prevents even the owners from cutting down trees in the forest. The refuge has been a regular destination on our itineraries for more than 25 years, and for good reason. Not only is the forest beautiful and a good example of a dry forest, but it is also a fantastic place to see wildlife. As always, it didn’t disappoint today! Our guests had great views of monkeys, coatis, agoutis, and many beautiful tropical birds, such as the colorful scarlet macaw. A perfect ending for a perfect trip!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 25 Nov 2022
Curú Wildlife Refuge, 11/25/2022, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
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Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea
Kia Orana Everyone! Today, we had the privilege of visiting the island of Samarai, overwhelmed by its beauty, culture, and the warmth of the people. The moment we stepped ashore, we were greeted with vibrant smiles, warrior chants and the rhythmic sounds of the local music, setting the tone for the entire experience. The islanders had set up small stalls, proudly displaying intricately carved wooden sculptures, each piece telling a story. It was amazing to see the craftsmanship and the effort that went into each item. Following this, we returned to National Geographic Orion for lunch before embarking on another exciting afternoon. Highlights included a hands-on weaving workshop with Kura, and for those in a competitive spirit, the day concluded with a fun and lively “Big Fat Pub Quiz,” testing our knowledge and teamwork. This was accompanied by a festive cocktail hour. It was an amazing day that left us with a deep admiration for the island and its people! Photo caption and credit: Paola trying on a mask on the island of Samarai. Photo by Kura Happ
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National Geographic Orion
At Sea
We are incredibly lucky to have the team from Woodland Zoo onboard for this voyage as they have close ties to the villages of Papua New Guinea. Today, Guest Speaker Dr. Lisa Dabek, Senior Director of the Tree Conservation Program, shared with us her experiences in saving the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo found on the Huon Peninsula. We learned about the tree kangaroos’ feeding and breeding behaviors and the great work they are doing in saving these unique marsupials. Naturalist Heather then took us on a journey into the very misunderstood world of insects and arachnids in her presentation, “Leaving a legacy when you are less than an inch tall.” After a delicious lunch prepared by our gourmet chefs, our knowledge of the undersea world was then broadened with Undersea Specialist Brett taking us on a deep dive into the darkness of the big blue, shining a light on the creatures that live within its depths. Our sea day of learning was then finished off with Guest Speaker Nancy Philips’ presentation, looking at the intersect of human health and the health of the surrounding environment in a sensitive and developing nation. During cocktail hour our onboard National Geographic Photographer Krista and Photo Instructor Fiona held a photo feedback session for those wanting to sharpen their photography and editing skills. It was a very full and satisfying day at sea on board National Geographic Orion.