This morning, we began our exploration by walking the trails of Dolphin Quest Reserve, an ex-cacao farm turned conservation project that now practices rural tourism. Some guests participated in a forest walk while others decided to explore the property. In the afternoon, we repositioned National Geographic Quest in Golfito, a former banana harbor. Some guests explored by kayak and others enjoyed a Zodiac tour to visit the mangroves. It was a beautiful day. We had the chance to see scarlet macaws, toucans, wrens and tanagers. We also saw all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys. When we came back from our exploration, bartenders offered mojitos to guests in the ship’s fantail. We ended the day by sailing toward Panama. We left behind us the mountains that surround Golfo Dulce, a beautiful gulf.
11/19/2023
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National Geographic Quest
Sanguare and Bahia de Cispata
Formerly a cattle ranch, the Sanguare Reservation now plays host to a myriad of bird species and a cornucopia of greenery. Restored to its original natural state by the owners who now run a small eco-resort on site, this piece of heaven on the Colombian Caribbean coast is an ideal stopover for birders and nature enthusiasts. An early start brought us to the dock at Sanguare and then on to walks of varying lengths for guests. We were refreshed with local juices such as corozo, guayaba agria, and lemonade; we also enjoyed some traditional sweets and cakes all freshly made at the resort. Our hardy travelers were introduced to more of Colombia’s incredible rhythms, including mapale, cumbia, and chande, performed with pride and gusto by a group of young artists from the nearby town of San Onofre. The day was capped off perfectly with a tranquil cruise on local panga boats into the Bahia of Cispata. We saw flocks of frigatebirds, parakeets, white ibis, a green-backed heron, and much more. Finally we observed a one-year-old crocodile, raised in a local crocodile conservation project, being released into the waters of the bay. Fortunately no one made the poor decision to kiss the baby croc on the lips!
