Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
The last day of our trip was spent in one of Costa Rica’s most attractive National Parks. Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest Parks in the system – just 1300 hectares in area – but it is also one of the country’s favorite beach destinations. With white sand beaches and transitional tropical rainforests, this area is a fantastic destination for early risers like us. We disembarked onto the beach and separated into two groups: long strenuous hike and flat and easy Sloth Valley trail. Both options offered opportunities of spotting wildlife and all of the groups were rewarded with sightings of birds, monkeys and sloths.
After a nice time in the water swimming, boogie-boarding, or simply laying on the sand, those of us heading towards the canopy exploration went back to the ship to have lunch and to get ready for the afternoon adventure. Most of the group decided to go “swing from the trees.” Wearing harnesses and helmets, we climbed up a tall tree onto waiting platforms and stood in line as each one took the jump to infinity. A little bit of rain and lightning joined in to finish our adventure.
On to the ship for dinner and a few warm goodbyes, thus giving way to the end of our tropical adventure. Most of us are ready to go home, but with a little bit of pain in having to leave our new found friends behind.
The last day of our trip was spent in one of Costa Rica’s most attractive National Parks. Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest Parks in the system – just 1300 hectares in area – but it is also one of the country’s favorite beach destinations. With white sand beaches and transitional tropical rainforests, this area is a fantastic destination for early risers like us. We disembarked onto the beach and separated into two groups: long strenuous hike and flat and easy Sloth Valley trail. Both options offered opportunities of spotting wildlife and all of the groups were rewarded with sightings of birds, monkeys and sloths.
After a nice time in the water swimming, boogie-boarding, or simply laying on the sand, those of us heading towards the canopy exploration went back to the ship to have lunch and to get ready for the afternoon adventure. Most of the group decided to go “swing from the trees.” Wearing harnesses and helmets, we climbed up a tall tree onto waiting platforms and stood in line as each one took the jump to infinity. A little bit of rain and lightning joined in to finish our adventure.
On to the ship for dinner and a few warm goodbyes, thus giving way to the end of our tropical adventure. Most of us are ready to go home, but with a little bit of pain in having to leave our new found friends behind.
