We started the morning with great views of the beautiful waters of Costa Rica and its shoreline, followed by Zodiac rides on the Agujitas River. This small river is affected by the daily tides, and is full of various animal species. We saw birds, bats, and iguanas on the morning visit. Our morning exploration was complemented in the afternoon by hikes. Some of us enjoyed a long hike along the coast of Caletas Beach, with a nice swim after our walk; another group visited a shorter trail where they saw monkeys and macaws. Costa Rica is for sure a country to visit for incredible wildlife observation.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Coiba and Cocos Islands, Panama
Our ship anchored off Coiba Island, Panama, early in the morning. The sun had just risen, casting a golden light over the dense rainforest. After a wonderful breakfast, we disembarked at the ranger station. Dividing into groups, some of us set off on a guided walk through the jungle, spotting scarlet macaws and other colorful birds in the trees adjacent to the ocean. Others chose to kayak or paddleboard along the mangrove-lined shores, gliding over the calm, clear water. By midday, we returned to the ship and cruised by Zodiacs toward Cocos Island, an uninhabited islet nearby. The staff prepared our snorkeling gear, and soon we were in the water, surrounded by schools of vibrant fish. The reef was teeming with life—parrotfish, angelfish, and even a few white-tip reef sharks moved gracefully among the coral. Sunlight filtered through the surface, illuminating the underwater world in dazzling colors. After an unforgettable afternoon, we returned to the ship, exhilarated by the day’s adventures. As the sun set, we looked back at the islands, grateful for the opportunity to explore such pristine and biodiverse waters.
