The first day of our adventure began quite early. We set out to explore a very picturesque and tidal-dependent river called Agujitas. The river is named for the abundant needlefishes that call it home. Aguja is the Spanish word for needle. We saw various shorebirds, a two-toed sloth, iguanas, and basilisks, or Jesus Christ lizards. Right after lunch, we repositioned our vessel and took various hikes and walks along Caletas Beach. Long walks, forest treks, and nature walks gave us the chance to explore the area and take great photographs.
12/23/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Playa Blanca, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
This morning, we were greeted by the calm waters of Golfo Dulce as National Geographic Quest approached Playa Blanca, the destination of the day in the heart of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Today was dedicated to immersing ourselves in the sustainable practices and vibrant culture of local Costa Rican families. In the morning, guests had the opportunity to explore various facets of local life. Some ventured into the heart of the Osa Peninsula to observe gold panning and visit a historic sugar mill, while others toured cacao plantations or hiked through the lush rainforest. Another group visited a women-run hearts of palm farm, learning about its eco-friendly practices. After returning to the beach for a BBQ lunch, guests were treated to traditional Costa Rican dances. In the afternoon, we resumed our explorations, visiting more local sites. Later, scientists from the Latin American Sea Turtle Association shared their efforts in protecting these remarkable creatures. We had the incredible experience of watching them release rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean—an unforgettable way to end the day.
