Osa Peninsula, Caletas Wildlife Refuge, and Agujitas River , 1/10/2024, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today we had the great opportunity of exploring the Osa Peninsula, which is one of the most pristine and remote places of Costa Rica, and what a great day we had.
We started our morning with different walks in Caletas Wildlife Refuge, where we not only got to see a beautiful, pristine tropical forest but some of its creatures, including spider monkeys. These are a rare sighting!
In the afternoon, we went up a local river thanks to the higher tide and got to see more spider monkeys, macaws, toucans, and green iguanas. What a beautiful day to begin our trip.
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Sailing along the Pacific Coast, we are finally due to start crossing the Panama Canal. Our first stop of the day was the remote island of Bona where we boarded Zodiacs to explore its rugged coastline. Steep cliffs, hidden coves, and rich wildlife created a breathtaking scene as we navigated the waters, spotting lots of brown pelicans, cocos boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. Continuing our voyage, we entered the legendary Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering that connects two oceans. As we passed through the locks, the scale of human ingenuity became evident. By evening, we reached Gatun Lake, an artificial reservoir surrounded by lush rainforest. Here, we dropped anchor for the night, enveloped by the sounds of the jungle. The stillness of the lake contrasted with the bustling canal, offering a serene and immersive experience in nature. Under a starlit sky, we reflected on our journey—an adventure blending coastal exploration, history, and the raw beauty of Panama’s landscapes. Tomorrow, the passage continues, but for now, we savored the tranquility of Gatun Lake, a perfect pause in an extraordinary voyage.
After exploring Costa Rica for three days, we landed at one of the most beautiful national parks of Panama, Coiba. Since 1919, Coiba Island was a work prison where the prisoners were tasked with its care. After the prison was relocated, the scientific community and the Smithsonian became interested in this unique place. Today Coiba is one of the most important national parks in the country, many people drawn to its vast biodiversity. We spent the day exploring. Some of our guests enjoyed snorkeling around Cocos Island where they had the opportunity to see whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill sea turtles, and different varieties of fish. At the same time, we offered kayaking and stand up paddleboarding for those looking for something more adventurous. Other guests opted to relax and read a book on the beach at Coiba Island.
Today, we embarked on an unforgettable journey, beginning with a visit to the private reserve of Dolphin Quest at Río Seco, followed by an afternoon adventure in Golfito. Both locations are nestled in the breathtaking Golfo Dulce, which offered remarkable wildlife encounters and natural beauty. Our morning expedition took us along the lush trails of Dolphin Quest where guests immersed themselves in the vibrant tropical rainforest. We were fortunate to spot lively white-faced capuchin monkeys, not only during the morning walk but also later in the day. Adding to the spectacle, several pairs of scarlet macaws put on a dazzling display of color and sound. Guests were captivated by the distinctive calls of the three-wattled bellbirds, and a few lucky observers caught a glimpse of the elusive tamandua, a fascinating anteater. In the afternoon, after repositioning National Geographic Quest to Golfito, guests chose between two exciting activities- kayaking through serene mangroves or joining a Zodiac cruise. Both experiences provided up-close encounters with diverse coastal bird species. A highlight of the Zodiac cruise was encountering a mixed troop of howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience.
