This was our second day in Costa Rica, and we went all out to make good use of our time here! Today included hikes through the forest of the lush Osa Peninsula and a demonstration in gold panning. Such activities are often hosted by locals, who are generous with their time and are eager to share their culture with us. This all takes place in the gorgeous and tropical Costa Rican atmosphere of the Osa Penisula and Golfo Dulce. Being 80 percent natural reserve, these areas are testament to the preservation of Costa Rican ecology and culture—a fact not lost on our guests.
3/9/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Playa Blanca, Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
After a long night of navigation, we dropped anchor in front of a pristine beach at Playa Blanca. Today was all about the local people. We had the great opportunity to visit four amazing Costa Rican families that have worked through hard times to maintain sustainable tourism businesses, surrounded by protected national parks. Each activity stole our hearts, including artisanal gold panning from Don Juan, visiting Johnny’s sugar mill, enjoying chocolate fondue with Alex at his chocolate farm, and tasting fresh palmitos with Dona Eida and her family running a heart of palm plantation. After our morning activities, we came back to a surprise from the hotel team: a delicious picnic lunch, and for dessert not just great cookies but also beautiful Costa Rican dances, performed by the schoolkids of the neighborhood. To end our afternoon, we learned about green sea turtles from the Sea Turtle Conservation NGO. They showed us a huge green sea turtle that had been caught in the night, which would then be released in the waters of Golfo Dulce, a place unique for its geology but its people too.
