Manual Antonio National Park and Curu Wildlife Refuge
Salutation sunrise! Having cast our lines the evening before, the very early morning stretch class on the sundeck paused to capture photos of the sun rising over Manuel Antonio National Park. What a breathtaking way to begin the day, and our fantastic voyage along the Pacific Coast of Central America!
Shortly thereafter, we took our initial Zodiac taxi from the stern, to the isthmus of Manuel Antonio NP, one of the most, well- known rainforests in Costa Rica. The isthmus, locally known as tombolo, is a thin strip of land formed by the collection of sedimentary material that now connects Cathedral Point to the mainland. Once on the beach, our local guides immediately pointed out the Rainbow Boa Constrictor coiled in the low-lying tree branches! Wildly inspired, we ventured into the forest by three separate trail options, offering elevated views of the pristine beaches and plentiful wildlife sightings, including the Two Toed and Three Toed Sloth and the White Throated Capuchin Monkey. Ready to cool off, we returned to the beach for a shady view and a swim before returning to the Sea Voyager for lunch.
All aboard and refreshed, we were immediately under way south to the Gulf of Nicoya, the northern most region of Guanacaste, to Curu Wildlife Refuge, a privately owned dry forest. In the midst of the sail, our Costa Rican naturalist Fico Chacon offered an informative presentation on the “History of Costa Rica,” highlighting past events that have lead to the internationally recognized stability of the small nation.
So with sunset approaching, we landed at Curu Wildlife Refuge and set out to explore the black mangroves surrounding the property. We toured the refuge, noting the differences in vegetation, and the wildlife, including Howler Monkeys and Collared Peccaries!
With the stars emerging, we returned to the ship thinking about tropical forests and the instrumental link that the natural architecture must have to exist and thrive in the future: conservation.
Salutation sunrise! Having cast our lines the evening before, the very early morning stretch class on the sundeck paused to capture photos of the sun rising over Manuel Antonio National Park. What a breathtaking way to begin the day, and our fantastic voyage along the Pacific Coast of Central America!
Shortly thereafter, we took our initial Zodiac taxi from the stern, to the isthmus of Manuel Antonio NP, one of the most, well- known rainforests in Costa Rica. The isthmus, locally known as tombolo, is a thin strip of land formed by the collection of sedimentary material that now connects Cathedral Point to the mainland. Once on the beach, our local guides immediately pointed out the Rainbow Boa Constrictor coiled in the low-lying tree branches! Wildly inspired, we ventured into the forest by three separate trail options, offering elevated views of the pristine beaches and plentiful wildlife sightings, including the Two Toed and Three Toed Sloth and the White Throated Capuchin Monkey. Ready to cool off, we returned to the beach for a shady view and a swim before returning to the Sea Voyager for lunch.
All aboard and refreshed, we were immediately under way south to the Gulf of Nicoya, the northern most region of Guanacaste, to Curu Wildlife Refuge, a privately owned dry forest. In the midst of the sail, our Costa Rican naturalist Fico Chacon offered an informative presentation on the “History of Costa Rica,” highlighting past events that have lead to the internationally recognized stability of the small nation.
So with sunset approaching, we landed at Curu Wildlife Refuge and set out to explore the black mangroves surrounding the property. We toured the refuge, noting the differences in vegetation, and the wildlife, including Howler Monkeys and Collared Peccaries!
With the stars emerging, we returned to the ship thinking about tropical forests and the instrumental link that the natural architecture must have to exist and thrive in the future: conservation.
