Gulf of Panama and the Panama Canal, 12/16/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today we visited the islands of Bona and Otoque in the Gulf of Panama. Bona Island is currently uninhabited. Many decades ago, the island was home to a guano quarry operation. Today, it is on its way to becoming a wildlife refuge, thanks to the thousands of pelagic birds that nest on these rocky islands.
Later in the evening, we started our Panama Canal crossing through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks.
Mauricio was born and raised in Panama City. He is studying at the University of Panama to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Biology and has worked on research projects collaborating with institutions like the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute an...
Over five days ago, we began our journey in Panama and now we’re on our last day in Costa Rica. We decided to explore one of the most important areas in terms of biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula is home to approximately 4% of the biodiversity in the world. For many years, people tried to mine the area because it is very rich in minerals, specifically gold. Over thirty years ago the government of Costa Rica decided to promote the country as a tourist destination and today it is a pioneer of sustainability in Central America. We began our morning activities offering different options for our guests. The first activity was a coastal walk, and some had the opportunity to see a boa, a white-throated capuchin monkey, and a mantled howler monkey. In the afternoon, part of our group chose to go for a waterfall hike led by our naturalists, and they finished at a swimming hole where they took time to relax and enjoy themselves. Other guests took the long Pargo trail where they saw a Central American spider monkey, and a tapir, one of the most difficult animals to see in the tropics. We finished our day with an amazing sunset from the bow of the National Geographic Quest , a great end to a great day.
We arrived last night at the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce, bringing us to the heart of coastal Costa Rican life. After breakfast, we disembarked and were greeted by families whose lives are intertwined with this fertile land. The rainforest enveloped us. First, we visited a traditional sugarcane mill where families demonstrated the ancient process of extracting sweet juice using horse-powered grinders. Their hands moved with practiced precision, transforming the raw cane into rich molasses. Along a shaded stream, we joined Don Juan who taught us the patient art of gold panning. Water swirled in wooden bowls as tiny flecks of precious metal caught the sunlight. The journey continued to cacao groves, where Alex proudly showed us their cultivation methods. We tasted the raw fruit before seeing the meticulous fermentation process. Nearby, the delicate vanilla orchids climbed trellises, their beans carefully tended by the skilled farmers, it was a cathedral of biodiversity where our guides pointed out medicinal plants their ancestors have used for centuries. As dusk approached, we returned to our waiting ship, carrying memories of these resilient families whose traditions flourished in harmony with this bountiful landscape.
Today, National Geographic Quest anchored at Golfito Harbor, and after breakfast our guests set out to explore the area. Some opted for a Zodiac cruise, while others chose kayaking. Along the coast framed by lush forest, we encountered howler monkeys, tree boas, and the elusive common potoo. In the mangroves, we spotted seabirds, spotted eagle rays, and graceful sea turtles. It was a vibrant display of local wildlife. In the afternoon after repositioning to the serene waters of Golfo Dulce, we visited Río Seco, a stunning area bordered by Piedras Blancas National Park. Guests ventured along forest trails greeted by flocks of scarlet macaws flying in colorful groups above our landing beach. We spotted trogons, black-hooded antshrikes, and chestnut-backed antbirds while the air was filled with the melodic songs of countless other birds. After our walk, the owner of the property welcomed us with nutritious snacks and exotic drinks—a perfect way to end an unforgettable day immersed in nature’s beauty.
