Today on our second day in Costa Rica, we had the fantastic opportunity to visit some of the families living in this remote part of the country and learn a little of the Costa Rican culture. We found the people to be very warm and welcoming, and we enjoyed a taste of their local products: sugarcane, heart of palm, chocolate, vanilla, bananas, and pineapples, to name a few. In both the morning and the afternoon we visited local families, as well as the adjacent tropical rainforest. There we enjoyed great views of squirrel monkeys, yellow-throated toucans, scarlet macaws, a mother three-toed sloth with her baby, and a mother two-toed sloth with her baby. In all, it was a great day experiencing the culture and natural history for which Costa Rica is so well known.
12/2/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Iguana Island, Panama
The sun kissed our faces as the ship glided through the calm waters of the Pacific. Having just navigated the intricate locks of the Panama Canal, a marvel of human engineering, we were now embarking on a new adventure — a visit to the enchanting Iguana Island. The island, a pristine gem, emerged on the horizon, its white sands contrasting with the turquoise waters. As we disembarked, we were greeted by a sight straight out of a nature documentary: hundreds of magnificent frigatebirds, in the sky. We donned our snorkeling gear and plunged into the crystal-clear waters, a kaleidoscope of colors and life unfolding before our eyes. Schools of vibrant fish darted through coral reefs. Back on land, we explored the trails, home to a myriad of black iguanas and halloween crabs. The tranquility of the place was palpable, a stark contrast to the bustling activity we left behind by crossing the canal. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the island, we gathered on the beach to return to the ship and continue our journey. We will cherish the memory of this idyllic day, a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
