Agujitas River, Caletas Reserve, and Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
To witness the sights and sounds of the tropical rain forest coming to life is an amazing experience. At first light this morning we are treated to a dawn Zodiac Cruise along the Agujitas River, a small but beautiful waterway that cuts into the coast of the remote Osa Peninsula. As we round the first bend we see an Amazon kingfisher patrolling the shoreline and a yellow-crowned night heron perched motionless trying hard not to be seen. Drifting with the engine off we can hear the roar of howler monkeys echoing through the forest canopy and the occasional squawks of scarlet macaws overhead. What a magical way to start the day.
After a hearty breakfast we make a landing through the Caletas Reserve, where we explore hoping for a good look at the scarlet macaws that call this rain forest home. The adventurous among us set off on horseback to explore the trail that follows the rocky coastline, while the rest of us hike the trails. We are not disappointed, as several pairs of macaws circle overhead and land in a beach almond tree, one of their favorite foods. Returning to the beach landing we enjoy a lavish barbeque lunch served by the hard-working and gracious crew of the National Geographic Sea Lion.
During the afternoon the ship re-positions to San Pedrillo, one of the most remote and beautiful sections within Corcovado National Park. Here, we venture again into the rain forest and are rewarded with a refreshing dip in a small waterfall. The photographers among us set up our tripods and work with slow shutter speeds to create images with a sense of motion.
Back on board in time for cocktails and Recap, we sail into another glorious tropical sunset, complete with a green flash as the last rays of the sun sink below the horizon. Another amazing day in Costa Rica…
