Playa Caletas, Corcovado, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
We weighed anchor amidst the fog in Drake Bay, a very short distance to Punta Caletas. This great rainforest is protected by a local with a true love for nature. This area possesses one of the few large areas of mature rainforest in the buffer zone of Corcovado National Park. Here the canopy reaches a height of 130 feet, and the emergent trees are colossal structures that rise over 180 feet.
The conditions were pleasant for a walk. The day was overcast and a thin rain made the leaves shine under the little light of the understory. A few drops of water allowed us to visualize what a true tropical rainforest is about. We did not get very wet and the sun did not make it hot.
It was exciting to see the newcomers from the North. Migratory birds have been arriving over the last few weeks and they are thrilling to watch. Some of the species just pass through, but many are winter residents that find a warm home in the tropics until they fly back home for their spring feast.
Flycatchers, manakins, trogons and toucans were seen too. The weather was right for birds to be active in the forest. Our short walk went along the coast with the promise of toucans. The medium walk passed by the basilisk to a beautiful clussia tree, while the long walkers had an intense forest experience.
After lunch we moved to Corcovado, where the surf was unusually rough and our captain decided to continue to our next destination. The afternoon at sea yielded great sights of pan tropical spotted dolphins, sea turtles and brown boobies.
We arrived to calm waters before sunset and enjoyed a quiet recap and dinner in the Golfo Dulce where we will enjoy our last day in Costa Rica.
