Playa Blanca, 1/17/2023, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
National Geographic Quest visited Playa Blanca today. Our guests chose from different options and enjoyed a delightful day appreciating the culture in Costa Rica. As a special treat, a local dancing group performed for us during a picnic style lunch served on the beach.
And, of course, there were amazing natural sights to enjoy while learning from the naturalists and taking photographs.
Frank is a naturalist guide with a long career path involving his beloved Costa Rica. He grew up in Escazu, a small town surrounded by blue and green mountains in the Central Valley. His admiration for nature and wildlife turned him into an autodidac...
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Six days ago, we began an amazing journey in Panama. We crossed the Panama Canal and explored different areas of the country. After that, we kept going up to Central America. On our last day, we had an opportunity to explore the rainforest in one of the most important areas of Costa Rica. Our morning began with a nature walk on a private reserve. We observed mantled howler monkeys, black-throated trogons, and other birds native to Costa Rica. In the afternoon, we repositioned National Geographic Quest to Corcovado National Park. We divided into groups for different walks and hikes. Guests had opportunities to see an array of wildlife, including spider monkeys and howler monkeys. During the waterfall hike, some of our guests had a chance to cool off and swim in a waterhole. We saw a crocodile and a tapir with a calf, a very unique encounter.
As we disembarked today, we were immediately immersed in the authentic Costa Rican way of life. The morning offered a variety of experiences, from spending time with local families and observing their daily activities to trying hands-on experiences, such as gold panning. Some guests explored a sugarcane trapiche to learn about the traditional process of extracting the sweet juice, and others visited a heart of palm plantation to understand sustainable harvesting practices. For those with a sweet tooth, Kobo’s farm provided a chance to see how rich Costa Rican chocolate is made from bean to bar. Alternatively, a nature hike along the trails of Danta Lodge allowed us to connect with the vibrant rainforest while spotting wildlife and enjoying the lush surroundings. Back at Playa Blanca, a delicious buffet lunch awaited us. This was followed by a unique folklore dance performance by local schoolchildren, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to choose a different experience from the morning’s options to dive deeper into local traditions or nature. To cap off the day, we enjoyed a powerful lecture on the conservation of sea turtles along with the chance to witness one being released. This experience brought us closer to understanding the importance of protecting these incredible creatures.
This morning, National Geographic Quest arrived in Costa Rica after departing Panama, marking the start of our exploration in this biodiversity-rich nation. Our first outing took us to Golfito, where guests embarked on Zodiacs or kayaks to navigate the coastal waters and mangroves. The experience was nothing short of thrilling—howler monkeys swung through the trees, their calls echoing around us, while vibrant birds, including herons and kingfishers, dotted the skies. A highlight was spotting a mangrove boa coiled in the branches, a testament to the region’s wild heart. In the afternoon, we ventured into the Rio Seco rainforest, a lush expanse teeming with life. Guests hiked trails and strolled through meticulously tended gardens, surrounded by nature’s chorus. The sightings were spectacular: a stealthy spectacled caiman lurked near the water’s edge, scarlet macaws flashed their brilliant plumage overhead, and the iconic toucans— colorful and charismatic—captivated us with their presence. Each step revealed new wonders, from darting lizards to fluttering butterflies. Today’s journey showcased Costa Rica’s ecological splendor, leaving us eager for what tomorrow holds as we continue our voyage aboard National Geographic Quest.
