Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
While we assembled on the sundeck of the Sea Voyager for an early morning “pre-sloth spotting” stretch class, the sun gracefully delivered an orange-red light over the isthmus of Manuel Antonio National Park. The park, one of the most popular in Costa Rica, was the site of our first adventure on our passage toward Panama.
As soon as the Zodiacs were launched from the ship, we boarded our sea-faring taxis and departed for our beach entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. Once all set, we split up into small expedition groups by selecting a particular hike. The first option ventured around the Cathedral Point, circling an 85-foot summit. The small mountain, that was once an island, offered breathtaking views over the Pacific and unique views of surrounding marine birds.
The second trail option, led us through the rainforest valley, called Sloth Trail. We soon understood why the trail carries this name, with several three-toed sloths immediately spotted in the canopy! Some explorers aboard were so enthusiastic, they completed both trails, doubling the amount of wildlife observation and exercise. But keeping our priorities in order, we reserved time for a cool swim in the Pacific before returning to the Sea Voyager for lunch.
So with calm seas and light winds, we continued our passage along the Pacific Coast with a comprehensive presentation by our Costa Rican Naturalist, Willy Alfaro, about Biodiversity in Costa Rica and Panama. His descriptive discussion on origin, geology, climate and geography, offered us an understanding as to the reasons for the “wealth of species” in these unique countries. Central America provides a natural bridge, with varying ecosystems, for the survival and spread of many types of animals. How the various animals adapt and contribute to mother nature offers us a chance to reflect on the advance of man around the world, and the questions that arise in promoting our progress and success as a contributing species on Earth.
Thus, with the glistening sun’s descent behind the horizon, the first beautiful day of our exciting journey came to a close.
While we assembled on the sundeck of the Sea Voyager for an early morning “pre-sloth spotting” stretch class, the sun gracefully delivered an orange-red light over the isthmus of Manuel Antonio National Park. The park, one of the most popular in Costa Rica, was the site of our first adventure on our passage toward Panama.
As soon as the Zodiacs were launched from the ship, we boarded our sea-faring taxis and departed for our beach entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. Once all set, we split up into small expedition groups by selecting a particular hike. The first option ventured around the Cathedral Point, circling an 85-foot summit. The small mountain, that was once an island, offered breathtaking views over the Pacific and unique views of surrounding marine birds.
The second trail option, led us through the rainforest valley, called Sloth Trail. We soon understood why the trail carries this name, with several three-toed sloths immediately spotted in the canopy! Some explorers aboard were so enthusiastic, they completed both trails, doubling the amount of wildlife observation and exercise. But keeping our priorities in order, we reserved time for a cool swim in the Pacific before returning to the Sea Voyager for lunch.
So with calm seas and light winds, we continued our passage along the Pacific Coast with a comprehensive presentation by our Costa Rican Naturalist, Willy Alfaro, about Biodiversity in Costa Rica and Panama. His descriptive discussion on origin, geology, climate and geography, offered us an understanding as to the reasons for the “wealth of species” in these unique countries. Central America provides a natural bridge, with varying ecosystems, for the survival and spread of many types of animals. How the various animals adapt and contribute to mother nature offers us a chance to reflect on the advance of man around the world, and the questions that arise in promoting our progress and success as a contributing species on Earth.
Thus, with the glistening sun’s descent behind the horizon, the first beautiful day of our exciting journey came to a close.
