It was a glorious Sunday onboard National Geographic Sea Lion, in Costa Rica. Everyone in our adventurous group started the day off on the decks to watch a beautiful sunrise as the ship was approaching our anchorage place at Manuel Antonio National Park. The expedition landing crafts brought us to the beach to embark on our hikes to view the flora and fauna of this beautiful park. The Punta Catedral hike led us all through a scenic forest, up a short, but steep climb for a breathtaking view of the ocean. All were talking about spotting howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and a small rodent called the agouti.
The other option was for groups to trail along behind expert guides with spotting scopes to see Sloth Valley. The name did not disappoint, there were three sloths identified, as well as capuchin monkeys and even the seldom observed Central America squirrel monkey. The beach landing site offered a shady refuge for relaxing and enjoying the sound of the waves while swimmers bathed in the bath water warmth of the ocean.
Lunch was excellent with locally produced ingredients, as usual, hosted by the hotel department onboard.
Cruising for the afternoon provided time for a siesta before our two rounds of small landing craft cruises on the Agujitas River. As well as the howler and capuchin monkeys, some lucky guests saw crocodile- at a safe distance.
What another remarkable day in paradise!
