This was the last day of our expedition, and probably the most productive in terms of wildlife sightings. We started early in the morning with some hikes and walks inside the Curu Wildlife Refuge, where it didn’t really matter where you were, there was something interesting to see around every single corner. We discovered white-faced capuchins along with howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, and coatis; for the birdwatchers we found scarlet macaws, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and trogons. We even spotted a few black iguanas, “garrobos,” for the ones that like reptiles. Later in the afternoon we all had a really nice dinner and farewell at Isla Tortuga. We said goodbye to the expedition and the time we shared together that created memories that will last forever.
2/15/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Curú Wildlife Refuge and Isla Tortuga
Our morning destination was Costa Rica’s first private refuge for wildlife, and the results of the area’s protections were apparent. Hikers ended up surrounded by calm white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) foraging in the leaf litter, mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) babies learning how to climb without help, Central American agoutis (Desyprocta punctata) chasing each other on the forest floor, and many other impressive animal encounters. In the afternoon we repositioned to Isla Iguana where guests were greeted with fresh coconuts, lounge chairs, and a classic tropical vista of turquoise water against white sand. The bar team of National Geographic Quest brought cocktail hour to the beach, and we stayed until sunset listening to salsa music and swapping stories from the week. The night concluded with an impressive display of fishing bats dipping in and out of light cast upon the sea surface from our ship. We leave the expedition feeling grateful for each other and for all that the country of Costa Rica has gifted us this trip.
