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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After crossing the Panama Canal last night, we awoke this morning with calm waters on the Pacific side of Panama to later anchor near Iguana Island, a small tropical paradise known for its white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life. Eager to explore, we disembarked with our trusty Zodiacs and stepped onto the shore to walk along narrow trails, spotting iguanas basking in the sun and many magnificent frigatebirds hovering above our heads in the sky. After a short exploratory walk, we returned to the beach, where some chose to relax under the shade of palm trees while others prepared for snorkeling. The clear turquoise water revealed a stunning underwater world. Schools of colorful fish darted around the coral, and a few lucky snorkelers spotted rays gliding gracefully along the ocean floor. As the afternoon passed, we all returned to National Geographic Quest tired but satisfied. The experience today was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. As our vessel pulled away from the island, many of us stood on deck watching the sun begin to set over the Pacific, grateful for another unforgettable day.
A gorgeous sunrise at the canal marked the start of our first journey in Panama, where we explored three amazing sites. National Geographic Quest is the only vessel to cross the canal in two tracts, so we visited Barro Colorado Island, Gamboa Rain Forest Discovery Center, Lake Gatun, and the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. Hikes, Zodiac cruises, and panga rides around the lake enhanced our exploration of the tropics, offering a first glimpse into the region’s high biodiversity. We saw snail kites, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, a two-toed sloth, tamarin monkeys, anhingas, black-bellied whistling ducks, and wattled jacanas, all illustrating the wildlife and its beauty. There could not have been a better immersion than the combination of the rain forest experience and crossing one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the Panama Canal. Photos by Fico Chacón and Ronald Calvo Aguilar
National Geographic Quest woke early in Gatun Lake to a beautiful sunrise and stillness. Breakfast was early as well so we could head out to our morning activities. Local pangas (a term for a skiff with outboard motor) met the ship to take guests to the discovery center on Barro Colorado Island. This hike provided monkey sightings and great information about the island. Zodiac rides in the morning were held around the lake and led by local guides provided by the Smithsonian Institute. We were able to see the keel-billed toucan high in the trees, which was a treat to see in the wild. Excursions on the lake were also had this afternoon as we awaited a transit of the last and final lock to make our way to the Atlantic side of the canal at the end of our incredible expedition.
