José Calvo, certified photo instructor, and Rodrigo Moterani, staff
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Daily Expedition
Reports
22 Nov 2022
Playa Zapotal and Manglar Palmares, 11/22/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
After navigating all night, we arrived at the first stop of our Wild Costa Rica Expedition: Playa Zapotal, an idyllic, grey sand beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. Here we had our first taste of what the Guanacaste dry forest has to offer. It didn’t take us long to see our first troop of howler monkeys.
In the afternoon, we took Zodiac tours through the Palmares mangrove forest, where we saw numerous birds.
Rodrigo Moterani was born in Brazil, where he still lives. After spending his teen years playing with camcorders and VCRs, Rodrigo ended up working in the field of television journalism and video production in his home country. He graduated with a de...
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Today, National Geographic Quest welcomed the sunrise in front of “Cocos” beach, a popular destination for locals to swim, and for us, the starting point of our expedition today. We arrived at Hacienda Guachipelin, a very large private property right next to the national park where our entire group took part in different excursions. We enjoyed ourselves and had a great day, either ziplining in a canyon above a river, hiking inside the local version of Yellowstone in the Rincon de la Vieja Park, visiting the famous Oropendola Waterfall, or just chilling at the hot springs. In between all the activities, we enjoyed delicious Costa Rican food, including handmade tortillas. We indulged enough to keep us active all day.
Santa Elena Bay, nestled within the stunning Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica, offers a breathtaking blend of unspoiled nature and serene ocean beauty. Approaching the bay from the sea is a captivating experience, as the turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs and lush greenery. Our journey begins with gentle waves lapping our pangas and Zodiacs with the calls of seabirds echoing in the distance. As the bay unfolds, its pristine, crescent-shaped shoreline reveals a golden beach framed by dense tropical forests. The untouched wilderness is a sanctuary for wildlife, where howler monkeys can be heard in the canopy and deer sometimes wander near the shore. Santa Rosa National Park, beyond the bay, boasts a rich biodiversity and a storied history as the site of Costa Rica’s legendary Battle of Santa Rosa. Exploring its trails offers glimpses of ancient trees, orchids, and panoramic views of the Pacific. The visit to Santa Elena Bay is a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility, a reminder of the raw beauty and ecological richness that Costa Rica proudly preserves. A place where nature reigns supreme.
Today aboard National Geographic Quest, we visited two remarkable locations. In the morning, we explored Celestia Beach, a pristine and secluded stretch of white sand. Guests enjoyed a leisurely walk, perfect for birdwatching, where we spotted a howler monkey in the trees. The waves were inviting, providing a fun opportunity to play in the surf. In the afternoon, we ventured into the Palmares Mangrove Forest despite a light rain. The weather did not dampen our spirits, as we observed a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, herons, and flycatchers. A highlight was seeing an American crocodile resting near the water's edge, a true spectacle. As the day came to a close, we returned to the ship and were treated to a breathtaking sunset, the perfect ending to a fulfilling day of exploration.
