January 08, 2007

Exploring Caletas Beach

Please enjoy the Adventure Log from Day 3, on Caletas Beach and Rio Agujitas aboard the Pacific Explorer.

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Just seventy-five miles north of the Panamanian border, Osa Peninsula juts out more than 50 kilometers (30 mi) into the Pacific. Even by local standards, the south is considered a wild region that includes the largest, most inaccessible national park and the most pristine tropical rainforest.

Our naturalists will take you up Rio Agujitas either in our kayaks or zodiacs. It is an excellent opportunity to search for birds and other wildlife along the riverside banks. A nocturnal bird, the Boat-billed Heron, perch above the water and at times hide in the branches of the trees along the shoreline. Green iguanas can also be found feeding on the leaves high in the treetops.

Wear your swimsuit in case we have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the river.

Drake is rich in both 16th century history and natural history. Sir Francis Drake himself supposedly visited the bay in 1579. Drake was the first Englishman to sail around the world.

Later we will reposition just outside of Corcovado National Park, a 100,000-acre sanctuary of biological diversity dominates the Osa Peninsula in southeast Costa Rica. This area’s thirteen habitats are characterized by an abundance of endangered wildlife, including all four species of monkeys and six species of wild cats found in the country. Giant trees draped with vines and lianas and supported by massive buttress roots tower over the forest floor.

The Northern sub-species of the Squirrel monkey is endemic to Costa Rica, and are the only species of monkey without a prehensile tail. They are now protected but are still endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching for the pet trade.

Later, our guides will offer a variety of hikes to explore the history, plant life and any birds and wildlife we might be lucky enough to see. The Osa Peninsula is extremely hot and humid. The terrain in the park includes beaches of soft sand, swamps and mangroves, and tropical forest. Though you may spend some of your time on the beach, close-toed shoes are recommended, as is light clothing, including shorts. Photographic opportunities will be everywhere so be sure to bring your camera and your binoculars.

Posted by Leigh on January 8, 2007 9:24 AM

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