The glorious puffy-clouded sunrise packed the sky, just as the wind and humidity caressed the skin of the deck dwellers in the illustrious stretch class. The day was off to a great start! After a nourishing breakfast, the expedition brought us ashore to a remote location called Casa Orquideas. This dramatically cultivated tropical garden is a small piece of heaven on earth with several species of plants and various birds to delight the senses of the homo sapiens casually walking along. True to the namesake, there are fragrant orchids blooming among the stone and coconut lined paths, which lead through the draping vines and leaves, comprising the mystery of the rainforest garden. Other colorful flowers were evident such as heliconias, sorrels, hibiscus, anato-lipstick tree, and bamboo orchids.

All spectators heard the call of the scarlet macaws flying overhead and the roaring of the howler monkeys announcing the ominous impending rainfall to come in the afternoon. Many were lucky enough to see the macaws perched in a nearby palm tree enjoying a snack. The yellow headed caracara sat close to a nest with the macaws, feasting as if alone. Other birds spotted and discussed were the red and blue capped manakin, the cherries and blue-gray tanagers, gray capped flycatcher, pale billed woodpecker, yellow tropical king bird, and the garden emerald hummingbird, as well as many more. Some lucky ones even spotted one tent making bat. After all of us were filled with the knowledge of a whole new universe, we had a relaxing splash off the National Geographic Sea Lion’s fantail.

The afternoon adventures consisted of kayaking through the mangroves and expedition landing craft cruises through the coastline of Golfito. So much wildlife to be viewed by all. White faced monkeys, sea turtles, iguanas, royal and laughing terns, spotted sand pipers, ruddy turnstones, and the illusive northern tree boa. The list goes on…

The rest of the day was filled with presentations by the staff, cruising, massaging, and docking in Golfito. Now en route 120 nautical miles to Panama!