Costa Rica Day

Costa Rica Day 

We were up early and I was up even earlier as we had sailed through a thunder storm. We headed up for a quick breakfast and prepared our bags for a very very full day. 

We learned from our pre cruise trip research that most excursions that involved eco tourism were not located near the port and required a lengthy bus ride. We had chosen the Tropical Forest Aerial Tram and River Cruise. As we departed the ship, we were placed on a motor coach for a one hour  and ten minute ride to a 222 acre eco tourism park. 

Here we boarded an aerial tram to ascend through the dry forest and into a rain forest eco system. Here we experienced many different birds and animals of these environments. Photography from this swinging, moving platform was a bit difficult, more so when you add the dense forest. 

After the 45 minute tram ride, we went on a short half mile walk through an area of the forest. Here we were exposed to many aspects of the forest. This ended in a butterfly enclosure, where I fulfilled my quest to photo the iridescent blue butterfly. 

Next was a lunch of salad, rice, beans, chicken or beef, and various fruit juices. 

Back on the bus for a 45 minute ride to the Tarcoles River. Here we boarded canopy covered boats and cruised up the river and mangroves. The bird life was quite diverse and many good sightings were made. The river cruise operator provided a bird viewing guide.  We did see several crocodiles and it was difficult to photograph in a way to show the size of these animals. A 15-17 foot croc is amazing. 

When we got off the river, we were offered fruit and juice as we navigated local vendors. 

I must say the boat operator and our tour guide did an excellent job in spotting and presenting information about the wildlife we saw. There were many great photo opportunities of many of the birds we viewed.   

Back on the bus for a 90 minute ride back to the port. The traffic at the port was crazy and the bus was required to drop us off at the ship.  As the day was long and our all aboard time was only 30 minutes away we did not return to town to explore the local markets. 

Back on the ship we played trivia and did poorly (again, but that is ok) and went to dinner. Most folks were tired and we were soon off to bed. 

Croc waiting for prey to come by 

Real Croc