Our fourth day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion was a sensation! We awoke to a glorious day in Golfo Dulce, where at sunrise early risers went ashore with naturalist staff at Finca Saladero to spot and photograph birdlife, while our wellness specialist—Amy Sobesky—offered an optional stretching class on the beach. Following breakfast, Lindblad/National Geographic guests explored the mature mangrove forests of the Esquinas River estuary aboard our DIBs inflatables, while others explored the mangroves in kayaks. Close-up viewing of boat-billed herons, willets, ibis, and ospreys, plus a brief close-up glimpse of a crocodile, caused gasps of delight.
Back aboard, we were thrilled by an amusing, enlightening, and fascinating presentation by Dr. Zarin Machanda, a Harvard University biologist who regaled us with stories about her research into chimpanzee social life and that of Central American primates.
Lunch on board the National Geographic Sea Lion was followed by the “global market”—a chance for guests to buy exquisite Kuna molas and Embera-Wounaan baskets—as we repositioned to Casa Orquideas. We went ashore in mid-afternoon to explore this remarkable botanical garden on the shores of Golfo Dulce. Staff members led walking tours themed to birding, botany, and photography. Our visit was highlighted when a pair of scarlet macaws flew in to feed, followed by a flock of toucans and their equally colorful and noisy cousins, fiery-billed aracaris. Everyone was delighted by this unusual concentration of birds feeding on mangoes and palm fruits almost within fingertip reach.
Our departure from Casa Orquideas was perfectly timed. A light rain began to fall as we weighed anchor and sailed for Golfito and Panama. Dr. Machanda added to her fascinating lunchtime lecture during the daily recap by answering further questions about chimpanzee behavior. We ended the day with another fabulous dinner—the perfect close to another fantastic day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion.
Back aboard, we were thrilled by an amusing, enlightening, and fascinating presentation by Dr. Zarin Machanda, a Harvard University biologist who regaled us with stories about her research into chimpanzee social life and that of Central American primates.
Lunch on board the National Geographic Sea Lion was followed by the “global market”—a chance for guests to buy exquisite Kuna molas and Embera-Wounaan baskets—as we repositioned to Casa Orquideas. We went ashore in mid-afternoon to explore this remarkable botanical garden on the shores of Golfo Dulce. Staff members led walking tours themed to birding, botany, and photography. Our visit was highlighted when a pair of scarlet macaws flew in to feed, followed by a flock of toucans and their equally colorful and noisy cousins, fiery-billed aracaris. Everyone was delighted by this unusual concentration of birds feeding on mangoes and palm fruits almost within fingertip reach.
Our departure from Casa Orquideas was perfectly timed. A light rain began to fall as we weighed anchor and sailed for Golfito and Panama. Dr. Machanda added to her fascinating lunchtime lecture during the daily recap by answering further questions about chimpanzee behavior. We ended the day with another fabulous dinner—the perfect close to another fantastic day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion.
