Mangrove Tour
For our last day in Manuel Antonio we have booked a boat tour through the mangroves. It is another early start, but even though the package includes breakfast, we learned our lesson hiking in Peru and make the extra effort to fill up at the hotel. Our guide, who in the low season does double duty as the driver, shows up right on time and, to our pleasant surprise, lets us know there is only one other couple booked today.
The drive takes about 30 minutes, through Quepos and past some of the palm oil plantations that make up this area. Breakfast is spread out our arrival and we have a full selection of juice AND cookies to pick from. Such a shame that we’ve already eaten.
Out on the boat, we move lazily through the canals, pulling in close to shore when guides see something in the trees. The point out a small boa constrictor sleeping up in a branch, a crocodile, and countless birds, like this hawk giving us the eye as we sail by.
The find of the day is this small blob of fur, which we’re told is a Silky Anteater. Very rare to spot apparently so, along with the sloth, we’re two for two.
It is very peaceful out on the canals, quiet, comfortable temperature, and the sounds of nature all around. Once in awhile we come across locals, like this fellow fishing for crabs (literally fishing, as is in using a line and a hook to catch them one at a time). Definitely not the life for me, but I’m sure their stress levels put mine to complete shame.
Back near the dock we see one last critter. The Jesus Christ Lizard gets its name from the ability to run across the surface of the water. There are a few longing in the sun on a small island in the canal and, as we approach, one takes off for the shore. No video unfortunately, but quite impressive to see their limbs flying as they skip away to safety.
With the tour out of the way, it’s time to head up the coast about an hour to the Jaco. This is more of a tourist town, with new construction slowly shifting the mix from surfers to resort goers. When we arrive at the Marriott, I fully anticipate my fellow adventurer dropping to her knees and kissing the floor. After a long journey, she’s finally home.