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Cruise Review: Pacific Explorer

July 2004 - Costa Rica - Family Departure

When I heard my family explain our summer vacation plans in Costa Rica, I thought I would have to turn shuffleboard into an extreme sport. Most other teens typically have the same reaction, more or less. However, what they don’t see behind Costa Rica’s uncertain eyes is a certain something found nowhere else. In a short time I felt I went on a true family vacation infused with nature’s zest and a double, extra hot, no foam shot of adventure. 

You think you know, but you have no idea. This is the perspective of a teenaged traveler on board the M/V Pacific Explorer. 

The introductory transfer from the airport to the vessel was a true culture shock into the world of the “Ticos,” or Costa Rican people. Our guide Mario explained in brief the history, economics, and lifestyles existing in Costa Rica. After about two hours, we had arrived at Herradura, the horseshoe shaped bay where the Pacific Explorer was docked. After a flurry of suitcases and people flocking to the vessel, my family and I boarded the Pacific Explorer with uncertainty. I soon flung open the door to my cabin with anticipation and without a key, which I also discovered would not be given out. At five o’clock, or what they call “Social Hour,” we were called up to the Sun Deck where hors de oeuvres and free cocktails were served. Afterwards, a delectable dinner was served, and we set off on our adventure.

The next day was the first natural immersion into Costa Rica’s wildlife on the grounds of Curu Wildlife Refuge. This day, in addition to most, began at around six o’clock, so that hikes could begin promptly at eight. (As a teenager, this schedule was not easy to get used to.) My family and I opted for the more difficult hike, which focused on exotic and colorful wildlife, ranging from spider monkeys to mott motts. Although muddy and humid, the hike acted as a great eye opener of what was to come. During the afternoon, the ship headed over to Tortuga Island, a small island dotted with white sand beaches and coconut trees. Unfortunately, due to a strong swell, the snorkeling was cloudy and therefore pointless. Despite the not so swell setbacks, I was still able to enjoy exhilarating banana-boat rides and swimming. Routinely, at five o’clock, social hour began, and hors de oeuvres were dispatched. However, as the boat began its route, the strong swell didn’t cease to send some to their cabins with green faces. I took some Dramamine, and was well enough to enjoy yet another delicious and exotic dinner. Luckily, due to our small number of passengers (20 or so), many of us decided to sit together at dinner, and truly get to know one another. 

The third day began at Caño Island, where I opted for some additional rest, rather than a hike, which turned out to be muddy anyways. Hanging out at the beach allowed for some relaxation and social time with the other passengers, such as Linda. To compensate for my morning inactivity, I decided to go out snorkeling off of the zodiak with a guide. Many colorful fish abound on Caño’s reef, in addition to a white tip shark I was able to see. After the snorkeling, lunch was served and the boat was once again on the move to Drake Bay. Some opted to kayak and some opted to take a zodiak up the picturesque Rio Agujitas. Taking the zodiak, I saw Agujitas as a true to life version of The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. Exuberant fish jumped from the water, birds flew overhead, and the call of the howler monkey resounded, as our zodiak cruised down the river. Social hour soon began, and later, dinner was served. After, one of the naturalists gave a talk on the biodiversity of Costa Rica, which was particularly enlightening.

Day four landed us at Golfo Dulce, a protected and aptly named “sweet gulf” surrounded by rainforests. The morning walk was at Casa Orquideas, a small one acre facility run by self-taught botanists. Different species of plants ranging from fruits and vegetables (some of which I tasted….YUM!) to exotic flowers and palms. The walk gave insight into some products in America that gain their livelihood from exported Costa Rican ingredients. For example, the famed, overpriced, and somewhat dated Chanel No. 5 continues to utilize Costa Rica’s resident ylang-ylang, a highly fragrant flower sometimes used as a natural air freshener. At the end of the hike, our guide offered me and another passenger a pepper, which I could not manage to pass up. Shortly after consumption, my mouth was coated with a three-alarm fire that managed to survive after five or so glasses of water. Bananas at Casa Orquideas were superior to anything I had tasted elsewhere, consisting of a smooth and rich flavor, free from any number of pesticides typically used. I later left land, and tried my hand at water skiing. Let me tell you, this is a treat for anyone, particularly teenagers, who believe they are good at everything. After three face plants, I was left with a water-logged head and a weary body. The second part of the day consisted of a short hike at Caña Blanca, and a visit to a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center. The hike was muddy and slippery, but the rehabilitation center more than compensated. There, monkeys roamed free around the complex where visitors could pet and hold them. One smaller monkey (the one pictured with me), had lost its mother to hunters and was taken in by the staff. The staff at the center also took in birds under similar circumstances. A rainstorm put our visit to rest, as we packed up and sailed on to our next unexpected destination.

Day five landed us at Corcovado, where my family and I suited up for a zip line canopy tour of the rainforest. After about a thirty or so minutes of hiking and driving up a hill, we made it to our first zip line platform. Attached to a pulley, one by one, our group would “zip” across a line to the next platform. Not only does the zip line offer a great view of the forest floor, but also an exhilarating adrenaline rush at one hundred feet in the air. This is one shore excursion worth every penny!!! Later in the day, the cooks packed up lunch, and sent it to the beach for a picnic. During our picnic, howler monkeys loomed above us in the trees as we ate our lunch. It was almost going to the Rainforest Café, without audioanimatronic animals. Two nature hikes were offered after lunch, but I opted for a nap. Lucky for me, the hikes turned out unfruitful. Once again, a superb dinner was served as we set off for our last full day.

Our last true day began at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small peninsula jutting out into the ocean. Capuchin and the endangered squirrel monkeys hang from the trees, as do the adorable, slow sloths. I managed to catch the first and only hike of the morning. Our naturalist pointed out some capuchin monkeys along the way, as well as many of his favorites, the hummingbirds. After concentrated and thorough perusing, our guide and one of our fellow passengers spotted several sloths. Putting them into a scope allowed us a closer look. They truly are adorable and true to their Spanish nickname “oso perezoso,” are also very slow moving. They resemble furry balls of fur with very demure faces, complete with a large, everlasting smile. At this point, I felt like climbing the tree and taking one home. However, due to the law and the sloth’s aggressive nature and claws, I didn’t bring it home with me. The second half of the day was spent at Rainmaker, a rainforest nestled near the town of Quepos. This shore excursion lasted about six hours in total. The visit consisted of a nature walk through a hot and humid rainforest, part of which is suspended a hundred or so feet in the air on suspension bridges. Although the walk doesn’t focus much on wildlife, the views from the canopy bridges more than compensate. In addition, the locals serve the customers a delicious and traditional lunch prior to the walk. Shortly after our arrival at the Pacific Explorer, we set sail back to Herradura.

The disembarkation occurred by 8:30 AM, and after a sad goodbye to the now closer group of twenty, everyone went their separate ways.

Through this trip, I’ve realized that we sometimes we need to disregard all bad premonitions, and simply go. If we just stay within our comfort zone, we can’t grow. Just like the orchids at Casa Orquideas, we can’t stay in the pot forever. We sometimes need to just dig into the real soil, get our hands dirty, stretch our roots, and maybe bud a flower to show how beautiful life is when you start living outside the pot.

Dave Casler
California
Dave.Casler07@bcp.org