Next morning the crew were up for an early breakfast before being shuttled by van to the Manuel Antonio Reserve. After a thorough search of everyone’s bags at the gate and some confiscation of items not allowed, the group broke into three – two groups going with guides and one group following Criss. After lots of bird and wildlife sightings the groups reassembled on the beach where Criss had settled and enjoyed a swim in the ocean. The wildlife highlights were the Capuchin monkeys which were very entertaining along with the sloths. There were a number of iguanas, a deer, some agoutis (a large guinea pig-like rodent), a walking stick-like insect, butterflies. The ocean swims were fun except for the people who were tossed about by the waves and ended up with lots of sand in their bathing suits. There were also a few burnt shoulders.
We all found our own way back to the hotel where we cleaned up and gathered for cocktail hour. Our phones kept pinging as we each posted some of our favorite pictures and videos in our WhatsApp group. What a great way to share them!
The activity slated for tonight was a mangrove swamp boat trip. Dennis picked us up in his van and drove us out to his boat launch where we were loaded onto a shallow rig with single seats along each side. We were warned against all jumping up and rushing to one side to see something lest we all end up in the murky brink. I must say we behaved ourselves. Captain Jeremy ran the motor but he also contributed by finding many of our sightings. Between Dennis and Jeremy we found two boa constrictors, three cat-eyed snakes, a whole slew of egrets, a couple of ibis, two types of kingfisher, jc lizards, a crab, spiders and some grey-cowled wood rails. Jan and I had heard the rails from our room that morning. Dennis gave us a lecture on the mangrove ecosystem with four main types of mangrove trees. They are Red, White, Pineapple and Black. We were treated to a rendition of La Cucaracha which caused the bugs on the water surface to jump with each clap. We headed back under a beautiful red full moon.
Dennis then drove us to his place where we were fed a delicious supper after which we headed back to Villa Romantica.