Manuel Antonio Park - Quepos, Costa Rica

Ship: Swan Hellenic - SH Diana
Itinerary: 11-Night Puntarenas to Cartagena


This morning starts with a carnivore breakfast of bacon and sausage in Swan Restaurant.

Carnivore breakfast

We opted for the included excursion: Nature Walk & Beach Manuel Antonio. While we had no interest in going to the beach, we wanted to see the wildlife in the park. After a dry landing in Quepos, we boarded a bus for the short ride to the park entrance.

There were about 20 guests in our group

Once we arrived at Manuel Antonio, a few guests opted to head to the beach while most of us wanted to check out the wildlife. Our tour guides began leading us down the paved path and, before long, we spotted a green snake. Can you see it?

The guides did a good job of locating and pointing out wildlife along the path.

The guides brought along powerful telescopes so that we could see sloths and other animals high up in the trees.

The photo below was taken with my iPhone through the lens of one of the guide’s telescope. This is a destination that would have been better photographed with my mirrorless camera with a good zoom lens.

On the way back to the bus, we spotted several Iguanas warming themselves on rocks near the water.

Once back at the bus, we were entertained by several Capuchin monkeys that were scrounging for food nearby.

After the 6:30pm daily briefing, it is time for dinner in Swan Restaurant (7pm). This was our first evening meal with full table service in Swan Restaurant (we skipped dinner last night). Rickee had the Chicken Marsala and I ordered the Osso Buco. Both were very good. Service was crisp and efficient.

Dinner menu

Tomorrow, we will be in Golfito. We were in Golfito a few years ago, so we will stay onboard SH Diana and enjoy the ship.