Yesterday was one of those days that reminds me exactly why Costa Rica holds such a special place in my heart. It was one of our ports on my Holland America cruise, and from the moment we stepped ashore, I felt that familiar mix of excitement, calm, and pure appreciation for this beautiful country.
Our morning started with what I can only describe as a real-life Jungle Cruise — minus the corny jokes, but with very real wildlife. As we slowly made our way down the river, the scenery felt almost unreal. Lush greenery everywhere, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary. And the animals absolutely delivered.
We spotted both howler monkeys and spider monkeys, each with their own personality. The howlers were loud and dramatic (as expected), while the spider monkeys moved through the trees with effortless grace. We watched a crocodile casually enjoying a fish, which was both fascinating and a little humbling — nature doesn’t put on a show, it just is. We also saw iguanas lounging in the sun, Jesus lizards skimming across the water like it was no big deal, bats tucked away in the shadows, and — one of my favorites — sloths, moving slowly and deliberately, completely unbothered by the world around them.
We didn’t even have to think about currency exchange during our river cruise. There were banks all along the river. 🤣
After the river, we visited a local farm that grows coffee, bananas, and other tropical plants. This was such a simple stop, but one of the most memorable. We tasted a banana that had been allowed to fully ripen on the plant, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best banana I’ve ever eaten. Sweeter, creamier, and nothing like what we get at home. It turns out bananas are actually herbs, not trees, and once you see the plant up close, that suddenly makes a lot of sense.
We also sampled caramelized cocoa beans, which were rich, slightly bitter, and absolutely addictive. I didn’t even pretend to resist — I bought some to bring home, knowing full well they wouldn’t last long.
Next came the Sloth Sanctuary, and honestly, this alone would have made the day special. Seeing sloths up close and learning about their habits, personalities, and the conservation efforts in Costa Rica was incredibly moving. These gentle creatures are perfectly designed for their environment — slow metabolism, algae-tinted fur for camouflage, and an almost meditative approach to life. Costa Rica takes wildlife protection seriously, and it shows in places like this.
And then, just like that, it was time to head back to the ship.
Leaving Costa Rica is always the hardest part. It’s a country that feels alive in a way that’s hard to describe — rich biodiversity, warm people, and a deep respect for nature woven into everyday life. Nearly 30% of the country is protected land, and experiences like yesterday make it clear why preserving it matters so much.
As we sailed away and I looked back at the shoreline, I felt nothing but gratitude. For the day, for the animals, for the flavors, and for the reminder that there are still places in the world that can completely steal your heart — again and again.
Costa Rica, I’ll never get tired of you. 🌿
Cleared For Take-Off! 