The Linblad Expeditions-National Geographic cruise ship docked yesterday for the first time to the Osa Península in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

The stop at Playa Blanca in Puerto Jimenez is a tourism strategy to promote this area as an international destination. Tourists were greeted with traditional dances, arts and crafts, and the option to take tours to different local attractions.
Caminos de Osa association offers visitors community-based tourism destinations and activities. “The arrival of this cruise is a result of hard work to consolidate Caminos de Osa as a tourism destination and helps generate employment in an area that has the lower social development indexes in the country”, explained Michelle Coffey of the Costa Rica-USA Foundation for the Cooperation, which has developed the Caminos de Osa project.

“We are interested in offering new and interesting options that allow us to support local communities, we are seeking real connections and authentic experiences for our guests”, said Michelle Graves, director of Expeditions Development for North and Central America for Lindblad Expeditions.

Caminos de Osa offers three rural tourism trails through the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve: The Gold Trail, The Jungle Trail and the Water Trail.

In the Water Trail, visitors learn and enjoy different water bodies, rivers, mangroves, creeks and waterfalls surrounded by nature and culture.

The Jungle Trail takes tourists through the pristine forest learning about the local flora and fauna while at the same time being close to the community.

The Gold Trail is a complete experience of the Osa Peninsula, covering history, culture and nature.

Although these tours are offered as multiday tours, and the cruise ship stays for just 12 hours in the area, the passengers get a small sample of what they could enjoy if they choose to come back an visit this vibrant area.