Along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica there is a canal system that runs the entire length of the country from Panama to Nicaragua. Estacion Las Tortugas, a family-run sea turtle conservation project, is nestled between the canals and the beach. Pacuare Reserve also runs a turtle conservation project and is located just north of […]
Read PostGreater prairie-chickens are a lekking species of grouse that reside in open grasslands throughout several midwestern states. Leks are aggregations of males visited by females for the sole purpose of mating. Males gather together for several months in the breeding season, each defending a territory within the lek. Females typically choose to mate with one, […]
Read PostThe Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, covers 56,259 hectares of rugged, forested mountains approximately 100 km northwest of Mexico City. The reserve is located along the border of the states of Michoacán and Mexico. Scientists estimate that between 60 million and 1 billion monarch butterflies overwinter in the reserve. […]
Read PostCosta Rica has long been known as a world class ecotourism destination and the Costa Rican Bird Route is considered the first birding trail of its kind in Central America. The bird route is another example of Costa Rica’s commitment to conserving valuable habitat for a variety of species. This project’s goal is to promote […]
Read PostHumpback whales, an acrobatic species well known for displays that include breaching, tail slapping, side rolling, and spy hopping, occur in all oceans. These activities and their widespread occurrence make humpbacks one of the most popular species among whale watchers. Over the last few years, we’ve visited a variety of sites along the Pacific coast […]
Read PostThere are two words that are synonymous with Reefs to Rockies: Travel and Trust. On my second trip with the eco-tourism company, this became abundantly apparent. Granted, it was the same destination: Isla Mujeres. But by no means did that make this venture routine. Instead, it redefined these everyday terms for me, an admitted adventure […]
Read PostWe spent two nights at Veragua Rainforest after Estacion las Tortugas. During our stay, we learned about a variety of research projects currently under way at the center including a conservation project focused on critically endangered tiger leaf frogs. Tiger leaf frogs are rare in most of their range (Costa Rica and Panama), but a […]
Read PostIt doesn’t take long for us to find evidence of leatherback sea turtles, the ancient mariners we’ve come looking for, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Large areas of disturbed sand are telltale signs of nesting activity on this beach. Female leatherbacks can weigh 1000 lbs and span 6-7 ft in length, making them the largest […]
Read PostPuerto Morelos Reef National Park, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, was designated a protected area in 1998. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The reef’s proximity to Puerto Morelos’ shore and protected status provide for some of the most accessible […]
Read PostThe popularity of Costa Rica as a top choice for family vacations continues to grow. Natural wonders, friendly locals, and ease of travel all add to its charm. Here are our top 5 reasons why Costa Rica is a great choice for families. Even if you’ve been there before, there are plenty of reasons to […]
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