advertisement

Follow Mint Lounge

Latest Issue

Home > News> Talking Point > Photoessay: The dolphins of Drake Bay

Photoessay: The dolphins of Drake Bay

Nimble like the water nymphs in whose company they are always found in mythology and paintings of yore, dolphins dance through the sunlit water. Carving individual paths that crisscross yet never result in collisions, they leap through the water joyfully, it seems to me. Try as I might, it’s impossible to keep up with them, so I wait for the dolphins to come to me. And they do: spotted, bottlenose and common dolphins and even orcas, in pods numbering in the hundreds. I am just a short way off the Osa Peninsula, on the southern end of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Thick tropical forests cover most of the peninsula and extend almost till the ocean, leaving only a strip of beach. The Parque Nacional Corcovado, which occupies nearly half of the peninsula, hosts a diversity of wildlife in its thick rainforests, including big cats like jaguars and endangered giant anteaters, tapirs, and more. One of the peninsula’s more hidden spots is Bahía Drake, or Drake Bay, said to be named after sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake, who may even have left buried treasure here. It is a small place with a handful of restaurants, lodges and municipal buildings located around Playa Colorada, the town’s main beach. A few high-end resorts are tucked into the surrounding forest. Besides visits into the park from its San Pedrillo and Sirena gates, among the more popular activities here are the dolphin-watching tours. Visitors travel with experienced guides and marine biologists, making the trip both fun and informative, and taking care to ensure it is low-impact by following ethical practices like not chasing a pod. Some boats also have hydrophones on which visitors can listen to the mammals interacting underwater. Though I spotted hundreds of dolphins on my very first boat trip, I went out again, looking for a pod of spinner dolphins that locals told me is about 2,000-strong. I didn’t see them, but I did see the five-six orcas that probably drove them away. On one of the rides, we even spotted a humpback whale.

Leaping dolphins are a joyful sight but scientists still don’t fully understand why the mammals jump out of water. One theory is that this allows them to save energy and move faster.
1/7
Leaping dolphins are a joyful sight but scientists still don’t fully understand why the mammals jump out of water. One theory is that this allows them to save energy and move faster.
Osa Peninsula’s diversity-rich rainforests extend all the way up to the ocean.
2/7
Osa Peninsula’s diversity-rich rainforests extend all the way up to the ocean.
An underwater glimpse of a pod of spotted dolphins—the distinctive white spots are scattered along the middle and lower parts of their bodies
3/7
An underwater glimpse of a pod of spotted dolphins—the distinctive white spots are scattered along the middle and lower parts of their bodies
A swimmer in the middle of a school of sardines. Dolphins are attracted to the large number of pelagic fish (those that live in the “open sea”—neither too close to the sea floor nor near the shore) in the bay.
4/7
A swimmer in the middle of a school of sardines. Dolphins are attracted to the large number of pelagic fish (those that live in the “open sea”—neither too close to the sea floor nor near the shore) in the bay.
Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share information about the various dolphin species and their habits.
5/7
Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share information about the various dolphin species and their habits.
Boat tours make a stop where guests can plunge into the water and snorkel safely with turtles and fish.
6/7
Boat tours make a stop where guests can plunge into the water and snorkel safely with turtles and fish.
Boat tours leave from Playa Colorada, Drake Bay’s main beach, which has a few small restaurants and B&Bs.
7/7
Boat tours leave from Playa Colorada, Drake Bay’s main beach, which has a few small restaurants and B&Bs.

Next Gallery

In photos: Ramzan food markets in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar

On the eve of Ramzan, piles of essentials for sehri and iftar fill food markets  

People shop on the eve of holy month of Ramadan near the Jama Masjid in Delhi on Monday, 
1/5
People shop on the eve of holy month of Ramadan near the Jama Masjid in Delhi on Monday,  (Photo by Raj K Raj, Hindustan Times)
A view of rows of watermelons in Navi Mumbai's Agricultural Produce & Livestock Market Committee (APMC) fruit market, readied to be sold during the holy month of Ramadan, starting from Tuesday, 
2/5
A view of rows of watermelons in Navi Mumbai's Agricultural Produce & Livestock Market Committee (APMC) fruit market, readied to be sold during the holy month of Ramadan, starting from Tuesday,  (Bachchan Kumar, HT PHOTO)
Pineapples at the  APMC fruit market on Monday, ahead of beginning of Holy month of Ramadan starting from Tuesday in Navi Mumbai, India, on Monday, March 11, 2024.
3/5
Pineapples at the  APMC fruit market on Monday, ahead of beginning of Holy month of Ramadan starting from Tuesday in Navi Mumbai, India, on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Bachchan Kumar, HT PHOTO)
In Srinagar, a shop keeper sells varieties of dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on 11 March.
4/5
In Srinagar, a shop keeper sells varieties of dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on 11 March. (Photo by Waseem Andrabi, Hindustan Times)
In Srinagar, a road side vendor sells dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on 11 March.Photo By Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)--
5/5
In Srinagar, a road side vendor sells dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on 11 March.Photo By Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)-- (Photo by Waseem Andrabi, Hindustan Times)

Next Gallery

Scientists spot unknown emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica

Using new satellite imagery, scientists have also revealed that some of these emperor penguins colonies are moving as melting ice from climate change threatens breeding grounds

This 2008-2009 photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows an adult emperor penguin and chicks on the sea ice at Halley Bay. The British Antarctic Survey said recently that the four newly found colonies likely existed for many years, but scientists hadn’t previously spotted them.
1/5
This 2008-2009 photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows an adult emperor penguin and chicks on the sea ice at Halley Bay. The British Antarctic Survey said recently that the four newly found colonies likely existed for many years, but scientists hadn’t previously spotted them. ((Richard Burt/British Antarctic Survey via AP))
FILE PHOTO: Emperor penguins are seen in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica April 10, 2012.
2/5
FILE PHOTO: Emperor penguins are seen in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica April 10, 2012. (REUTERS/Martin Passingham/File Photo)
This undated photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows adult emperor penguins with a chick near Halley Research Station in Antarctica.
3/5
This undated photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows adult emperor penguins with a chick near Halley Research Station in Antarctica. (AP)
This combination of satellite images provided by the E.U.'s Copernicus program via the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows four new emperor penguin colony sites in Antarctica.
4/5
This combination of satellite images provided by the E.U.'s Copernicus program via the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows four new emperor penguin colony sites in Antarctica. (Copernicus/British Antarctic Survey via AP)
Emperor penguins need stable sea ice for successful breeding.
5/5
Emperor penguins need stable sea ice for successful breeding. (File/Wikimedia Commons)

Next Gallery

Trends that ruled the runway at Paris

Styles that showed up again and again during the Paris Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2024 shows, and how to wear them 

Exaggerated-Shoulder Pinstriped-Twill Jacket: If there’s one trendthat defines this season, it’s the exaggerated shoulder. Here, Saint Laurent’s exaggerated take on 1980s suiting. Available onMatchesfashion.com; around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2.15 lakh
1/8
Exaggerated-Shoulder Pinstriped-Twill Jacket: If there’s one trendthat defines this season, it’s the exaggerated shoulder. Here, Saint Laurent’s exaggerated take on 1980s suiting. Available onMatchesfashion.com; around 2.15 lakh
Balmain’s Women’s Spring-Summer 2024: Red and coral shades and 3D florals showed up again and again, such as in this polka-dot playsuit from the luxury house’s Spring-Summer collection at Paris. For more,Balmain.com
2/8
Balmain’s Women’s Spring-Summer 2024: Red and coral shades and 3D florals showed up again and again, such as in this polka-dot playsuit from the luxury house’s Spring-Summer collection at Paris. For more,Balmain.com
Air Jordan ‘Tartan Swoosh’ Sneakers: It was time for tartan. Re-create the trend with the Air Jordan 1 Mid high-top sneaker featuring a “Tartan Swoosh”. Available on Farfetch.com; around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>20,000
3/8
Air Jordan ‘Tartan Swoosh’ Sneakers: It was time for tartan. Re-create the trend with the Air Jordan 1 Mid high-top sneaker featuring a “Tartan Swoosh”. Available on Farfetch.com; around 20,000
Moon Phase Varsity Bomber: Street style continues to rule. Bring it home with this bomber from Off-White studio in Italy, established by the late Virgil Abloh. Available on Revolve.com; around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>29,000
4/8
Moon Phase Varsity Bomber: Street style continues to rule. Bring it home with this bomber from Off-White studio in Italy, established by the late Virgil Abloh. Available on Revolve.com; around 29,000
Carson cropped high-rise flared jeans: Buttermilk yellow is the new white. Here, Veronica Beard's 'Carson' jeans cut in a flared shape in a vintage '70s styles made from pastel-yellow denim. 
5/8
Carson cropped high-rise flared jeans: Buttermilk yellow is the new white. Here, Veronica Beard's 'Carson' jeans cut in a flared shape in a vintage '70s styles made from pastel-yellow denim. 
Opera Stilettos: Gladiator sandals made a strong show, such as Gianvito Rossi’s nappa leather pair with a 105mm stiletto heel. Available onLuxe.Ajio.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>99,000
6/8
Opera Stilettos: Gladiator sandals made a strong show, such as Gianvito Rossi’s nappa leather pair with a 105mm stiletto heel. Available onLuxe.Ajio.com; 99,000
Nazar Mini Annacapri Coral Earrings: Red was everywhere. Channel its energy with Turkish designer Begüm Khan’s ‘evil eye’ earrings made with real coral. Available on Matchesfashion.com; around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.25 lakh
7/8
Nazar Mini Annacapri Coral Earrings: Red was everywhere. Channel its energy with Turkish designer Begüm Khan’s ‘evil eye’ earrings made with real coral. Available on Matchesfashion.com; around 1.25 lakh
Valentie Tie: Ties are back in formal fashion. Here, Valentino’s slim wool and silk tie with a metal ‘V’ appliqué. Available on Valentino.com;around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>40,000
8/8
Valentie Tie: Ties are back in formal fashion. Here, Valentino’s slim wool and silk tie with a metal ‘V’ appliqué. Available on Valentino.com;around 40,000

Next Gallery

Source: A compendium of bright and beautiful objects

This week's covet list features bright colours and interesting textures

That Red Shirt: Fine Khadi shirt edged with hand-embroidered details on the panels and pockets in fire-engine red. Available on Khanijo.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>16,900
1/6
That Red Shirt: Fine Khadi shirt edged with hand-embroidered details on the panels and pockets in fire-engine red. Available on Khanijo.com; 16,900
Periwinkle Bandhani Printed Co-ord Set: Batwing sleeve shirt pairedwith a smocked, slit skirt from Saaksha & Kinni. Available on Ensembleindia.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>25,000
2/6
Periwinkle Bandhani Printed Co-ord Set: Batwing sleeve shirt pairedwith a smocked, slit skirt from Saaksha & Kinni. Available on Ensembleindia.com; 25,000
Forest-Themed Floral Set: Floral jewellery, all the rage at celebrity weddings, made using a combination of fresh and artificial flowers andleaves. Available on Floralart.co.in;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>12,000
3/6
Forest-Themed Floral Set: Floral jewellery, all the rage at celebrity weddings, made using a combination of fresh and artificial flowers andleaves. Available on Floralart.co.in; 12,000
Serendib Cake Stand: Hand-painted fine bone china cake stand accented with 24-carat gold for those special celebrations. Available onGoodearth.in;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>6,500
4/6
Serendib Cake Stand: Hand-painted fine bone china cake stand accented with 24-carat gold for those special celebrations. Available onGoodearth.in; 6,500
In The Clouds Jug: Designer Jonathan Hansen’s lead-free crystal jug with an exquisite hand-engraved cloud motif. Available on Modaoperandi.com; $650 (around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>54,000)
5/6
In The Clouds Jug: Designer Jonathan Hansen’s lead-free crystal jug with an exquisite hand-engraved cloud motif. Available on Modaoperandi.com; $650 (around 54,000)
Taylor Twins Moccasins: Quirky and stylish low-heeled, colour-blocked moccasins with a square toe from Camper.Available on 24s.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>13,707
6/6
Taylor Twins Moccasins: Quirky and stylish low-heeled, colour-blocked moccasins with a square toe from Camper.Available on 24s.com; 13,707

Next Gallery

A compendium of beautiful objects ahead of the festive season

All that glitters is gold in our covet list this week 

Brown Dragon Zara Necklace: Statement neck piece from Mayabazaar by Rosalind Pereira made using zari yarn, brass chain and a dragonfly brass pendant. Available on Ogaan.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2,060
1/6
Brown Dragon Zara Necklace: Statement neck piece from Mayabazaar by Rosalind Pereira made using zari yarn, brass chain and a dragonfly brass pendant. Available on Ogaan.com; 2,060
Chand Mati by Anjul Bhandari: A new festive collection from thedesigner celebrating chikankari blended with earthy neutrals, taking inspiration from lunar luminescence. Enquiries on Anjulbhandari.in; price on request
2/6
Chand Mati by Anjul Bhandari: A new festive collection from thedesigner celebrating chikankari blended with earthy neutrals, taking inspiration from lunar luminescence. Enquiries on Anjulbhandari.in; price on request
Hoop Set: Gold-tone metal hoops from Australian designer Charles Lichaa’s 8 Other Reasons. Available on Revolve.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>5,160
3/6
Hoop Set: Gold-tone metal hoops from Australian designer Charles Lichaa’s 8 Other Reasons. Available on Revolve.com; 5,160
Half-Zip Merino Long-Sleeve Top: Made from merino wool, DistrictVision’s longsleeved tee is breathable, antimicrobial and thermoregulating, with a half-zip construction and shell patch pocket.Available on Matchesfashion.com; $275 (around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>23,000)
4/6
Half-Zip Merino Long-Sleeve Top: Made from merino wool, DistrictVision’s longsleeved tee is breathable, antimicrobial and thermoregulating, with a half-zip construction and shell patch pocket.Available on Matchesfashion.com; $275 (around 23,000)
Dream Pumps: From New York-based brand Mansur Gavriel, lambskin pumps with a block heel and golden finish for chic comfort. Available on Shopbop.com; $495
5/6
Dream Pumps: From New York-based brand Mansur Gavriel, lambskin pumps with a block heel and golden finish for chic comfort. Available on Shopbop.com; $495
Block-Printed Soft Silk Shirt: Short, boxy shirt in 100% silk with an all-over pattern made using natural indigo dye through block printing.Available on 11-11.in;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>16,900
6/6
Block-Printed Soft Silk Shirt: Short, boxy shirt in 100% silk with an all-over pattern made using natural indigo dye through block printing.Available on 11-11.in; 16,900

Next Gallery

Source: A compendium of beautiful and luxurious objects

From an unusual blush lehenga to decadent Louboutins, this week's covet list has everything

Red Sole Ribbon Ankle-Wrap Stiletto Sandals: Hot pink Christian Louboutin sandals in napa leather and crepe satin ribbon for that decadent feel. Available on Neimanmarcus.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>88,756
1/6
Red Sole Ribbon Ankle-Wrap Stiletto Sandals: Hot pink Christian Louboutin sandals in napa leather and crepe satin ribbon for that decadent feel. Available on Neimanmarcus.com; 88,756
Floral-Printed Plisse Leather Midi Skirt: Showcasing Balenciaga’s “Lily” print from this season, this midi skirt is made from flexible leather into an A-line silhouette. Available on Modaoperandi.com (on pre-order); $6,890 (around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>5.64 lakh)
2/6
Floral-Printed Plisse Leather Midi Skirt: Showcasing Balenciaga’s “Lily” print from this season, this midi skirt is made from flexible leather into an A-line silhouette. Available on Modaoperandi.com (on pre-order); $6,890 (around 5.64 lakh)
Lehenga From Imperial Minimalism By Sarah & Sandeep: The designer duo’s fresh, functional take on wedding wear marries Indian and Western silhouettes. Available on Sarahsandeep.com; price on request
3/6
Lehenga From Imperial Minimalism By Sarah & Sandeep: The designer duo’s fresh, functional take on wedding wear marries Indian and Western silhouettes. Available on Sarahsandeep.com; price on request
Amethyst Ribbon Ring: A playful and delicate ring crafted in 18-carat gold, set with natural amethyst baguettes along the band, from Akansha Sethi. Available on Akanshasethi.com; around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.3 lakh
4/6
Amethyst Ribbon Ring: A playful and delicate ring crafted in 18-carat gold, set with natural amethyst baguettes along the band, from Akansha Sethi. Available on Akanshasethi.com; around 1.3 lakh
Micro Bon Bon: Jimmy Choo’s iconic Bon Bon bag is re-imagined in miniature using napa leather. Available on Row.jimmychoo.com; €595(around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>53,550)
5/6
Micro Bon Bon: Jimmy Choo’s iconic Bon Bon bag is re-imagined in miniature using napa leather. Available on Row.jimmychoo.com; €595(around 53,550)
Emerald Set Salt & Pepper: With a glam Art Deco aesthetic, this porcelain salt and pepper set from Vista Alegre will dress up any dining table. Available on Luxe.ajio.com;  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>9,800
6/6
Emerald Set Salt & Pepper: With a glam Art Deco aesthetic, this porcelain salt and pepper set from Vista Alegre will dress up any dining table. Available on Luxe.ajio.com; 9,800

More galleries

  • In photos: Ramzan food markets in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar
    In photos: Ramzan food markets in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar 5

    In photos: Ramzan food markets in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar

  • Scientists spot unknown emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica
    Scientists spot unknown emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica 5

    Scientists spot unknown emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica

  • Trends that ruled the runway at Paris
    Trends that ruled the runway at Paris 8

    Trends that ruled the runway at Paris

  • Source: A compendium of bright and beautiful objects
    Source: A compendium of bright and beautiful objects 6

    Source: A compendium of bright and beautiful objects

  • A compendium of beautiful objects ahead of the festive season
    A compendium of beautiful objects ahead of the festive season 6

    A compendium of beautiful objects ahead of the festive season

  • Source: A compendium of beautiful and luxurious objects
    Source: A compendium of beautiful and luxurious objects 6

    Source: A compendium of beautiful and luxurious objects