Into the Garden of Eden: Exploration in Costa Rica

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Veteran British explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell takes the stage at the Jersey Arts Centre in St Helier for Into the Garden of Eden: Exploration in Costa Rica, a gripping visual chronicle of his pioneering scientific expedition into Costa Rica's wild Osa Peninsula. Organised in partnership with the Scientific Exploration Society, this special evening lecture offers rare first-person insight into one of the most biodiverse, impenetrable corners of the planet. Rather than standard armchair travel, the talk unpacks the grit of real field discovery, focusing on vital rainforest conservation, wildlife encounters in virgin canopies, and the ingenious construction of community bridges built using recycled plastics.

Tales from the Osa Canopy

Step inside the intimate auditorium and leave the chill of an island November evening behind. The atmosphere is warm and electric with curiosity as the lights dim, replaced by sweeping slides of dripping lowland rainforests, turquoise river crossings, and dense emerald leaves. You can almost catch the earthy scent of rain-soaked jungle loam as Blashford-Snell recounts trekking through trackless wilderness where tapirs, scarlet macaws, and elusive big cats still roam undisturbed. His signature dry wit and old-school expeditionary charm transform serious scientific fieldwork into an edge-of-the-seat narrative, moving seamlessly from heart-stopping moments navigating flooded river basins to the heart-warming reality of working alongside indigenous communities to build sustainable infrastructure out of discarded waste.

A Gathering of Curious Island Minds

Events like this bring out a wonderful cross-section of Jersey's community. In the foyer before showtime, you will find passionate amateur naturalists swapping hiking notes, university students keen on environmental science, and seasoned island travellers clutching well-thumbed notebooks. There is an unmistakable buzz of collective curiosity in the air—the kind generated when a room full of people gathers to hear extraordinary stories told first-hand by the person who lived them. Conversations linger over coffee cups long after the final slide fades, as attendees trade thoughts on conservation tactics and compare notes on their own wild journeys.

Know Before You Go

• Secure your seats well in advance via the official Jersey Arts Centre box office, as exploration talks in this compact 250-seat auditorium regularly sell out ahead of time.
• Arrive at least 20 minutes before the 19:00 start to collect physical tickets, browse the current visual art exhibition in the foyer gallery, and settle into your seats without rushing.
• Parking directly on Phillips Street is limited to loading; use the nearby multi-storey car parks at Charles Street or Minden Place, both just a short stroll from the front doors.
• Full level access and dedicated wheelchair spaces are available in the main auditorium, but please notify box office staff when reserving so they can allocate the best ground-floor seating.
• Take advantage of reduced student tickets if attending with young aspiring scientists, and keep a pen handy for any practical tips during the open Q&A session.

Make a Weekend of It

The central St Helier location makes it remarkably easy to turn this lecture into a full evening or an indulgent autumn weekend break. Before the presentation, wander around town or arrange an early pre-talk supper. Just a five-minute walk through the pedestrianised shopping streets brings you to La Bastille Bar & Brasserie on Queen Street, where you can unwind over classic French brasserie dishes and an exceptional glass of wine in a cosy, characterful setting. If you fancy a celebratory cocktail and top-tier dining in a grand Victorian dining room after the talk, head over to Banjo on Beresford Street, which also offers boutique guest rooms if you want to stay overnight right in the heart of the capital.

For those making a complete weekend of their stay, base yourself near the waterfront at the historic Pomme d’Or Hotel overlooking Liberation Square, or head out toward the scenic harbour of Saint Aubin to enjoy coastal views and country house comfort at the Somerville Hotel. Use Saturday morning to connect with wild conservation on island soil: pay a visit to Jersey Zoo in Trinity to see world-leading endangered species programmes in action, or stroll across the causeway to explore the historic ramparts of Elizabeth Castle. Wrap up your weekend with an evening show at the ornate Victorian Jersey Opera House for the complete island cultural experience.

I always find that hearing an old-school explorer speak leaves you craving a new adventure of your own—so book your tickets early, soak up the stories, and enjoy a brilliant autumn weekend exploring St Helier. — Alyssa, WhatsOn