Lighthouse Reef, Belize
During the night the Sea Lion passed through the “English Channel” and beyond the protection of the great barrier reef of Belize. Our destination, reached just at dawn, was remote Lighthouse Reef. This coral atoll is the location of world class diving and fantastic snorkeling. Oh, and for the “marine-challenged” among us, magnificent frigatebirds and red-footed boobies provided aerial entertainment for those preferring binoculars over the far more useful dive mask and snorkel.
A weather front treated us to the “other side” of the tropics – brief but intense rain squalls. However by afternoon all was sunny and bright. In the morning Zodiacs ferried guests out to the south end of Half Moon Caye where “land lubbers” relaxed in chairs under swaying palm trees, some with a good book. Many took the short walk to the observation tower to see red footed boobie chicks in their nests and magnificent frigatebird males inflating their gular pouches for the less-than-impressed females.
Those more adventuresome donned masks and snorkels to observe parrotfish, damselfish, nurse sharks and other species in the snorkel area. The scuba divers traveled out to nearby Long Caye for a spectacular wall dive at “The Zoo” where a school of barracuda (see picture) checked us out (it must have been during “recess”). On the way back we observed several flying fish whose aerial prowess equaled that of their feathered “friends.”
Following an excellent lunch, Gary James gave an informative talk on the ecology of tropical rain forests. Some followed this with a power nap to prepare for the afternoon activities which included snorkeling and diving at a different site, the northern point of Half Moon Caye. During the dive, underwater video of the “fish of the day” was recorded... later causing tears in the eyes of many at recap as they realized they were about to eat the Bambi of the undersea world (yellow-tailed snapper). On Half Moon Caye a representative of the Belize Audubon Society talked about their efforts to preserve the terrestrial and marine environments there.
After devouring our yellow-tailed snapper (or the alternative), we were treated to a preview of the trip’s video, complete with howler monkey footage. A knowledgeable guest led us on a journey through the stars and planets under the dark skies from the top deck. Most ended this exhilarating but exhausting day with “early retirement.”
During the night the Sea Lion passed through the “English Channel” and beyond the protection of the great barrier reef of Belize. Our destination, reached just at dawn, was remote Lighthouse Reef. This coral atoll is the location of world class diving and fantastic snorkeling. Oh, and for the “marine-challenged” among us, magnificent frigatebirds and red-footed boobies provided aerial entertainment for those preferring binoculars over the far more useful dive mask and snorkel.
A weather front treated us to the “other side” of the tropics – brief but intense rain squalls. However by afternoon all was sunny and bright. In the morning Zodiacs ferried guests out to the south end of Half Moon Caye where “land lubbers” relaxed in chairs under swaying palm trees, some with a good book. Many took the short walk to the observation tower to see red footed boobie chicks in their nests and magnificent frigatebird males inflating their gular pouches for the less-than-impressed females.
Those more adventuresome donned masks and snorkels to observe parrotfish, damselfish, nurse sharks and other species in the snorkel area. The scuba divers traveled out to nearby Long Caye for a spectacular wall dive at “The Zoo” where a school of barracuda (see picture) checked us out (it must have been during “recess”). On the way back we observed several flying fish whose aerial prowess equaled that of their feathered “friends.”
Following an excellent lunch, Gary James gave an informative talk on the ecology of tropical rain forests. Some followed this with a power nap to prepare for the afternoon activities which included snorkeling and diving at a different site, the northern point of Half Moon Caye. During the dive, underwater video of the “fish of the day” was recorded... later causing tears in the eyes of many at recap as they realized they were about to eat the Bambi of the undersea world (yellow-tailed snapper). On Half Moon Caye a representative of the Belize Audubon Society talked about their efforts to preserve the terrestrial and marine environments there.
After devouring our yellow-tailed snapper (or the alternative), we were treated to a preview of the trip’s video, complete with howler monkey footage. A knowledgeable guest led us on a journey through the stars and planets under the dark skies from the top deck. Most ended this exhilarating but exhausting day with “early retirement.”
