Southwest Caye, Utila, and the Rio Tinto, Honduras
Several guests arose early to observe sunrise, and our Expedition Leader reported that some saw not one, but two and even three “green flashes.” Of course it may have been the after-effects of the green flash coolers some drank the night before!
During the night, the ship crossed over the border from Belize into Honduras, and the less adventurous of us awakened to the sight of Southwest Key, appropriately located at the SW edge of Utila, one of the Honduran Bay Islands.
These islands, like Belize, are a mecca for SCUBA divers. Following a hearty breakfast some guests dove the waters of SW Key while others snorkeled in the clear waters off the beach, or rested in beach chairs and hammocks in the warm sun beneath the coconut trees.
Following this refreshing stop, the ship weighed anchor and sailed toward the Honduran mainland. Princeton Professor James Gould presented several interesting ways of looking at the reality of global warming.
After lunch and a power nap, the ship arrived at the mouth of the Rio Tinto. Staff and crew set up kayaks on the banks of the river near a Garifuna settlement. Guests were free to explore the river and its narrow tributaries, as well as the jungle that began at the shore. Zodiac explorations were also available for those wishing a more leisurely option.
Once back on the Sea Lion, all freshened up and gathered in the lounge for the Captain’s farewell cocktail party and a recap featuring the thoughts and opinions of our Princeton alumni guests. After a sumptuous dinner of lobster (was it the one I saw this morning while diving?) and filet mignon or pasta primavera, most guests chose to retire to pack with some sadness that this magical trip was coming to an end.
Several guests arose early to observe sunrise, and our Expedition Leader reported that some saw not one, but two and even three “green flashes.” Of course it may have been the after-effects of the green flash coolers some drank the night before!
During the night, the ship crossed over the border from Belize into Honduras, and the less adventurous of us awakened to the sight of Southwest Key, appropriately located at the SW edge of Utila, one of the Honduran Bay Islands.
These islands, like Belize, are a mecca for SCUBA divers. Following a hearty breakfast some guests dove the waters of SW Key while others snorkeled in the clear waters off the beach, or rested in beach chairs and hammocks in the warm sun beneath the coconut trees.
Following this refreshing stop, the ship weighed anchor and sailed toward the Honduran mainland. Princeton Professor James Gould presented several interesting ways of looking at the reality of global warming.
After lunch and a power nap, the ship arrived at the mouth of the Rio Tinto. Staff and crew set up kayaks on the banks of the river near a Garifuna settlement. Guests were free to explore the river and its narrow tributaries, as well as the jungle that began at the shore. Zodiac explorations were also available for those wishing a more leisurely option.
Once back on the Sea Lion, all freshened up and gathered in the lounge for the Captain’s farewell cocktail party and a recap featuring the thoughts and opinions of our Princeton alumni guests. After a sumptuous dinner of lobster (was it the one I saw this morning while diving?) and filet mignon or pasta primavera, most guests chose to retire to pack with some sadness that this magical trip was coming to an end.
