Utila and Rio Tinto River, Honduras
Father Neptune must have had a slight case of indigestion overnight, but when morning dawned the Sea Lion arrived comfortably in the small town of Utila on the Honduran Bay Island of the same name. Although the underwater world beckoned for the snorkelers anxious to witness another world-class diving location, you just can’t keep them “down on the ship” when the lure of the “big city” is there.
Most guests enjoyed a morning of casual sightseeing and people watching, or a walk up Pumpkin Hill in the quaint little town. Those who choose to get their heads (and bodies) wet experienced a reef system that was remarkably good for being so close to civilization. Today huge sponges were investigated closely to discover the other living things that use them for shelter. Small damselfish, crinoids, brittle starfish, and the beautiful banded coral shrimp (see picture) were all seen hiding in the deep recesses of sponges.
Everyone returned to the ship by 11:00 AM so we could set sail for the Honduran mainland and the mouth of the Rio Tinto river. In this lush tropical setting kayaks were set up on the banks of the river in a small Garifuna community and Zodiac rides were offered. The young children offered the crew much help in getting the boats ready and observed our “antics” with much laughter.
The river was especially beautiful today. Many birds were seen along the banks. The loud cries of howler monkeys penetrated the surrounding jungle overwhelming the more subtle sounds of lesser beings like birds. Kayakers paddled into a very narrow creek that opened up into a nice lagoon where we could all rest and enjoy the ambience before we all scatter to the “real world” tomorrow.
Our expedition leader led guests in a “recap” of their reactions to our adventures the past few days which proved both very insightful and emotional. The captain’s farewell dinner was a fantastic way to indulge ourselves before the adventure of the Mayan world gives way to the realities of our daily lives.
Father Neptune must have had a slight case of indigestion overnight, but when morning dawned the Sea Lion arrived comfortably in the small town of Utila on the Honduran Bay Island of the same name. Although the underwater world beckoned for the snorkelers anxious to witness another world-class diving location, you just can’t keep them “down on the ship” when the lure of the “big city” is there.
Most guests enjoyed a morning of casual sightseeing and people watching, or a walk up Pumpkin Hill in the quaint little town. Those who choose to get their heads (and bodies) wet experienced a reef system that was remarkably good for being so close to civilization. Today huge sponges were investigated closely to discover the other living things that use them for shelter. Small damselfish, crinoids, brittle starfish, and the beautiful banded coral shrimp (see picture) were all seen hiding in the deep recesses of sponges.
Everyone returned to the ship by 11:00 AM so we could set sail for the Honduran mainland and the mouth of the Rio Tinto river. In this lush tropical setting kayaks were set up on the banks of the river in a small Garifuna community and Zodiac rides were offered. The young children offered the crew much help in getting the boats ready and observed our “antics” with much laughter.
The river was especially beautiful today. Many birds were seen along the banks. The loud cries of howler monkeys penetrated the surrounding jungle overwhelming the more subtle sounds of lesser beings like birds. Kayakers paddled into a very narrow creek that opened up into a nice lagoon where we could all rest and enjoy the ambience before we all scatter to the “real world” tomorrow.
Our expedition leader led guests in a “recap” of their reactions to our adventures the past few days which proved both very insightful and emotional. The captain’s farewell dinner was a fantastic way to indulge ourselves before the adventure of the Mayan world gives way to the realities of our daily lives.
