Turneffe Island And Manatee River, Belize
It was a very peaceful night spent at anchor at Lighthouse Reef and sunrise found us slipping the mooring line and heading to another of Belize’s atolls, Turneffe. Shortly after breakfast it was time for our final aquatic exploration with the snorkelers hovering over a large patch reef with crystal clear waters. Divers merely did a giant stride off the Voyager and had an exciting final dive. To the divers it was obvious that this is the time of the full moon with several encounters with schooling jacks and snappers that time their mass spawning with the brightness and tidal currents of the full moon. In the late afternoon we arrived close to the mainland of Belize and used our kayaks and Zodiacs to explore the Manatee River. It was a relaxing and peaceful excursion and several species of birds were seen including some good views of red-lored parrots. One of the kayaks was even fortunate enough to see the rivers namesake, the plant eating marine mammal knows as the manatee. The ride was more exciting leaving the river, with the river mouth with standing waves, just high enough to make it interesting. Tonight was very festive with farewell cocktails and dinner. It has been quite the week and some of us will continue the adventure with a trip to the famous Maya site, Tikal. For others it is time to return home to start planning our next adventure.
It was a very peaceful night spent at anchor at Lighthouse Reef and sunrise found us slipping the mooring line and heading to another of Belize’s atolls, Turneffe. Shortly after breakfast it was time for our final aquatic exploration with the snorkelers hovering over a large patch reef with crystal clear waters. Divers merely did a giant stride off the Voyager and had an exciting final dive. To the divers it was obvious that this is the time of the full moon with several encounters with schooling jacks and snappers that time their mass spawning with the brightness and tidal currents of the full moon. In the late afternoon we arrived close to the mainland of Belize and used our kayaks and Zodiacs to explore the Manatee River. It was a relaxing and peaceful excursion and several species of birds were seen including some good views of red-lored parrots. One of the kayaks was even fortunate enough to see the rivers namesake, the plant eating marine mammal knows as the manatee. The ride was more exciting leaving the river, with the river mouth with standing waves, just high enough to make it interesting. Tonight was very festive with farewell cocktails and dinner. It has been quite the week and some of us will continue the adventure with a trip to the famous Maya site, Tikal. For others it is time to return home to start planning our next adventure.
