Belize
We spent our last day on this wonderful trip through the rivers and reefs of the Maya world in the second smallest country in Central America, Belize. Lying on the east coast of the isthmus, it is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, with the east coast giving onto the wonderfully warm and clear Caribbean Sea. Belize is known both for it’s wonderful reef system and its pristine ecosystems, and this morning we arose early to explore an important coastal environment. The country is dotted with rivers, lagoons and swamps, lined by low forest made up of mangroves and other wetland species; home to many different bird and mammal species. This area is also home to what is now an extremely endangered but very endearing species, the West Indian manatee. One of the world’s cutest yet at the same time ugliest creatures, manatees are sometimes known as sea cows. They belong to an important order of marine mammals, the Sirenians, named after the mythological mermaids by ancient pirates. Unfortunately they are fast disappearing as they have been hunted for years, are affected by pollution and pesticides and often fall victim to the propellers of speed boats. The coastal waters of Belize are one of the best places to see these peaceful animals, and this morning we got into kayaks and Zodiacs on a manatee-spotting mission. It was unbelievably successful, as we suddenly came across three of these large animals (they can reach up to 4 meters in length). We observed their rough looking backs as they came up for a breath, saw their noses that are reminiscent of floating coconuts and even spotted their paddle-like flukes as they dove down for longer intervals. What an unbelievable treat, we could hardly believe these were supposedly so elusive!
After re-boarding the Sea Voyager, we traveled a short distance to one of the offshore cayes that are part of the barrier reef system. Goff’s Caye is protected by the Belizean government and is a popular place for day trips due to its spectacular white beach, its almost cartoon-like desert island characteristics and a lovely little beach for both snorkeling and SCUBA diving. We bought the ultimate accessories to a true tropical paradise: hammocks and a cooler of cold drinks, and enjoyed our last Central American sunset in this unforgettable corner of our planet.
We spent our last day on this wonderful trip through the rivers and reefs of the Maya world in the second smallest country in Central America, Belize. Lying on the east coast of the isthmus, it is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, with the east coast giving onto the wonderfully warm and clear Caribbean Sea. Belize is known both for it’s wonderful reef system and its pristine ecosystems, and this morning we arose early to explore an important coastal environment. The country is dotted with rivers, lagoons and swamps, lined by low forest made up of mangroves and other wetland species; home to many different bird and mammal species. This area is also home to what is now an extremely endangered but very endearing species, the West Indian manatee. One of the world’s cutest yet at the same time ugliest creatures, manatees are sometimes known as sea cows. They belong to an important order of marine mammals, the Sirenians, named after the mythological mermaids by ancient pirates. Unfortunately they are fast disappearing as they have been hunted for years, are affected by pollution and pesticides and often fall victim to the propellers of speed boats. The coastal waters of Belize are one of the best places to see these peaceful animals, and this morning we got into kayaks and Zodiacs on a manatee-spotting mission. It was unbelievably successful, as we suddenly came across three of these large animals (they can reach up to 4 meters in length). We observed their rough looking backs as they came up for a breath, saw their noses that are reminiscent of floating coconuts and even spotted their paddle-like flukes as they dove down for longer intervals. What an unbelievable treat, we could hardly believe these were supposedly so elusive!
After re-boarding the Sea Voyager, we traveled a short distance to one of the offshore cayes that are part of the barrier reef system. Goff’s Caye is protected by the Belizean government and is a popular place for day trips due to its spectacular white beach, its almost cartoon-like desert island characteristics and a lovely little beach for both snorkeling and SCUBA diving. We bought the ultimate accessories to a true tropical paradise: hammocks and a cooler of cold drinks, and enjoyed our last Central American sunset in this unforgettable corner of our planet.
