Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
Today we started early in the morning to explore Belize, the third country in our voyage. At 6:30 am we were on the Zodiacs taking off to Dangriga where we got on buses for a ride of about an hour going through town, and driving to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. Cockscomb Basin is geologically part of the Mayan Mountains, an isolated mountain range that dominates the southern half of Belize and marginally extends into Guatemala. During their formation pressure that built up within the earth's crust caused warping and uplifting of the surface rock layers.
This park was created in 1984, after a two-year study by Alan Rabinowitz. His study showed that Cockscomb, more than anywhere else in Belize, and probably in Tropical America was unique in its remarkably high Jaguar densities. Though these animals are not easy to find in a daily excursion of a few hours, we had a great time hiking the trails of this special place. Among the sightings were Rufous-tailed jacamar, Yellow-billed cacique, Red-capped manakin, Black howler monkey, Gray fox and a world of interesting plants. But I have to mention that what was probably one of the highlights of the morning - it was getting in the cold water of the waterfall pool after a long hike in the warm humid trail. For some of us, perhaps going down the river in an inner-tube was the highlight. Whatever option we chose, we had a “blast” at this place.
For the afternoon the ship was repositioned to Coco Plum Cay where we headed ashore for some beach relaxation, Zodiac cruises to see nesting Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds, or some incredible rides on the banana boat!
