Manatee River and Goff’s Caye, Belize
Today was our final day aboard the Sea Voyager, and we took full advantage of our last hours in the Caribbean. After sleeping in until the decadent hour of 7 a.m., and enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we headed for shore at Manatee River. The strong easterly breeze didn’t deter us from our Zodiac cruising and kayaking plans, and we were certainly glad it didn’t. After just a few hours ashore, nearly everyone had seen at least one manatee, and a few had marveled at an incredibly close sighting of a mother manatee with her baby. White ibis, little blue herons, orioles and three species of mangroves filled the remainder of our time exploring this productive, protected river and lagoon. Many of the kayakers opted for a fun, faster ride home, and were towed by the Zodiacs back to the river’s mouth.
After lunch and siesta, we awoke to find the ship anchored off the tiny island of Goff’s Caye. A short Zodiac ride to shore and we were able to enjoy another sun-soaked afternoon with our toes in the sand and the palm trees swaying in the breeze. The abundance of life on this small section of the second largest barrier reef in the world was revealed when we pulled on our masks and snorkels, or masks and scuba tanks for some. We found a broad and colorful variety of corals and reef fish, sponges and crustaceans. Several crewmembers took advantage of a few hours of free time to come ashore and enjoy the sun, sand and warm blue water – and create several large human pyramids. The full moon rising at sunset seemed a fine way to celebrate our week in the tropics, and a fitting farewell to Belize.
