Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge and Utila, Honduras
After our recent visit to Maya ruins we feel a certain obligation to congregate on the bow for a dramatic sunrise over the Bay of Honduras. Taking advantage of the cooler morning, we then set out to explore Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge by kayak and zodiac.
As we enter the meandering Rio Salado, squawking parrots in pairs or flocks fly from canopy to canopy top. Before even local fisherfolk have set out in their dugouts, we watch dainty Least Terns, Tiger Herons and Ringed Kingfishers beginning their own fishing in the limpid waters. Plate-sized flowers of Provision food seem like firework explosions; iridescent blue morpho butterflies seem like fallen bits of sky. Returning to M.V. Sea Voyager we in turn are inspected by curious dolphins.
After a late breakfast we head northward towards Utila, one of the larger Bay Islands. Originally a refuge for British buccaneers, much of their influence remains. For instance, English remains the most common language although this is officially part of Honduras. A laid-back bohemian atmosphere pervades its tiny waterfront streets and walkways. Fruit trees are the dominant horticulture.
The afternoon is spent snorkeling and scuba diving over a nearby section of major fringing reef, while many later chose to explore the friendly town. Others continue their water sport with challenging rides on the “banana boat” towed behind a zig-zagging zodiac.
As dusk settles the streets and local clubs come alive with Caribbean music, backyard fish fries, and groups exchanging diving stories.
After our recent visit to Maya ruins we feel a certain obligation to congregate on the bow for a dramatic sunrise over the Bay of Honduras. Taking advantage of the cooler morning, we then set out to explore Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge by kayak and zodiac.
As we enter the meandering Rio Salado, squawking parrots in pairs or flocks fly from canopy to canopy top. Before even local fisherfolk have set out in their dugouts, we watch dainty Least Terns, Tiger Herons and Ringed Kingfishers beginning their own fishing in the limpid waters. Plate-sized flowers of Provision food seem like firework explosions; iridescent blue morpho butterflies seem like fallen bits of sky. Returning to M.V. Sea Voyager we in turn are inspected by curious dolphins.
After a late breakfast we head northward towards Utila, one of the larger Bay Islands. Originally a refuge for British buccaneers, much of their influence remains. For instance, English remains the most common language although this is officially part of Honduras. A laid-back bohemian atmosphere pervades its tiny waterfront streets and walkways. Fruit trees are the dominant horticulture.
The afternoon is spent snorkeling and scuba diving over a nearby section of major fringing reef, while many later chose to explore the friendly town. Others continue their water sport with challenging rides on the “banana boat” towed behind a zig-zagging zodiac.
As dusk settles the streets and local clubs come alive with Caribbean music, backyard fish fries, and groups exchanging diving stories.
