Cuero y Salado National Park, Honduras
Early risers were greeted with a golden tropical sunrise which was to prove auspicious. In the still of the dawn, we begin our first explorations of the trip. While kayaks penetrated narrow mangrove-lined canals, Zodiacs cruised the larger waterways of Cuero y Salado National Park, a luxuriant reserve of wet tropical lowland forest and coastal mangrove swamp. During the dying dawn, we are amazed at the noisy squawking groups of large Red-lored parrots and other species which fly overhead. Whistling ducks, Black hawks, Keel-billed toucans and Montezumas Oropendas also begin their day. In one remote channel, a colony of sac-winged bats are seen beginning to settle in for their daytime roost. Glimpses are also caught of a manatee and Mantled howler monkeys.
From the coast we head north towards the Bay Islands to spend the rest of the day at a palm-crowned tiny Southwest Cay as guests of its owners. Azure waters beckon snorkelers to cruise above the myriad schools of neon-colored fish and corals. Two scuba groups take their first plunge into the gardens of sponges, sea fans, and corals along the outer atoll’s edge. But cool breezes, white sands, swaying palms and hammocks eventually lure nearly everyone to lounging, books, or naps. The sense of having access to our own hidden paradise is heightened by several local pelicans who calmly share the beach with us.
After dinner, we return to the island now lit by luminaries for an impromptu sing along and dance with some visiting local school children. Eventually the candles burned down, but the music continued as new friends and memories were indelibly formed.
Early risers were greeted with a golden tropical sunrise which was to prove auspicious. In the still of the dawn, we begin our first explorations of the trip. While kayaks penetrated narrow mangrove-lined canals, Zodiacs cruised the larger waterways of Cuero y Salado National Park, a luxuriant reserve of wet tropical lowland forest and coastal mangrove swamp. During the dying dawn, we are amazed at the noisy squawking groups of large Red-lored parrots and other species which fly overhead. Whistling ducks, Black hawks, Keel-billed toucans and Montezumas Oropendas also begin their day. In one remote channel, a colony of sac-winged bats are seen beginning to settle in for their daytime roost. Glimpses are also caught of a manatee and Mantled howler monkeys.
From the coast we head north towards the Bay Islands to spend the rest of the day at a palm-crowned tiny Southwest Cay as guests of its owners. Azure waters beckon snorkelers to cruise above the myriad schools of neon-colored fish and corals. Two scuba groups take their first plunge into the gardens of sponges, sea fans, and corals along the outer atoll’s edge. But cool breezes, white sands, swaying palms and hammocks eventually lure nearly everyone to lounging, books, or naps. The sense of having access to our own hidden paradise is heightened by several local pelicans who calmly share the beach with us.
After dinner, we return to the island now lit by luminaries for an impromptu sing along and dance with some visiting local school children. Eventually the candles burned down, but the music continued as new friends and memories were indelibly formed.
