Friday, December 15, 2006

Glory Cruise - Day 4 - Belize, Central America

This was the only cloudy/drizzly day of the cruise - but it didn't matter to us because we had a snorkeling excursion planned in Belize. Frank, Katie and I made our way to Deck 0 to catch our tender into Belize. Because of the natural barrier reefs, the water depths are too shallow to allow the cruise ships to dock - so, they anchor several miles off shore and dozens of smaller privately owned boats come out to the ship and tender the guests to the mainland.















We met our excursion at the Wet Lizard Bar and of course, Katie and Uncle Frank had to experience a Belizian beer.
















We grabbed our snorkeling gear, boarded the boat and headed 21 miles out to the reef area around the little island of Caye Caulker. Our guides were the best! One of them, who knew it was Katie's first time to snorkel, stuck close to her. He would dive down and bring up large conch shells for us to photograph. The water was crystal clear and the snorkeling was the best I've experienced. After 45 minutes of snorkeling along the reef, we boarded the boat and stuffed ourselves on bowls of chips and fresh salsa. Then it was a quick ride to Shark/Ray Alley - looking for the nurse sharks and the rays. Our guides entered the water, armed with sardines and the rays were everywhere! I was a little leary, but I entered the water and basically wrapped myself around the boat ladder. No way was I letting my feet dangle!! I looked down and there were at least a dozen very LARGE rays below me. As our guides would feed them, they would lift them from the water so that we could pet them. They assured us that these rays hear the boat motors and come because they know they'll get fed. They have been hand feeding them for years and feel very safe.













Once our snorkeling adventure had ended, we returned to Caye Caulker for lunch and a chance to explore the island. This little island was very quaint - and picture perfect. There are only 1800 residents, no cars - only bicycles and golf carts, all of the buildings are built on stilts, one primary school, one medical clinic, no paved roads, but they do have running water and electricity and we noticed a few satellite dishes.





























Before long it was time to return to Belize where we caught the last tender back to our ship. By 5:00, we had set sail again - north now toward the coast of Mexico and Costa Maya. Tomorrow....a Beach Break with open bar!!!!

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