I couldn't resist posting this photo and link to a video of a well known tour boat exiting through the reef. And yes, that's the Belize Coast Guard watching how it's done.



Come Fly with Me!

Thru a cut in a reef? Or thru the reef itself?

Doesn’t' look like a cut to me. And he Coast Guardsman seems to be looking the other way.

Believe me it's a cut, well known to locals. It is a cut in the reef that is usually only passable in calmer waters. There are only a few boat captains who go through it. I was surprised they tried under these conditions. Plus I figured the Coast Guard was there to pluck them from the reef if need be. The coast guard you see is looking at the coral they are on top of. What you can't see is the guy in front of the coast guard boat and the ones in the cabin. I have video of them going through too. Big splashes, not as dramatic. Will see about posting.

What I found amazing is how quickly the waves swirled up as the boat is exiting, just in time for an E ticket ride.

Over the years I have been through quite a few mini-cuts that are definitely not on the map - in skiffs and sail boats. Some at night. Thank goodness I am finally older and wiser.

video link does not work for me.

Just fixed the link to the video, it should work now.

Yes Amanda there are many of these small cuts and only the brave dare make passage.

This is a good example of why you need to be an experienced boat captain in Belizean waters when trying to navigate through a cut in the Barrier Reef.

Excellent example, Chica!

We watched a boat go through the reef last week, up in the Tres Cocos area. Not sure if it was a known "mini-cut" or he was just crazy. He did make it, but I surely didn't see any coastguard boat nearby.

Great photo, Chica! Hi Ruthie! Still checking in on us, I see!

No matter where I am, Belize and Minnesota both share my heart, Emily

A few years ago in February my visitor was a professional underwater videographer. We went out with Billy Leslie through the Hol Chan cut. About half way through he yelled “Everyone on the floor!’ Just then a wave came over the top – all the length of the boat - and over Billy’s head as he stood at the helm.
The next day, as we were going out, Roger said he was sorry he didn’t’ film It – could we do again? Billy tried – but alas – nothing but smooth sailing.
Some people like to ride the Merry-go-round – others like the roller coaster.
WHERE'S A few years ago in February my visitor was a professional underwater videographer. We went out with Billy Leslie through the Hol Chan cut. About half way through he yelled “Everyone on the floor!’ Just then a wave came over the top – all the length of the boat - and over Billy’s head as he stood at the helm.
The next day, as we were going out, Roger said he was sorry he didn’t’ film It – could we do again? Billy tried – but alas – nothing but smooth sailing.
Some people like to ride the Merry-go-round – others like the roller coaster.
WHERE'S tHE LINK?

Harriette,
Click on the Come Fly with Me in Coleen's first post.

This is great!...We have been on a few of these trips during the rougher seas....It's interesting how we loiter around the cut waiting our turn.....Each of us worried about the other boat...Then suddenly you hear it 'everyone hold on and duck' a big slam and we all emerge wet and somewhat off centered from our original seats. Then we are ready for the calm sea and diving ahead.....Nice to see it on video

I can’t believe no one was hurt. Looks like It went almost 90 degrees. Great video!