This is one of Susan's favorite trips, and a must for nature
lovers wanting to see more of the Belizean jungle and its birds and animals. You will
leave Caribbean Villas pier about 8am. The first stop is for snorkeling near
Caye Caulker. Next the boat will run along the cayes (pronounced "keyes"
meaning islands) between Caye Caulker and Belize City. As we boat up the
river at Belize city, on one bank you'll see the old colonial buildings
built when Belize was known as British Honduras. The other side has the
customs and shipping buildings, older hotels and private residences.
Get ready to duck. You will be going under the Turn Bridge.
Once it was turned twice daily to let the sailboats pass up the
river; now it is turned only on request. Now there are fewer sailboats and
most moor below the bridge. Have your camera ready, this is a great photo
opportunity.
You will continue through the city and on into the giant mangrove trees. I felt
like I was in a cathedral; the towering trees, filtered light and hushed
sounds .... Our group didn't want to leave, so we ate an early lunch there
.
Next we turned into the Belize River, once the highway of Belize, now a peaceful
waterway through the jungle with only the calls of birds or haunting roar of the
howler monkeys to break the silence. Daniel will point out the many varieties of
magnificent trees for which Belize is famous. You'll also see tiny farms, wild
orchids, turtles, the giant orange and yellow iguana some five feet long. On a
sunny day you may see crocodiles sunning along the waters edge. Of course,
you'll see many species of birds and the howler monkeys.
At the end of the day you can board a plane in Belize City to return quickly
to San Pedro, or return by boat.
Round Trip by boat is US$75/person. Boat there and fly home is
US$98/person.