I guess the cooler wind and cloudy skies are keeping most people close to shore today. We're the only ones signed up at Banana Beach to go out snorkeling to Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos today�so we will have a trip by ourselves. It's not the best day but when you're on vacation you have to make the most of each day�tomorrow could be worse.
We wait next door at the bar at Mata Rocks and have a quick snack there. Notice that they are having a beach bbq tonight and my plan is to get a shrimp kabob dinner later!
We're booked with Alfonse who we have heard great things about. Turns out his assistant Giovani will be our guide instead (but we have another trip when we will meet Alfonse on Saturday).
With the cloud cover, we know the conditions will mean less than great pictures. In these shallow waters the sunlight adds a lot to underwater shots�and the wind is going to stir up the water a bit too making it less than clear.
Still, these sites turn out to be worth every minute spent there. Giovani guides us around Mexico Rocks taking time to point out and name many of the fish and coral we are seeing. The highlights were brightly coloured parrot fish, one huge spotted ray, a large school of blue tang and a smaller school of squid. The squid are particularly amazing�didn't know they swam backwards! The picture isn't the best�but hope you can distinguish this interesting creature.
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Snorkeling amid coral and tropical fish is incredible. I will never lose my sense of awe. It's another world down here!
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We soon head off to Tres Cocos knowing we will probably have to make it a shorter trip than we hoped. The water temperature is warm but even after a short time on a windy day with no sun, you start to feel chilled.
Giovani lets us snorkel on our own here and we prefer to just explore at our liesure. This was my favourite snorkel site despite the weather. It is a richly diverse area�very shallow with coral beds almost to the surface in spots. You have to be very careful not to brush against the coral and it's an amazing swim through the pathways where you are viewing everything from inches away.
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Alan stops to take pictures of one of the many spiny urchins almost out of sight.
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And another of a lobster wedged in a hiding place.
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Soon, we are back in the boat�trying to dry off and warm up and heading back. A bit too cool for real comfort�but we both absolutely loved this snorkel and want to come back here again on a warmer day. It's a trip not to be missed.
Warming up back in our room, Alan decides he'll order a pizza from Pauly's. Banana Beach has left us a full colour flyer about ordering�and even though the prices are a bit steep (it'll cost alan $25 for a medium "white" pizza - his favourite)�it's a nice splurge for room service of what turns out to be the BEST New York Style pizza he's had in many years! Says he hasn't been able to find one that good since he worked in NYC years ago! I walk over to Mata Rocks and pickup my take out shrimp dinner - fabulous too - with beans, past, tortillas and conch ceviche! The coconut tart for dessert is unbelievable�wish I had picked up a bunch of those!
Doors to the balcony closed tonight but screens partly opened while we watch a bit of TV. The wind is pretty strong. No A/C needed and other good night's sleep assured. Tomorrow we will rent another golf cart and explore a bit of the south end�with an anticipated visit and lunch at Caribe Island.
To be continued�
AmbergrisCaye.com 
