Belize

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - Belize City, Belize

There is a 200 mile coral reef a few miles off the mainland which precludes cruise ships from entering the harbor. We anchored off shore with SEVEN other cruise ships. Belize is short on commercial endeavors but they have the cruise ship business wired. Normally in an anchored situation, the ship uses its own personnel and tenders to transport passengers ashore. Belize requires the cruise ships to use local tenders (a tender being described as just about anyone who owns a big boat). The system proved to be a bit inefficient but ultimately everyone got off and back.

During the colonial period Belize was a source of harvested mahogany trees. The work was done by slaves and in a fashion that left damage to the enviornment even today.

We traveled by airboat (now there’s a thrill!!) -- To the Almond Hill Lagoon - home to manatees, crocodiles and birds. The weather was in the low 70s and threatening rain which was the perfect weather to show off this impressive animal sanctuary. On our short visit we saw over 25 types of birds and a crocodile.

For some great photos, check out the airboat company website: http://www.chukkacaribbean.com/Belize/airboat.php

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Photos

Airboat
Thrill ride!!

Loaded onto Airboat
Front row in an airboat affords a creat view but it can get a little wet.

Almond Hill Lagoon
No picture can do justice to this sancutuary

Iguana
These guys get very big and look quite unfriendly

Comments

[Marisa]

fabulous pictures
Becky and Dick, Your trip so far looks wonderful......................enjoy, enjoy. I love reading what you write Becky. cheers, Marisa