Ambergris Caye, Belize

On Day 14 we had an early breakfast and said another goodbye to people in the group who weren't going on the post trip. We got back on the bumpy gravel road to San Ignacio and then drove the last two hours along the Western Highway to Belize City.

After a reluctant goodbye, we left Josué at the marine terminal for our water taxi ride to Ambergris Caye. The usually mild 45 minute ride in an open boat was bumpy and rough due to the winds. Although we all got jostled pretty good, some unlucky people got soaked as we crested white-capped waves. The brilliant blue waters of the Caribbean were great to look at, but we were all ready to get off the boat when we reached Ambergris Caye. Two women met us at the dock and helped us get to our hotel just down the beach. Since it was still early we went to have lunch before we could check in. After salads, sandwiches, and shrimp tacos, we got into our rooms at the Sun Breeze Hotel. It wasn't long before we were in the pool and walking the beach. Later, we met up with our local guide for a short walking tour of San Pedro (it's only about eight blocks long by four blocks wide) and dinner at a local restaurant. Keep in mind that when they say the Jerk sauce is spicy, your fish is going to be hot.

Day 15 started out pretty windy so our snorkelling trip was postponed until the afternoon. We had a relaxing breakfast on the patio overlooking the ocean and then, with some time on our hands, we walked into town to do a little souvenir shopping. Later, our boat, the Reefseeker, and three guides picked us up to go snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We stopped first at Shark and Ray Alley where we saw lots of colorful fish and nurse sharks! Since they were harmless to people, we jumped into the warm waters for a closer look. As we swam around, the guides would dive down and point out sea anemones, conches, and different kinds of coral. At our second stop near a break in the reef we saw larger fish, a stingray, an eel, and a sea cucumber. On our way back to shore we toasted the sights with some punch. For dinner, we walked into town and had a great variety of fresh seafood, including conch.

For Day 16, it was back to the sea for some more snorkelling. Although Jenny didn't get to go because of a headache, Kathryn, Garth, and Dave set out for Tres Cocos and Mexico Rocks. The best part of the trip was seeing and getting to swim with a manatee. The guide said he had never seen one at this particular location in his 15 years on the Caye so it was particularly unexpected. Back on dry land, everyone showered and we set out to explore the Caye by golfcart. We drove north through town and across the bridge where we saw lagoons, beachside cottages, and new developments. On our way back we picked up (the rental company had given us a a six-seater for the four of us) three small boys with fishing poles who asked for a ride and dropped them a few blocks

Leaving Ambergris Caye

away. Our final dinner later that night was at our hotel and overlooked the ocean.

On Day 17 we prepared to return home. After another fresh fruit and french toast breakfast on the patio, we took a last stroll down the beach and then relaxed on the loungers by the water. After gathering up our bags and checking out, our trip to the airport was quick three minute walk from the hotel. Our little Mayan Airlines plane stopped off at one other caye before leaving us in Belize City. With a lunch of chips and soda and the last of our Belizean dollars spent, we were off to LAX via Dallas.

Below are some additional pictures from Ambergris Caye: