This morning, we awoke as the ship cruised to Laughing Bird Caye. This national park is named for the laughing gulls that make themselves heard from just about anywhere onshore. In the morning, we motored ashore the small 1.8-acre white sand paradise where we relaxed, kayaked and snorkeled. Laughing Bird Caye is unique not only for its national park protections but also for its active coral restoration zone. After a thorough exploration of the reef, we got back on the ship to reposition to the Silk Cayes. These “islands” are mostly beautiful reefs with a pile of protected sand in the middle, with hardly a palm tree supported. Local lobster fisherman were cleaning their catch in the shallow sandy bottom, and we were treated to a feeding frenzy of rays, turtles and sharks, all eager to pick up scraps discarded by the fisherman. After snorkeling, we swam ashore to bask in the sun and drink cocktails. It was the perfect end to an ocean-filled day.
2/4/2024
Read
National Geographic Quest
Monkey River and Laughingbird Caye, Belize
The sun eased above the horizon and gently kissed the calm, mirrorlike sea, greeting National Geographic Quest as she lay at anchor just east of the mouth of Monkey River. This is the largest estuary in southern Belize, and our destination for this morning’s adventure. This winding waterway did not disappoint, as guests enjoyed great views of egrets and herons on the edges of the river, parrots and toucans overhead, while “garobos” — male green iguanas sporting their orange and black breeding colors — sunned themselves on the treetops. After returning to the ship and enjoying a delicious brunch, it was soon time to gear up for a final afternoon of snorkeling and diving off Laughing Bird Caye. Some guests snorkeled among the beautiful coral reefs that surround this small island, while others floated above the corals in kayaks. Everyone savored the tropical flavors of fruit punch and snacks from the hotel department. We finished the day with a slideshow of guest and staff photo memories from our Belize adventure.
