Today we headed out early to Mayflower Bocawina National Park to maximize our time for birding and hiking adventures. Some hikers headed off to a Mayan ruin while others spent their time with binoculars pointed up in the trees to spot some of the six hundred species of birds found within the park. Those who wanted to get their blood pumping climbed up the Antelope Falls trailhead and got to swim in a pristine pool filled with tadpoles and crystal-clear water, a well-deserved treat on such a hot day in Belize! After our hikes, we headed into town for an authentic Mayan lunch of stewed chicken, rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, and delicious banana cake. In the afternoon, we strolled Placencia and then freshened up for our evening concert with the Garifuna Collective.
2/4/2024
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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.
