Departing Guatemala to Belize with Bryce was a charm. A quick 5 hour shuttle, in a shuttle van with open seats to stretch out in. Actually comfortable and no need to take a picture of a fold out seat, what a rarity. The only destination for Bryce and I was Caye Caulker where we planned to do some snorkeling at the Hol Chan Reserve. Which was great as I'll get to shortly. Not many photos of our time there as it was more of a R&R destination. A few days on the island to relax and make a snorkeling trip. It was a 1 hour trip by water taxi to the island from Belize City. We had little to no difficulty talking with people as most of the inhabitants are Creole and understood our English. Our first "hotel" was dirty, smelly, and just poorly kept. However it cost us $7.5 each for the night. We later upgraded to a clean room with private bath and fan for $11 each per night. Most of our time when chilling on the island was spent at "the split". Caye Caulker used to be a single body of land but Hurricane Hattie in 1961 tore through the middle of the island creating a channel of water. This area would become the local hangout for swimming, sun bathing and enjoying loud reggae music played by the Lazy Lizard Bar. A fun time definitely.
Our first night there we were able to catch a nice sunset on the west side of the island. The island itself is about 6 blocks wide I think, but it varies in areas. From the stairs leading to our hotel room we could watch the sun rise and set only being two stories up if that helps.
A typical shot of the island. That sand path between the buildings is the main road. We saw one vehicle while here, a dodge pickup which was the island's garbage truck, and that was only once during our few days there. The rest of travel is by bicycle or golf cart.
Another view of typical shoreline. Most of the island is lined with docks and moored boats.
The fun awkward pose on our sailboat which took us and 13 other people out for our snorkeling trip. It was through Raggamuffin Tours and we made 3 stops, highly recommend them if ever on the island. A stop at a coral garden, 'shark/ray alley', and the Hol Chan Reserve. Lunch is provided between stops and on the return sail ceviche with rum punch.
Shark/Ray Alley let us swim with large stingrays and nurse sharks which are not dangerous by the way. They swarm here since the area is used by local fisherman as a place to clean the catch of the day.
Another ray, both rays and sharks would swim underneath us in about 8 feet of water. Was very fun.
Saw a green sea turtle as well at the Hol Chan Reserve which is more towards experiencing wildlife. We did see many other fish and creatures but I was using my camera in a water proof bag, pulling it tight over the camera lens. The only pictures worthwhile were those of larger creatures.
Manatee! I think this was my favorite creature of the snorkeling trip. They're so much bigger than I thought and very fun to watch. So peaceful just hanging out underwater.
Blurry but I think it gives a good perspective on how large they are, should be noted that after Bryce got this close it swam off. We believe he scared it off.
It was a great few days relaxing on the island. We sampled local food, mainly from this place called 'Pirates' where we could get meals for only a few dollars. As well as home cooked cinnamon rolls, pineapple coconut juice which is delicious, and a wonderful yet inexpensive treat: Freezies, which we termed Otter Pops on Muscle Milk. Great time relaxing, and I'd be back within the week but we headed off to Belize City for his departure and my waiting for the arrival of a special someone. Oh those days took awhile to pass but I have to conclude this post as I'm not the only person at my hostel and keeping a waiting line for the computer does not make friends. Take care everyone, talk with you again at some point.
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