The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Did we have a great time? You better Belize it
It may be a tiny country but Bridget finds Belize is packed with pristine beaches, Mayan ruins, virgin rainforests, breathtaking scenery and eco-friendly resorts
The boat engine was turned off and our little group stood silently on deck peering into the aquamarine shallows of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve in Belize, Central America. Despite the shyness of this extremely elusive creature, it didn’t take us long to spot what we were searching for – a manatee, or “sea cow” as it’s nicknamed.
In fact, not just one, but a mum and baby swam slowly and gracefully by our boat and my heart thumped with excitement. It was the first time I’d ever been lucky enough to see manatees in the wild.
They weren’t easy to photograph, though, so I sat on deck enjoying the moment as our eagle-eyed captain and guide pointed out another male – perhaps “dad” as he cruised below our hull.
These gentle giants were beautiful to watch, grazing amongst the sheltered mangroves in their natural and protected habitat.
It was turning out to be another enthralling morning in this Central American hideaway.
Moments before we’d sailed past the tiny island of Man-O-War Caye where brown-footed boobies nested alongside magnificent frigatebirds, the males ballooning their scarlet throat sacs in anything but modest chat-up signals to the girls.
There was quite a cacophony of squawks and squabbles as we drew near, eavesdropping on their day.
On reaching the outer Tobacco Caye, we tumbled into the water with snorkels and flippers.
Vibrant coral was alive with myriad inquisitive fish darting in and out of the rainbow of rocks and plants – as well as around our masks!
Our guide would dive down to point at interesting species such as cuttlefish or bring sea urchins to the surface for closer inspection.
A turtle broke cover and sped away, alarmed at our intrusion.
Back on board, heading home to our idyllic desert island holiday retreat at the Blue Marlin Beach Resort, we were abuzz with what we had seen. No wonder this country is such a magnet for divers, keen to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, stretching 185 miles along the coastline.
Not just one, but a mum and baby swam slowly and gracefully by our boat and my heart thumped
Relaxing on a hammock strung between two palm trees was welcome that sunny afternoon, to reflect on the adventurous week we’d had. Belize may be comparatively small (180 miles long by 68 miles wide), but it’s nonetheless packed with pristine beaches, stunning Mayan ruins, virgin rainforests, breath-taking scenery and eco-friendly resorts.
Our many highlights had included zip-lining at speed over the treetops of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park; joining in the carnival atmosphere of the re-enactment of the first arrival of the Garifuna people in a boat and float parade; exploring the mysterious ancient Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech; swimming below the waterfalls of