Rio Dulce and Quirigua, 2/25/2018, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Belize & Guatemala
Early this morning we boarded pangas and ascended the Rio Dulce River through rain forest and the limestone Rio Dulce Canyon. Afterwards we traveled by bus to the Mayan ruins at Quirigua’ and explored.
Born near Seattle, Washington, Rab enjoyed a highly unconventional childhood as the son of a veterinary science professor. He spent his youth paddling canoes through Canada’s hinterlands, deepening his love and understanding of the natural world.
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Today we started our day in the thick rainforest to experience the richness of the jungle. Guests went birdwatching or hiked to Mayan ruins and beautiful waterfalls. In the afternoon, we enjoyed listening to one of the best bands in Belize, the Garifuna Collective.
Today we woke up to a beautiful sunrise o n National Geographic Sea Lion in Belize. We are getting ready to do an inland activity that will take us to a waterfall to enjoy part of the day and the possibility to do tubing down a river called South Stan Creek River. It was my first time and I was very impressed by the natural beauty of the waterfall and the rock formation. We enjoyed about an hour at the falls then took a drive to the tubing site. We passed by land once used for growing oranges and bananas. At the private waterfall and river access, we did some swimming and tubing. Some guests saw scarlet macaws while tubing. It was a great expedition to the foot of a Mayan mountain. This afternoon, after a spectacular lunch, we rode Zodiacs to a place called the Yacht Club. Here we got the chance to enjoy a performance by the Garifuna Collective, a group that plays a kind of music known as punta. It was a fond farewell to Belize.
Today begins with morning coffee and breakfast on National Geographic Sea Lion . This morning we are at the Half Moon Caye and it will be a day to remember. The Great Blue Hole is the second largest barrier reef. Coming here has always been one of the must-do activities of visitors to Belize. The weather and wind are always factors when visiting the Half Moon Caye because of we are in open waters. Today, conditions were calm and almost windless. The water was pristine, and the reef was beautiful. Half Moon Caye is known as one of the seven natural wonders, and we can see why. After a snorkeling experience over the blue abyss, we took the smooth boat ride back to the ship for lunch. The afternoon activities were also amazing. We visited Half Moon Caye where we enjoyed the natural state of the island. We saw red-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, who were always trying to steal food meant for the booby chicks. The cycle of life goes on as we end the day and leave the island for the ship’s next destination.