Our motivation for visiting the island was its’ world renowned snorkeling. After experiencing it first hand I would recommend that everyone try snorkelling if given the opportunity. It is easier than you think. The island is not large, with a population of 1300 people. And a whole lot of extra tourists. It is interesting to see the impact of tourism in so many facets of life.
There was a small swimming hole that was created by a hurricane. After a central area was destroyed the island was “broken” in two. The current is strong, so since it was salty water and Jay is not the world’s greatest swimming fan, we didn’t spend oodles of time beach bumming. We wandered around, chatting with random people, took photos, hung at the hostel and sat on docks watching the world go by. We also had some very tasty fish dinners and ice cream, though not together. We experienced the laid back Creole culture.
The reef that lines the Carribean is estimated to be 185 miles long. It is different than that found in Australia, because it connects with land, rather than just encircling it. The reef is visible from many of the islands, including the one we stayed on. You look out over several kilometers of ocean and you see water breaking, forming long white waves. When snorkeling the goal is to get as close to them as you dare, but not cross them.
Our group of 12 people was accompanied by 2 amazing guides. To get the most out of our experience we toured about on a sailboat! The water isn’t deep, it’s only between 5 to 30 ft. When the ocean floor is covered with white sand the water appears to be an aqua, blue colour. The coral makes the water dark and mysterious, sometimes it even stuck out. The coral grows as little as 1cm in a year and as much as1 inch, slow and steady. It has a protective gel on it and once touch it becomes susceptible to molds and disease.
We stopped at three spots along the way and had snacks, with lunch in between. They made shrimp ceviche salsa with rum punch for the ride home. Nothing can beat the freshest ingredients. Stop one was at the Coral Gardens with lots of coral and our first spotting of schools of multi coloured fish. I felt like I was in Finding Nemo. Jay and I were a little slow on getting back to the boat, so only I got to see the turtle. It was spectacular to watch it lazily swim about. Stop two was Shark and Ray Alley where we spotted a nurse shark hiding under a coral ledge, along with the red and green parrot fish ( as large as 2 dinner plates ) and a blow fish ( well we think it is called that, or maybe puffer fish.) Stop three was the Hol Chan ( also the name of the reserve) Channel, which is just off the San Pedro island. The channel is created because there is a break in the reef. Boats can get through here. There were many divers practicing for their certification. This was the deepest area of the day. It was a huge contrast to the busy and active reef on either side. We saw a lot! A Green Warrior Moray Eel who would poke his head out from the coral, strutting his under bite and little ‘fangs.’ A sting ray was nestled in the weeds on the ocean floor. His barb was there warning you not to get too close. When he decided to take off it was like he was flying gracefully through the water. A barracuda who was as long and wide as my leg. He had an over-bite and was ugly enough to be a little alarming. Several other larger fish were also trying to hide out close to the bottom of the ocean. All in all, one of the most spectacular experiences we have had on our trip yet!!
Check out some of our pictures here:
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| Caye Caulker - Belize |
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