We had an early start to get to Caye Caulker, as we left Flores at 5am and were at the border by 7am. Once we got through the border it was a much more chilled vibe and an added bonus was that in Belize they spoke English. After the border we continued onto Belize City where we were catching a boat across to the island of Caye Caulker. It took us a little to adjust back to speaking English, even though our Spanish is still terrible.
Once arriving we found a place to stay then went exploring the island. We walked up to one end of the island, called the split and there was a nice bar with jetties for swimming off and snorkelling. The island has no cars and you either have a golf cart or bike to get around if you don’t feel like walking. The island is very laid back, with lots of dreadlocks and Bob Marley playing. The island motto was “go slow”. Everyone was very friendly and always up for a chat.
We spent 3 nights on Caye Caulker, with the highlight being our snorkelling day trip with the Caveman on our last day. Sommer and I as well as Nick and Hayley and another couple set off from our hotel and headed out for the day. First stop was looking for manatees (dugongs), although its late in their season the Caveman was still hopeful. We didn’t see any but did go for our first snorkel which was great to get in the water because it was getting hot. After having a look around the coral we got back in the boat and headed towards Shark Ray Alley. This had been the draw card for the tour and was where we snorkelled with huge stingrays, we also seen a massive loggerhead turtle and lots of fish.
We then moved spots not far, but here is where the sharks come into it. As the Caveman revved the boat engine sharks came from everywhere and were surrounding the boat. He then feed them off one side and told us to get in the other. A little tentative at the start we got in, although Sommer and Hayley were holding hands. Once in there we could see hundreds of trevally(fish) swimming around also some sharks, however at times it was hard to see them as there was so many fish. We could get right us close with the sharks, and not just little ones some were well bigger than me.
After this it was off to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where we were able to see more turtles, sharks, stingrays and got the chance to see a giant eel. This stop had the best coral to explore also. There were many schools of trevally again and they were happy to swim along side us.
On the way back we stopped off at a sunken barge to snorkel before heading back to Caye Caulker.
The weather had not been great for us in Caye Caulker, so the following morning we headed to Tulum, Mexico. Hopefully we get to see some sun there.
Chao for now,
N & S xx
Abroad with Nick & Som... 