We tendered in Belize, meaning the ship dropped anchor about two miles from shore and we boarded a smaller boat that took us to the pier. The tendering process worked really well in Belize.
Once on the pier we met up with our tour group and boarded a boat for the Jungle, River, Land Rover, & Cave Expedition tour. Now, on my own I wouldn't have really considered this tour but I read some excellent reviews of it on one of my favorite websites.
Our tour started in the water. We boarded a boat that held 40 people (38 passengers, one guide, and one captain).
We were supposed to go straight up the river but the tide was too high for the boat to fit under this bridge.
So, out in the ocean we went. There were four foot waves and you can see how low the sides of the boat were. We got soaked! I had my swim suit under my clothes; I should have just worn it by itself. It was a very thrilling ride! It felt like we were doing full speed through the ocean. Fun, fun, fun!
Once on the river, the boat continued to go pretty fast but since the water was flat the ride was completely smooth and dry. The river was beautiful. Have you ever listened to the rain forest setting on a sound machine? That is what it sounded like every time the captain slowed the boat. The guide also gave us lots of information about Belize. I think if we had been able to go straight to the river, we wouldn't have had to go so fast up the river. But, again, it was fun!
The captain spotted this iguana in the tree and pulled the boat right under the branch so we could all get pictures of it.
We stopped at a beautiful location and departed the boat.
After a break for sodas or water (I had a Coke Light) and bathrooms, we saw the Land Rovers from an earlier trip driving up.
We rode with a family (mom, dad, two teenage sons) from Myrtle Beach. The dad drove first.
This was on the road out to the main road. I think the drivers had a hard time even on the main road. It felt like the back end was getting blown around by the wind and the steering wheel wasn't straight when the wheels were straight. The dad said it was a little challenging to drive it. 
Before going back into the jungle, it was time to switch drivers. How long has been since Chris drove a manual transmission?
Okay, I didn't get video of Chris driving. I wish I had but I was just trying to hang on with one hand and snap some photos.
You can see what Chris had just driven through. The Land Rovers were sliding around quite a bit but everyone managed to avoid hitting the trees.
More mud and water.
Again, another fun ride!
When we got of the Land Rovers, there was someone there to spray it off so it would ready for the next group.
We were divided into groups of eight and given another set of guides. We walked across this swinging bridge.
We walked on a short trail (maybe 1/4 mile) to a cave. Can you see the face?
At one point we had to climb through a small opening. I was surprised that there was another guide just to help everyone through the opening. There were a lot of wonderful guides throughout the entire tour.
So, this cave was very different from Luray Caverns and that made it worthwhile.
We had a wonderful Creole lunch - stewed chicken, beans and rice, coleslaw, and plantains. The main laugauge in Belize is English but in school, the children are taught English and Spanish since Belize is boarded by Mexico and Guatamala. They also speak English Creole in Belize which maybe outsiders could understand if they slowed it down (slowed it way down).
They burn nuts (I think they are the Cohune Palm nuts) to repel insects.
After lunch it was time to head back to the port on this open air bus. As we made our way out of the jungle, the guide gave us more information about Belize. Once out on the main road, they blared fun music as the rum punch flowed freely.
We had a wonderful day. I think it was one of the best excursions we have ever done. If you go to Belize, you really should book a tour either through your cruise ship or privately. The people who didn't book tours (including our six tablemates) hated Belize. There is a fenced in area for shopping at the dock but pass the fenced area, it is not completely safe to walk around without a group.On our tour, we had wonderful, well informed guides who seemed to love their jobs. We got to see a small part of the beautiful country. I would love to go back. Maybe next time we will try cave tubing, or take the kids to the wildlife sanctuary, or go snorkeling on the reef.
As they say in Belize, "You have to see it to Belize it."
4 comments:
LOVE the pun!
And, that looks like a super cool day! Wow, that tour really did a lot of different stuff, didn't it? Awesome!
wow what a trip! what great pics and memories=)!
Oh how fun! I would have been sea sick in the small boat in the ocean, though. I can't believe they left the driving up to the visitors - how exciting and fun.
What a great time! I wish we could have been there with you. Now, try that on a 4-wheeler!
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