After a flight to Guatemala City, we boarded our charter planes to Puerto Barrios and then took an animated tour led by local Guatemalan guides to the dock of Santo Tomas, where we boarded National Geographic Quest. We set sail after a delicious welcome cocktail and dinner towards Belizean territorial waters, checking in at daybreak. The morning was spent on introductions, briefings, and staff talks aimed at preparing us for the adventures to come. We began our explorations of the beautiful little Central American country of Belize later that day by joining local fishing boats and guides to cruise up the scenic and wildlife-rich Monkey River.
2/4/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Monkey River and Laughingbird Caye, Belize
The sun eased above the horizon and gently kissed the calm, mirrorlike sea, greeting National Geographic Quest as she lay at anchor just east of the mouth of Monkey River. This is the largest estuary in southern Belize, and our destination for this morning’s adventure. This winding waterway did not disappoint, as guests enjoyed great views of egrets and herons on the edges of the river, parrots and toucans overhead, while “garobos” — male green iguanas sporting their orange and black breeding colors — sunned themselves on the treetops. After returning to the ship and enjoying a delicious brunch, it was soon time to gear up for a final afternoon of snorkeling and diving off Laughing Bird Caye. Some guests snorkeled among the beautiful coral reefs that surround this small island, while others floated above the corals in kayaks. Everyone savored the tropical flavors of fruit punch and snacks from the hotel department. We finished the day with a slideshow of guest and staff photo memories from our Belize adventure.
