National Geographic Quest anchored east of the beautiful Kriol fishing village of Monkey River. These waters are the product of the Bladen and Swasey Branches converging to form what is one of Belize’s major river systems. This waterway saw human use as early as the Mayan settlements for routing trade, and it continues to see use to this day by the banana industry for transport. Habitats in this watershed provide cover for such diverse species as ocelots, jaguars, black howler monkeys, Morelet’s crocodile, manatees, and numerous avian species. As guests travelled down this river, they had little difficulty sighting many of these species comprising this pristine habitat.
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.
