July 4, 2022
We were up at 9 and ready for shark snorkeling. However, when we walked down to Tropical Paradise the deck hand told us he couldn't get ahold of his captains--- he said they must have been partying too hard at lobster fest the night before-- so asked if we could switch to the 230 tour instead. We didn't have anything else going on and it seemed we didn't have much of a choice so we said sure and agreed to meet back later. We headed to the dock outside Colinda Cabanas and settled down near the water in some beach chairs.
We encountered a rainstorm that quickly passed and after lounging for awhile we decided to grab lunch. The place we tried to go wasn't open so we opted for a spot near the water that was. We had the local dish of Belize- coconut rice with beans, stewed chicken, plantains and coleslaw. Unfortunately they were out of plantains 😧 neither Kristin or I liked the slaw very much but the chicken had really good flavor. I want to try it again somewhere to get the full experience. We also met a Belizean friend, Brian, who chatted with us while we waited for our food. He used to live on San Pedro, a larger more commercialized island, but said that when it started to get too built up he moved to Caye Caulker because he enjoys the simpler life. I feel you bro.
After lunch we grabbed some beers for the boat and then walked back to Tropical Paradise for shark snorkeling.
OH. MY. GOD. This was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. There were TONS of sharks and stingrays and we swam right next to them in a part of the ocean that the Belizeans have aptly named Shark Ray Alley. It was AMAZING.
Click here to watch a compilation video of us snorkeling!
I have never been that close to so many sea creatures for such a long period of time. While we hit up 3 different snorkeling spots throughout the day, this was definitely my favorite 😍 It was here that I also got to feed one of the birds that was circling overhead. Captain Philip gave me a sardine and instructed me to hold it up by the head and sure as shit almost immediately a bird swooped down to grab it out of my hand.
After Shark Ray Alley we snorkeled in two areas with beautiful corals and fishes but nothing compared to the sharks. After two snorkeling stops we headed to a beach to see seahorses, but I was way, way more enamored by the pelicans. Squat, port belly birds that hop around and dip their big beaks up and down, almost like nods of hello. They come right up to people and one even sullied up and sat down next to one of the tourists near the water. I loved watching them. Back on the boat we went, this time to feed the tarpon fish. Eating them in Belize is now illegal because previously the fish was almost hunted to extinction. Now catch and release fishing for tarpon is sport only. We coasted into a small lagoon and there were TONS of tarpon, much like the sharks earlier in the day. We held sardines by their tails over the side of the boat which allowed the tarpon to jump up and grab them. Kristin was super afraid but she overcame her fears and did it.
And after spending three hours at sea, our shark snorkeling adventure had come to a close. We docked back at Tropical Paradise and thanked Captain Philip and the deckhand, Murray, before heading back to Colinda Cabanas. Our plan was to head to The Pelican to watch the sunset and have dinner, however, the sun sets earlier in Belize than in Chicago during the summer, so between our two showers we looked outside and it was dark. We rode our bikes to The Pelican anyway and enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner on the water. Kristin had a veggie quesadilla with plantains and I had a giant shrimp kabob with grilled veggies and parmesan potatoes.
It was 930 by the time we finished dinner and while Captain Philip had suggested 'The Bar' for darts and pool we were just too tired from our day of sun, snorkeling and sand to make it. We pedaled back home and on the way passed by the Belize Power Plant, a school and a church. We headed to bed with stuffed stomachs, marvelous memories and happy hearts 💗
This was one Fourth of July we would not forget.
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