Barrier
Reef and Caribbean Islands CARIBBEAN
ISLANDS
Barrier
Reef and Caribbean Islands What brings most tourists to Belize? It's to see the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and to snorkel in its shimmering turquoise waters. In addition, as birders we have a double pleasure: the islands are home to bird species we aren't likely to find on the mainland. We'll get to do both - snorkel and bird!
Red-footed Boobies 
are certainly likely to be the birding highlight, although
some might argue that the spectacular snorkeling is a just rival for our
attention. At the time of our visit the boobies will be sitting on eggs.
Here's what the Belize National Park - check out their
website
for great photos as well - has to say about Half Moon Caye Natural Monument:
The most famous inhabitants of this island are its Red- footed Boobies which nest in the Ziricote thicket at the western end of the caye. Emanating from the colony, which also has nesting Magnificent Frigate Birds, is a rather fishy smell, and a cacophony of screeches and squawks as the birds come and go, feeding chicks and shading them from the intense midday sun. It's the most spectacular site, and there's a viewing platform in the heart of the colony that lets you enjoy the birds from up close.
Here's
some of our other target birds at Half Moon Caye and Caye Caulker: Brown
Booby, Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, White-crowned Pigeon, Caribbean Elaenia, Black
Catbird
, Yucatan Vireo
,
Mangrove Warbler and the caboti race of Bananaquit
.
Other caye birds that could show up are Smooth-billed Ani, Reddish Egret,
Caribbean Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo and Cinnamon Hummingbird.
The Barrier Reef is world famous for snorkeling and our package trip includes the gear. We'll cross from Caye Caulker to Half Moon Caye, passing through the lagoon of Turneffe, on a 38-ft. speed boat with half rigid top and licensed for 40 passengers and have plenty of time to snorkel at the caye. After lunch on the island and visiting the bird sanctuary, we can snorkel again at "The Aquarium" in Long Caye, or continue looking for birds at the sanctuary.
In 2004 we offered an impromptu trip to the cayes and it proved so popular that most caravaners stayed over for an extra night at the beach resorts. In 2006 we will had a full three days at the Barrier Reef, including a full day to swim at the Caye Caulker beachside pool, sip cocktails beneath the shade of a palm tree and enjoy Caribbean cuisine in local restaurants. It proved so successful, we are repeating the trip for 2007 and are including a couple of extras to add to our enjoyment.
Day 1 - Enjoy Caye Caulker (overnight on the island)
Day
2 - Visit Half Moon Caye
Day 3 - Bird Caye Caulker
We will be staying at an attractive beach-side hotel. An eye-catching and appealing thatched palapa roof architecture blends Belizean and Mexican styles. Choose between the Caribbean and an inviting fresh water swimming pool, or sample both. All rooms include A/C, refrigerator, bathroom with shower and either a queen-sized bed or two double/full-sized beds. Cabanas have additional features.
Price depends on your choice of room. Both choices include the complete package as described above.