Just a half mile out from the coast of Belize is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Spanning 185 miles, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world (the first is The Great Barrier Reef in Australia).
As an underwater enthusiast, for years, I have been itching to go the Belize Barrier Reef and snorkel in the clear, blue water. I wanted to see the marine life in their natural habitat and swim with the sun on my back. Finally, as one of our honeymoon locations, my new husband Cameron and I bought our tickets and planned a day out on the reef. Not only would we spend the day snorkeling, the tour group would bait sharks and stingrays for us to swim with them in the wild. Therefore, making this a day of many bucket list items!
We arrived the port early in the morning to take a small boat out to the Caye Caulker. This small island is only 2 miles long, and prides itself on the relaxing beach life. Since there are no cars or fumes, and just the sun, breeze and fresh seafood, this is the perfect home base for an adventure at sea.
On the way out to the reef, we felt the salty sea air hit our faces and cling to our hair. We arrived at the reef, and spent our time learning about the marine life from the instructors and exploring on your own. A few times, the instructors pointed out unique sea creatures we never would have noticed and would have just swim right by—which would have been a shame to miss! During our time out there, they pointed out huge Caribbean lobsters, starfish and a conch.
After they took us out to Shark and Ray Alley, we entered the water again to an experience of a lifetime—interacting with wild stingrays and nursing sharks. As gentle sea creatures, we were able to touch them as we snorkeled. Of course, as a visitor to their home, we needed to follow precautions not to accidentally hurt them. It was amazing to have a stingray swim up your stomach and feel its slippery skin against yours. Contrary to the stingrays, the sharks had rough and sandpaper-like flesh.
Although some of you may think it is dangerous to swim with the sharks and stingrays, the real danger was on the way back to Cay Caulker… Rum Punch! On the boat, we were all buzzing with excitement and offered free Rum Punch. Well, don’t mind if I do! A day swimming at sea and the heat from the sun, you should have a drink of something, right? Okay, maybe another cup, you know, to get the salt water taste out of my mouth… and another. That was exactly what happened.
By the time we were back to Cay Caulker, all of the tour group (excluding the children, of course) were feeling that rum punch. We ended the day with dinner at Las Olas Restaurant, which had amazing, authentic food. With no shirt, no shoes and no cares in the world, we sat by the sea and took in the views. Before we would have to depart, we took a stroll through the island and explored the charm of its people.
