Guide to Programs
Programs by Age
School Partnerships
- Global Development Programs
- Custom Programs
Programs by Interests
View all trip costs and dates >

New To Broadreach? >
Why Broadreach?
About Us
Experience Broadreach

Belize Dolphin Studies

DS21 Update - Friday, July 22, 2011

Fun and Manatees

Manatees, rays, and 6 more certified divers! So much for just one day, but it was amazing! I woke the team up bright and early to go on a Manatee tour. After breakfast in our apartment, we walked to the tour and got on a small boat. Our guide, Ian, told us that it was not guaranteed that we would see manatees. We kept our hopes high, though, keeping with the goal of the day, which was to stay positive. The boat ride to the first of three stops we had was filled with anticipation, and maybe even some singing to the manatees.

Once at the spot where manatees are known to frequent, Ian did not see any manatees, so he made us wait about fifteen minutes longer. Finally, we were allowed to snorkel! The group donned their masks, snorkels, and fins, and hoped off the boat. After snorkeling for a few minutes, we spotted them! There were two swimming in the distance. Ian warned us to not chase after the manatees when we saw them, so we continued snorkeling. Another one came, and this time it stopped closer to the group. It went down and laid down on the bottom. Everyone was in awe! It was amazing to see a manatee in its natural habitat. Though it lay on the bottom for a long time before coming up for air and swimming away, no one got bored of taking pictures, or simply observing the manatee. In the same spot, a sea turtle was spotted as well. It lay on the bottom, and then swam up to the surface to get a breath, quite close to Josephine and Chelsea.

The group got back on to the boat, and Ian led us to the next stop. The water at this spot was breathtaking. It was the brightest turquoise, and very clear! Most of the group went out to snorkel around the reef that was there, while Mia, Josephine and Nathalie had a lot of fun doing back-flips off of the boat. When the snorkelers returned, everyone started jumping off of the boat and had a lot of fun.

The third and final stop was where we made friends with the rays and Nurse Sharks. Of course everyone wanted to come snorkeling this time! We spent quite a long time swimming amongst the rays and sharks, feeling them, and trying to catch them. We pleasantly discovered that the rays were quite affectionate! Ian showed us his ‘buddy’, a ray, who swam around his head, and played with him. He also let us pet a shark that he held in his arms. The skin was interesting to feel! We continued playing around, and taking pictures. Caleb attempted to catch a shark, sadly without success. Michael rectified his relationship with the rays, and a ray wrapped itself around Sarah. The group also spotted a large Barracuda. We eventually climbed back on to the boat, and began our ride back to the island. Ian generously gave us a bowl of fruits, which we devoured as we were quite hungry after all that snorkeling!

Back at the apartments, we ate a delicious meal of mac and cheese and broccoli, and had some down time before our lecture. A group of us went into town to do some shopping. Mia, Galen, and I all bought necklaces with pendants carved from beautiful pink conch shells. The group got back to the apartment just in time for lecture. Abbie’s lesson was interesting and taught us about classifying mammals, marine mammals, Cetaceans, etc. In the end we had an interesting discussion about the differences and similarities between dolphins, fish, and humans. Michael shared a lot of information he knew about how evolution affected different qualities and characteristics in dolphins. After the lecture, the group of almost-certified divers went to the roof to review their exams. Everyone passed! That means that there are now six more certified divers!

Before dinner we watched Toy Story, which Jandro was extremely happy about. During dinner rituals, we reflected upon our day, and how fortunate we were to see so much wildlife. So far we have been extremely lucky in terms of wildlife sightings on this trip! Dinner was fajitas, made by Abbie, Nathalie, Sammie, Caleb, Jandro, and Galen. They were delicious! After we ate, Sammie made a special fajita for Cooper, showing her maternal instincts. Earlier, she had made eggs for him as well. Today was great day, and I know that everyone enjoyed it! Tomorrow we say goodbye to our apartments in Caye Caulker, and leave for the Oceanic Society!

-Love Victoriaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (: