The Manatee Encounter adventure includes observing the Antillean manatee at the Swallow
Caye Marine Reserve. We use a long pole to move through the reserve so we do not disturb this
important area for this endangered animal. This is a resting area for the manatee as it moves
between feeding areas. Often when we arrive the manatees are in the area, however,
sometimes we must wait for them to return from feeding. The largest population of Antillean
manatees are found within the waters of Belize. There are five strongholds in Belize where the
manatees can be sighted: the New River, Belize City & the Swallow Caye Marine Reserve, Gales
Point, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. Manatees are vegetarians that consume up to 20% of their
body weight daily and hence get the nickname 'Sea Cow."
MANATEE & DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS
On the Manatee & Dolphin Encounter tour we first visit the manatees and then search for Atlantic
bottlenose dolphins in the mangrove channels of the barrier islands. The Atlantic bottlenose
dolphin is often sighted feeding in the coastal areas. These are intelligent mammals that are
curious when encountered, but not always in the mood for visitors.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Our Wildlife Encounter Tour includes the above tours, but begins with a cruise up the Belize
River and ends with snorkeling on the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere! This tour
is very popular since it includes a little bit of jungle and sea while your in Belize for the day!
Families really enjoy this trip as there's something for everyone.
The Belize River was the main highway in Belize until the turn of the century when roads were
built. Great steamships used to run between Cayo, Belize's westernmost town that borders
Guatemala, and Belize City. Before the steamships were in use, the Maya similarly used the
Belize River as a key transportation route between their inland cities and coastal settlements.
Many of the river settlements are now much less populated. Evidence of settlement along the
Belize River are the numerous mango farms that line the river banks and the occasional
breadfruit tree.
Several species of reptiles can be observed along the jungle river. The American crocodile is
often observed "sunning" along the river bank. They are shy around vistors and will often escape
underwater. The Central American river turtle is occasionally observed resting on logs along the
river bank. These reptiles are similarly shy and will retreat to the safety of the river in an instant!
Green iguanas are vegetarians that are observed resting on the branches of the tallest trees.
They reach 5 feet in length and vary in color green to orange.
Exotic bird species include the keel-billed toucan, boat-billed and great blue herons, jabiru and
wood storks, roseate spoonsbills, kinfishers, egrets and many more. Exotic plants and trees
encountered include the royal and cohune palms, and logwood, which was used in the 1800s
as die for clothing.
The mangrove communities found along the coast and offshore islands are the nursery grounds
for our commercial fishery species. Lobster, fish, and shrimp use the the prop roots of the red
mangrove for shelter and also as a feeding ground.
Coral reefs are magnificent complexes of coral, sea creatures and fish. For more information on
the coral reef please see the Barrier Reef Snorkeling description.
The Belize River and Barrier Reef Snorkeling are excellent additions to your Wildlife Encounter
trip as you get a glimpse of the jungle and it's inhabitants and also the amazing underwater
world.
Tour Operator of the Year
2005!
Trip takes about 3 hours and includes a snack and soda/water.
Trip takes about 4 hours and includes a snack and soda/water.
Trip takes about 5-6 hours and includes snorkeling equipment and instruction, lunch and
soda/water. Also offered as a private charter at $702 that can accommodate up to 8 persons.
