Day 348: Captain Carlos to the rescue

Even though we had heard some mixed reviews about Belize before arriving, our expectations for a picturesque Caribbean tropical island were probably a little too high.  One of the main reasons we decided to visit was to do some snorkeling along its beautiful barrier reef but fixed prices across the island meant that we would have to bust our budget for the outing.  Luckily for us, we came across Carlos who is a native of Caye Caulker and has been leading snorkeling excursions for over 20 years.  He has a reputation for being the best guide and was exuding with a humble self-confidence from the moment we met him.  His spic and span power boat led the way, and we felt our money was well spent after stops at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Coral Gardens.  Swimming with sea turtles while cautiously eying some curious nurse sharks was a good start and then at the appropriately named second stop, we literally swam with the sharks.  By the time we anchored, there were dozens around the boat along with some stingrays, barracudas, and other fish, all attracted by the tasty chum in the water.  Carlos claimed they were completely harmless and convinced us by holding on to one while letting willing participants rub its belly.  The highlight of the day was at the Coral Gardens, where we spotted some manatees.  We watched as a gentle female sea cow scratched herself on some coral at the bottom of the seafloor.  Her male companion showed up to see if we were causing any problems, and she seemed to give him a kiss to assure him everything was ok as they both came up for air before he swam away.  It was a memorable scene to end the trip, and it won some serious points for Belize in our book.

Ainda desapontados com Belize, mas nada como um dia após o outro. Explicando melhor, queriamos estar no mar do caribe e sentir o calor na pele, a água azul fazendo da areia um paraíso. Comer sem se preocupar se estamos sendo roubados, porque os preços de tudo é absurdamente caro. E andar nas pequenas ruas de Caye Caulker sem precisar pedir licença para os milhares de turístas. Bom, mas já que estamos aqui, e nada é preço de mochileiro, vamos passar o dia com Carlos. Dizem que ele é o melhor em tours e já que é pra enfiar a faca no peito, que seja de uma vez.  Foi um dia intenso, de muita admiração por nosso guia, pelo descoberta de um mundo marítimo e feliz, pois a escolha não poderia ter sido melhor. Carlitos só olhou para o meu pé e já sabia que número de pé de pato eu calçava. Entrar na lancha linda e nova, só depois de tirar os chinelos e lavar os pés na água doce.  Primeira parada, colocar os equipamentos, cair na água e foi só nadar com os peixinhos, eles seguiam Carlos enquanto o mesmo nos mostrava várias espécies maravilhosas no fundo do mar. Segunda parada foi para nadar com as tartarugas gigantes e depois de dar comida aos tubarões. Carlos nos deu sinal verde para aproveitar a água salgada com os grandes bichos e tirando o medo, foi demais! E último e especial stop foi para ver o peixe-boi lá no fundo do mar. Como ele são grandes, gordos e lindos. Era um casal que estavam sem beijando com muita paixão… Muchas gracias Carlos, por nos mostrar a parte linda de Belize!