Hopkins and Southwater Caye

We are at lovely Southwater caye in southern Belize. Perfect weather, nice breeze, clear water...we could not ask for better! We're looking forward to an all-day snorkel tour tomorrow.

DANIEL MACIAS: Belize is, well, UNBELIZEABLE! A Fer-de-lance the first night was a good sign. This whole trip has been an incredible experience. Being a big herper, I was a little worried when I heard that snakes would be uncommon, it being the dry season. Thankfully though, we've seen quite a few snakes and frogs. The diversity of birds is also amazing. I didn't quite make it with Dr. Desmond's challenge to find 200 species of birds, but 112 species in just five days ain't bad at all!

Aside from the wildlife and natural beauty of the rain forest, the cultural experiences are probably the true highlight of the trip. Visiting the Mayan temples and being on such sacred ground has been a powerful experience. I have to admit that I was unsure about visiting Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, it being a sacred place that's become a tourist site. But if you respect the sacredness of the site and enter with the right mind set, I suppose it's okay. Being in the cave and imagining the ancient Maya finding their way through its chambers with nothing more than torches was very profound. All in all, being here and listening to the forest and interacting with the wildlife are experiences that will stick with me with the rest of my life. Now all I need to do is find a quick way to Belizean citizenship!

KRISTI: Here are some photos from the Garifuna culture presentation in Hopkins and snorkeling 101 this afternoon. Pictures and stories from our inter-tidal walk and night snorkel coming soon...