The Cayes and Atolls Places

Caye Caulker

Manatee Spotting

Several operators do boat trips to see West Indian manatees. It's illegal in Belize to get into the water with the gentle sea cows, but some tour operators do permit it. Tours typically cost around BZ$70-BZ$100 per person. Some stop at Goff's Caye, which has excellent snorkeling.

Charters, Lessons, and Equipment

Carlos Tours. Carlos Tours, one of the most recommended tour operators on Caye Caulker, runs snorkeling trips with stops at some of the best snorkel spots near Caye Caulker, and also at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and other places, along with manatee-spotting tours. Front St., at Calle del Sol, Caye Caulker. 226/0058. .

Red Mangrove Eco Adventures. Red Mangrove Eco Adventures offers "ecologically sensitive" manatee-watching tours—no swimming with the manatees. Front St., Caye Caulker. 607/1440. www.mangrovebelize.com.

Chocolate. Lionel "Chocolate" Heredia, who was instrumental in establishing Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary as a safe home for the manatees and who has pioneered responsible manatee tours, now only occasionally does tours. But if one is available (around BZ$100 including Sanctuary fee), jump at the chance. Front St., Caye Caulker. 226/0151. .

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