ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT "THE SHORES RESORT"

#1 Manatee Watching & a visit to Ben Loman Cave.
This tour takes you back into the Bar River and Southern Lagoon which is home to the largest population of Manatee in the Caribbean. Natural underwater springs provide the perfect environment for feeding, breeding and rearing of young. Herds of 6 or more are quite common and frequently are seen in the river and around the sand bar. Although the Manatees are quite docile and somewhat bashful, it is discouraged to actually go in to swim with them.

Ben Loman is a natural "living" limestone cavern complete with a small underground stream. A variety of stalactite and stalagmite formations mark the way as you wander from room to room. It is a short easy hike through the savannah to reach the cavern and we recommend sturdy shoes and your "old clothes". The Maya were there first, so it is not quite undiscovered. This tour is 3-4 hours long with departure around 9:30am with a picnic lunch in one of several enjoyable areas.

#2 Jungle River by Canoe and Nature Trails.
This adventure begins with a bit dusty and bumpy 20 minute ride by vehicle through the Maya foothills behind Southern Lagoon. Then you disembark with the canoes into the Manatee River, where you can take a cool dip in the clear waters before starting down river. This is NOT an effort in paddling endurance. You will drift quietly through the heart of the lowland jungle.

60 foot Bamboo sway and creak in the breeze as we easily come upon Parrots, Toucan and many other bird species. Wild orchids, Morning Glory, and Bird of Paradise grow in abundance. Tapir, Bush Dog and Tree Sloth are just a few of the species of wildlife to be encountered. We lunch and swim on a sandy shoal as the sunlight filters through the dense overhead canopy of foliage.

#3 Manatee Watching and Gales Point Village.
This day long discovery begins with Manatee observation and then a walk about and lunch in Gales Point. You will be enthralled with the culture and lifestyle of one of the many cultures found in Belize. Descendants of early African slaves and the original British settlers, the local 'Creole' revel in their enthusiasm to share stories, arts, and crafts of their colorful heritage. Primarily a fishing and farming village, visitors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join in a variety of activities, especially during holiday times when hand made musical instruments like skin covered drums and locally produced wines of cashew, grape, and casava are offered for sampling.

#4 Bird Caye Sanctuary and Seasonal Events.
Venture through the rivers and lagoons on a full day tour to a natural island bird sanctuary.

Ibis and Egret, including the fancy plumed Great White Egret, plus many other species like the King Vulture and Brown Booby return each year to nest and rear their young.

Although birds frequent the caye year-round, the March-July nesting season literally turns the island white with nesting birds and young.

A special seasonal event to be included with Bird Caye is the December-February nesting and hatch of the Morletts Crocodile. Typically, this reptile shuns human activity but during this period many young can be observed sunning along the river. You may have the opportunity of a photo with you holding a 2-3 footer to show your friends back home just what real adventure is.

#5 Dive and Snorkel the Longest Living Barrier Reef.
A full day snorkeling or two dives along with a picnic or mystery lunch. On both activities you will find wondrous coral formations, sponges, rays and reef fishes every color of the rainbow. Relax, swim and catch the sun on your own little deserted island atop the reef on a beautiful sandy beach. Equipment rental available. Tanks and weights provided.

#6 Spectacular Local Fishing.
A virtual endless number of inlets, outlets, coves, rivers, and lagoons provide FAST action for some serious contenders like the Wiley Snook, a variety of Snapper and Jacks, and the powerfully majestic TARPON. Bring your own gear or use ours. We provide the live bait and the special 'Killer artificials". Since we are surrounded by these fishing areas, we often return to the lodge for a mid-day meal and a short siesta before resuming the afternoon attack. We take up to three persons in the boat and the cost is for the boat, not per person.

#7 Boat Transfers To / From Belize City.
If you have just arrived in Belize, we waste no time in starting your adventure. Travel "back in time" on a one hour odyssey through canals, rivers, and lagoons WILD with mangrove and jungle foliage. The playful Dolphin, gentle Manatee, pre-historic Crocodile, and hundreds of birds will provide escort to our final destination. One hour is the minimum travel time but there is so much to see, we usually make a number of requested stops enroute. If you plan a round trip passage and think you will see the same things on your return trip- THINK AGAIN. We suggest you change into warm weather attire upon arrival. Beverages (soft drinks, beer and water) available onboard.

#8 Dangriga Culture and Shopping Excursion.
A 45 minute cruise down the coastline to the predominantly Garifuna {descendants of African slave and Carib Indian} settlement town of Dangriga, also known as Stann Creek. You'll discover another distinctive blend of cultures as we visit the shops of drum makers and a variety of unusual crafts. Our lunch today will be a sampling of local delights like Conch Fritters or maybe you'll prefer the 'cowfoot' soup.

#9 A Full Day of Island Hopping Adventure.
An experience in island life. It's all play today as we cruise by numerous uninhabited cayes, stop over beds of beautiful coral for a cool swim and snorkeling before arriving on the little island paradise of Tobacco Caye. Swim and snorkel in the emerald waters, mingle with the friendly and hardy folk of this small place that time has passed by. The freshest of fresh fish, conch and lobster will be the lunch fare today. All your favorite beverages available on the island.

#10 Gales Point Transfers.
Like the rest of our excursions, you never know what exciting scene will unfold on this 20 minute plus ride.

#11 Sea Turtle Nesting.
One of our more "Special" activities. We'll beachcomb, swim, play in the sand and look for turtle tracks. Turtle tracks lead to turtle nests. Even though a female turtle has no part in the rearing of her young, she goes to great extremes in finding what she feels is the perfect, protected spot to place her eggs. Unfortunately, predators have increased in numbers and adult turtle deaths caused by humans have caused drastic reductions in the population which has placed the Hawksbill Turtle on the endangered species list. Protective wire mesh is placed over the nests and removed as the baby turtles begin to hatch and dig their way out of the sand. You will be inspired with their incredible sense of direction as they quickly scramble to the sea. On our night walks we have the opportunity to observe the females picking, placing and covering their new nest. There is no charge, but donations are accepted for the Sea Turtle Protection Fund.

#12 Birding and Nature Trails.
Take a "Back-a-Bush" expedition on your own or with one of our informative guides. Trailheads begin (and hopefully end) at the lodge. A true "Stanley and Livingston" adventure. Your sensations run wild as you silently pass through the 'busy' world of nature.

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The Shores website: http://www.theshoresbelize.com