Belize airboat

A bus, from the small mall of shops and restaurants where the tender dropped us off, prevented us from setting foot on a city street.

We drove for 25 minutes, out of the city and into the country, passing piles of garbage strewn by the roadside on occasion, until we came to the edge of a mangrove lake. This would be the home of the jet boat company-Chukka Tours- and the boats were berthed at a wooden dock.

The Chukka Tour staff of a dozen or so were the only Belizians we would meet whilst ashore. They were young, witty, helpful, professional and good natured. They have jobs and the jobs are outdoors and fun.

Here are the airboats 

This fun and informative young lady is Sandy and she would be our guide once on the water. She would identify the wildlife from a laminated chart when we were stopped or going slowly. She stood during the whole 45 minute trip, only falling once on a tight turn.

We are looking forward to this adventure!

Once on board there is a safety briefing. There are no seat belts but there are lifejackets under the seats, although the water will not be deep. We will all wear earphones to dull the roar of the engine and take them off when the guide wants to talk to us. She will also alert us to sharp turns coming up so we can be leaning the right way.

I will be trying to take photos and shoot video and hopefully (fat chance!) keeping my cameras dry from the spray as we sail along at 30 knots.

These are the replica laminated guides that would be referred to to aid in identifying birds we might see out on the water

A lot of variety in Belize

The water on the lake was calm although with the speed of the boat the wind in your face would be very strong indeed. Don't waste your time having your hair styled before the trip...

We would also sail off the main lake into the mangroves and stop. There all was calm and quiet.

At one point we stopped in the lake and the guide fed some raw chicken to a crocodile

It's uncomfortable at times,very breezy and you will get splashed-but an exhilarating ride.

When the boat turns it tips at an angle of maybe 30 to 40 degrees so plant your feet firmly and lean into the turn.

Once off the lake we cruise back through the canal where the boats are docked and the crew help you from the boat as they did on embarkation.

There is time,of course, to visit the gift shop, buy a tee shirt or grab a drink (beer in my case). Very reasonable prices.

We gave Sandy and the driver a cash tip as did many people.

Then it is back onto the bus and back down the dirt road to reach the main road back to Belize City

Here's some video of the adventure