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Manatee Lodge
The Lodge was originally built as a fishing outpost for the pursuit of such game fish as tarpon, snook and bone fish. Manatee Lodge has transitioned over the years to become a choice destination for naturalists, birders and anyone interested in the wealth of natural history accessible in and around the Southern Lagoon area.
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More Info:
About 25 miles south of Belize City lies a unique body of water which is the home to one of the most unusual mammals in the world - the docile manatee. This body of water is the Southern Lagoon and is part of a huge estuary system of several rivers, many creeks, the Northern Lagoon and many channels which connect to Belize City. Stretching northward into the Southern Lagoon is a narrow, 2-1/2 mile long peninsula on which is located the village of Gales Point.
This village was originally settled by logwood cutters in the early 1800's and many of their descendants still populate this Creole village. The very northern tip of this finger of land is the picturesque setting for Manatee Lodge.
The surrounding islands, mangroves, creeks, savannas and jungle provide homes for a huge variety of birds, plant life, and mammals including manatees and jaguars.
The Southern Lagoon is bound on the west by the foothills of the Maya Mountains. These unusually shaped limestone formations jut from the savanna grasslands and are thickly covered with dense jungle growth. Found within these structures are caves, many containing remnants of the ancient Mayan civilization.
Thick mangroves separate the Lagoon from the Caribbean Sea to the east. These tangled mangrove forests provide a rich nursery and feeding grounds not only for sport fish but also for lobster, crabs and a multitude of other marine life, as well as nesting places for the many water birds in this area - white ibis, egrets, herons, and ospreys. The Lagoon waters still abound with game and table fish - tarpon, snook, jacks, snapper, mullet, sheephead, and many more. Fishing on your own or with one of our experienced local guides can make this a great adventure. Most of the sport fishing in these waters is 'catch and release', however, if you snag a good table fish, our cooks will prepare it for you!
Abundant sea grass beds along the lagoon bottom support a large local population of Manatees. These gentle "sea cows" can be seen basking at the surface or coming up for breath while grazing. The bellowing of rival bulls can be heard over the waters during mating season. Manatees in this area are protected and are the subject of many research groups.
Easily accessible from the Lodge are miles of deserted beach on the Caribbean coast where one can wander for miles in the solitude of sand, sea and sun - a beach combers delight! The observation of the egg laying and hatching of several variety of sea turtles has become a highlight for the Manatee guests. Loggerheads, hawksbill, and green turtles come ashore to a virtually undisturbed beach site on the Caribbean coast to lay their eggs. The protection of the nesting areas of these unique creatures is important to their future existence.
All of these natural wonders are part of the Manatee Lodge experience waiting for the adventurous and appreciative traveler.
Nearby Attractions:
Sport fish for trophy Snook, Snapper, Tarpon, Gaint Grouper, Jack and Barracuda with the best. Swim, sail or canoe in the expensive shallow lagoon. Paddle to the nearby Manatee Spring/ Tarpon Hole. Or, test a hammock on the large covered veranda or by the water's edge. Snorkel the reef on a tiny uninhabited island, Rendezvous Caye. Trek jungle, explore caves and swim in cool jungle streams ( where the water is so pure that we drink it ).
Venture out to some of Belize's natural attractions including Jaguar Reserve, Mayflower, archaeological site, Maya center, Blue Hole/ St. Herman's Cave National Park, Belize Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Butterfly Farms, Tobacco Caye and more.
ATTRACTIONS
Manatee Watch - Although manatees can be spotted almost anywhere in the Lagoon area, the most likely spot to begin is at the "manatee hole" approximately 200 yards off the Point northeast. Here is a bottom depression, which is fed by warm under ground springs. The manatees rise for air every 25 to 30 minutes. Some are more easily seen as they bear the tags of the local researchers. Manatee watching can be done as a solo tour or combined with other attractions. As in wanting to observe any animal in the wilds, it takes patients and is not always guaranteed.
Ben Loman Cave - This 'dry' cave is located within one of the limestone foothills which juts from the flat floor of the savanna on the northwest shore of the Southern Lagoon. From the Lodge it is approximately 10 minutes by boat to the far shore and a short 10-minute walk through the short grasses of the savanna to the cave entrance. Within are interesting stalagtite and stalagmite formations. This is an easy tour with no strenuous climbs or descents.
The Manatee River Cruise and Jungle Hike - You will cruise up this lazy river, which is heavily overhung with jungle growth, as far as the boat can go. Disembarking to hike through the jungle, you will pass huge stands of giant bamboo (the world's tallest grasses!). Beneath the canopy of mahoganies, cohune palms, sapodilla, and many other tropical hardwoods, you can observe the passage of many of the inhabitants of this world- the footprints of jaguars, tapirs, gibnuts, coati mundi, and other jungle creatures. Many colorful bird species can be heard and seen along this pathway. Stop and take a dip in the clear cool waters of the river at any of the sand beach areas. The trail crosses the River and ascends to explore another cave. This is an excellent tour to combine the waters and the jungle!
Bird Caye - This large rookery lies in the Northern Lagoon and can be heard before it is clearly observed, as it is the nesting area for white ibis and egrets. There are always other species of birds there also adding to the noisy clamor. Manatees and crocodiles are often seen enroute to this unique island.
The Bar River Caribbean Coast - The Bar River connects the northeast corner of the Southern Lagoon to the Caribbean Sea. This wide deep channel is the ideal place to find game fish- tarpon and snook - lurking in the shady shallows of the mangrove shores. Often there are crocodiles basking in the sun on the muddy banks of the mangroves and many water fowl dip and swoop across the placid waters. The Caribbean Shoreline from Belize City to Dangriga is virtually deserted except for sand, palms, and sea! This is the nesting ground for loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles. The turtle nesting/hatching time starts in May and continues through October. Arrangements can be made with Mr. LeRoy Andrewin to observe this unique faucet of nature during the 'turtle season'. Mr. Andrewin, a local resident of Gales Point, has assumed the role of "Turtle Guardian" and personally conducts this turtle protection program.
The Jaguar Reserve at Cockscomb Basin - This is the only jaguar reserve in the world. It is a well-maintained park with an excellent trail system. Available are self-guided tours as well as guided tours conducted by well-informed licensed guides. The park is approximately an hour and a half drive south from Manatee Lodge. At the entrance to the park is the Maya Center, which offers crafts created by the local Mayan residents, a medicinal herbal tour, and local eateries. This tour is often combined with a stop at the Mayflower archeological site.
The Village of Gales Point - Walking through the village and meeting the residents can be an interesting experience. There is only one road so there is no fear of getting lost. The villagers are very friendly and willing to share their culture.
Amenities:
Accommodations at Manatee Lodge are upscale and affordably priced. Private hot and water showers, 24 hour electricity and screening are in every spacious room; each with its own theme brought to life with whimsical murals painted by our own distinguished artist, Ms. Kaaren Shrine. Your room is tastefully decorated and situated to catch the near cross water breeze. Pillows are soft and comfy. Beds are extra long. The breeze sounds like soft rain rustling palms outside.
Evening at the lodge brings beautiful painted sunsets also over the water and behind the mountains. Guests enjoy hearty homemade meals and delectable desserts in the octagonal polished wood dining room. Then stargaze into the expansive dark night sky, loaded with stars (look for the shooting stars). Or paddle out a ways and catch a glimpse of the phosphorescence (known locally as "burning") that lights up your paddle in the dark.
Available for the use of the guests are canoes in which individual tours can to made around the Lagoon to explore the many fascinating areas. Our guests can just relax in the hammocks or participate in guided tours by water or land. Another enjoyable part of the day is gathering on the large veranda or in the Great Room to watch the sunset over the Maya Mountains and to recount the day's adventures.
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