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4 day Manatee Kayak/Canoe Trip |
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This tour is something special for adventurers who would like to discover more than just the beautiful Laguna Bacalar but also the other lagoons in the lake system. |
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Our fully equipped camping trip leads you to the northern end of Laguna Bacalar on the first 2 days. In a side lagoon we paddle through the mangroves where you can discover waterfowl and raptors like the various herons and egrets, cormorants as well as Ospreys and Common Black Hawks and with some luck even a tapir or crocodile. You might see Spider Monkeys jumping in the canopy or Keel Billed Toucans in the lush jungle vegetation along the shore. |
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We spend the first night in Buenavista and as your guide is preparing a delicious dinner you can relax and enjoy swimming after a long day of paddling in the sun. |
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Goat Island is our rest stop on the second day, where we walk around the island on a jungle path before we head to our campground Frederico’s Laguna Azul in Pedro Santos, an area that is also called home for river otters. Here you have hot showers available and of course a cold beer (not included). In the evening we will do 2 hours of sunset paddling by going to the north end of the lake and entering a small narrow river covered by sea lilies and surrounded by mangroves, where you encounter bats, roosting in the mangroves and flying low over the water and you might see a moorhen climbing through the mangrove branches. When returning to the campground delicious homemade dinner is waiting for you and you can try one or two of Frederico’s famous Margaritas (not included) at your choice. |
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After a hearty breakfast we continue our journey southeastwards, leaving Laguna Bacalar and dive into the vast swamp area between Laguna Bacalar and Laguna Chile Verde following tiny creeks and channels where lining sometimes is necessary, depending on the water level. |
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In this area we spotted Jabirus, Reddish Egret, Boat Billed Heron and White Ibis on previous trips. |
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We float about 4 hours with the current until the mangroves open up and we enter Laguna Chile Verde. From here it is another 2 hour paddling until we reach our next jungle camp. After dinner you may join the guide for a night walk to look for the creatures of the night like owls, foxes, anteaters or armadillos. |
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Our last day is a shorter day of paddling but with some excitement since Laguna Chile Verde narrows into the river Raudales, where you encounter some tight bends and ‘rapids’ before reaching Laguna Guerrero, which is part of the Southern Quintana Roo Manatee Reserve. Around lunchtime we reach our final destination, Daniel the Manatee that was found by some kids as a lonely baby and the University of Chetumal raised him. Today he lives in his own large corral and a local family lovingly takes care of him. Here you can learn more about this endangered mammal and have the opportunity for closer contact by feeding or even to swim with him. |
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After this exquisite experience and lunch we will pack up our equipment and a transfer will bring you to the nearby less known but very beautiful and interesting ruins of Oxtankah where you can stroll around before heading back to the Villas Ecotucan. |
