Mother Nature smiled on our group today and showed us everything from howler monkeys, birds, iguanas, flowers, and crocodiles to the tiny sac-wing bats clinging to a tree trunk overhanging the riverbank. The group was able to get up close and personal with the jungle when we took a hike which culminated with the spotting of an entire troop of howler monkeys that were not shy about making their whereabouts known! If you’ve seen Jurassic Park, you will have heard that sound before! After that delightful river safari, it was back to National Geographic Sea Lion for brunch.

In the afternoon, we were treated to the drumming and energetic singing of one of the most popular bands in Belize: The Garifuna Collective! Since we were at anchor in the Placencia Harbor, it was just a short Zodiac ride to the Placencia Yacht Club where the performance took place. This dynamic group of musicians had everyone swaying to the rhythm of the music and many even dancing and singing along.

As the sun sank towards the underworld, we headed back to National Geographic Sea Lion, and thus ended another beautiful day in Belize.