16:06N 88:16W

 

...well the closest thing to it – the beautiful Sapodilla Cays at the southernmost tip of the Belize reef.  We stopped here last year en route to Guatemala and again en route to Roatan earlier this season.  It is absolutely stunning here – crystal clear water, gorgeous small cays dotted with palm trees (the ones that didn’t blow down in Hurricane Mitch) and white sandy beaches.

 

We left Utila just after lunch yesterday and had a brisk start to our sail.  With just the genoa out we were rocketing along at 7 knots so had to reef right down to slow down for a daytime arrival.  The Belize Cays are littered with unmarked shoals and coral heads.  It was a pretty uncomfortable trip – the seas were confused and it was very rolly so no much sleep was had.

 

After anchoring we went for a swim and just after, saw a shark swim by – in about four metres of water.  David had just cleaned the tuna we caught on the way so maybe he smelt that.  A few hours later a huge ray came right beside Bandit and fed in the weed.  The Belize Cays are known for the fantastic marine life – we are anchored in a marine park.  So looking forward to some snorkelling.