Next time you visit Ambergris Caye, make sure you make time to visit one of the island’s most interesting critters: the manatee!
Fondly nicknamed “sea cows” because of their vegetarian diet of seagrasses, manatees are large, slow-moving mammals that reside in shallow waters off the island’s coast. Spending most of their day feeding, manatees can weigh up to 1,300 pounds. While they are sea creatures, interestingly enough, their closest related relatives are elephants!
Gentle and shy, the manatee has no natural predators. However, due to human threat and loss of habitat, they are listed as critically endangered and are facing extinction. Thankfully, the Belizean government is taking initiatives to protect this unique species, such as establishing sanctuaries and creating boat speed zones, laws, and regulations.
If you are interested in spotting a manatee on your visit to Ambergris Caye, let us know — we would be happy to arrange a tour for you.
