Belize’s Manta Island Resort may have been named for the graceful manta rays that thrive around Glover’s Reef Atoll, an elegant ring of coral that hosts this popular resort, but these rays—who are every bit as intelligent as dolphins, primates, and elephants—prepare to share their habitat with critters that are smaller every spring.
If you’re thinking that this refers to the invasion of tourists eager to beat the summer crowds, think smaller. Loggerhead turtles nest at nearby Middle Caye between May and November every year, though a few of them launch their annual cycle of reproduction as early as April.
Supporting this annual ritual is critical to the ecology of the region, thus personnel from Middle Caye fisheries show up to check out the year’s Loggerhead visitors, making a big contribution to species survival by tagging each generation of turtles. They also track annual incubation patterns to spot anomalies that indicate changes in numbers or behaviors are taking place, possibly due to changing weather patterns.
Want to be part of this annual event?
The partnership between Manta Island Resort employees and folks from area fisheries is sacrosanct. Once statistical information is collected and correlated by fisheries workers, the Manta staff creates laminated information cards that are posted on the beach site to inform visitors about the importance of maintaining distance.
As a further measure, caution tape is placed around the nesting area. Folks at the fisheries keep tabs on this turtle nursery. Should the expected hatching date pass without the usual signs of baby turtles, they are on the front lines alongside students from the U.S.-based World Conservation Society (WCS) to figure out why.
Would you like to witness this miracle for yourself? Manta Island Resort pairs barefoot luxury with responsibility, welcoming guests as interested in knowing more about this annual event as they are about fun and relaxation. Experience sea turtle nest laying and baby turtle hatching for yourself. To simplify every aspect of your stay, a Manta Island Resort All Inclusive Package covers local transport, digs, meals, and lots more, so you can focus on turtles rather than where you’ll sleep or dine while you vacation.
Turtles, tourists, and thou
What can you expect from a Manta Island Resort stay that extends beyond a turtle encounter? An introduction to one of the most fascinating coral reefs in the Caribbean, and enough onsite activities to keep folks of all ages delighted. Further, the number of package Add-Ons and tours to enliven your stay never disappoints, and spa services are enticing.
Given the wide hatching window the turtles provide, you can enjoy all of this between now and November, so how would you like to grab a price reduction, too? You could save on that already affordable package, thanks to this current special. Come for the turtles. Stay for the benefits you reap by coordinating your getaway with this miraculous seasonal event!
Call or email our Reservations office today!
(800) 408-8224
info@MantaIslandResort.com
www.MantaIslandResort.com
