Wildlife Sightseeing with Manatee Spotting
About 40 minutes south of Placencia is Monkey River Village a small village at the mouth of Monkey River. This community was once a thriving town where the banana trade was centered, now still home to a small number of families. You will head out from Placencia with one of the guides from the village.
Along the way, you will pass through some mangrove tunnels. Once at the mouth of the Monkey River, you will head up the river cruising slowly as the guides point out various animals and insects of interest.
There are many species of birds, minute bats, sunbathing iguanas, turtles, and sometimes even crocodiles. Eventually, you will stop at a trail, whichever one is the favorite of your guide. He will then lead you along the trail pointing out other items of interest while looking for the elusive howler monkey. These guys are small but so loud that they can be heard from miles away, most times you get to see them. When done with the trail if the river level is suitable you will be able to take a swim and then cruise back to the village for some locally prepared lunch.
After lunch, indulge in a chat with friendly villagers or head home. On the way back, we stop at a local habitat area and look out for the West Indian Manatee. They are very shy but oftentimes you can get a good view of them. From there it's back to your resort to relax for the remainder of the day.