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Caye Caulker - Belize Island Paradise (cont.)

Adventure seekers should look no further than the Raggamuffin Tours' outpost. Raggamuffin’s daylong snorkeling trip is darn near close to perfection. I highly suggest that you get your name on the trip list early since it often sells out.

The trip features lovely views, lively guides, three snorkeling stops and a bag lunch aboard the sailboat. Expect to see hundreds of tropical fish in colors ranging from bright yellow to metallic purple as well as interesting formations on the barrier reef.

You may feel an adrenalin rush as your snorkel past nurse sharks (don't worry, they don't actually have teeth), barracuda, eels and stingrays. If you don't come across these varieties on your own, the Raggamuffin guides will be sure to point them out for you.

Each time you climb back onto the sailboat, guides serve up fresh fruit and water to keep you hydrated and cut the salt that will have accumulated on your lips. After the last stop, you can watch the guides make ceviche using fresh caught sea creatures tomatoes and plenty of cilantro. They will then serve up ceviche and rum punch as you laze on board sailing back to Caye Caulker.

If you are short on time, the abbreviated half-day snorkeling trip is just the ticket. The also consists of three stops, but visit reefs closer to Caye Caulker.

Raggamuffin also offers a three-day, two night camping trip for those interested in a "Survivor"-like experience. Book this trip in advance as well. The trip includes meals, accommodations and several days of sailing adventures.

Those curious about the island's rich past can go cave tubing or visit the ancient Mayan ruins with Major Tom (http://www.cave-tubing.net/), who retired from the Belizean army and now runs a small tour business with a personal touch.

A day with Major Tom is like going on a field trip with a beloved professor. He speaks with authority on Mayan history, religion and culture, some material clearly gleaned from time spent with his Mayan grandmother.

A better source of wisdom would be hard to find, and Major Tom is also charming and professional. Major Tom's tours are based on the main land and should be arranged in advance.

The cave tubing is a quick, quiet glide under some impressive stalactites, and Major Tom offers up an informative tour on the walk through the rainforest to the cave mouth. The rocky formations are beautiful to see via hand-held flashlights. Just make sure to watch out for shallower parts of the tour. Your bottom may regret your lack of vision.

You can zip line as well, or opt to tour the Alto Hu Mayan ruins. They're covered with greenery at this point but still impressive in size and scope. Again, Major Tom delivers the back-story that will send you right to the library when you return home.

If you can't setup a day trip with Major Tom will find many other tour guides willing to take you cave tubing, to the Mayan ruins, or zip lining through the rainforest.

The island is as laid back as an ordered society can be, yet everything appears to run right on time. The water taxis arrive and depart on schedule, and the tiny airport is a model of efficiency. Just don't plan on having a meal while waiting for your boarding call. You'll end up with a hot dog and Pringles, if you're lucky.

It's one of the few times your trip to Belize falls short of paradise.

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