X-rails in Cozumel

For our excursion in Cozumel we decided we wanted to try something different mixed with a little excitement so we signed up for a X-rail Off Road adventure. We took a buggy through the island 's inland jungle. Let me warn you, if you have a bad neck, back or heart this excursion is not for you.

Excited, clean, and relaxed

This was one heart pumping, thrilling ride up hills, through mud, dirt, and sand. We took a 45 minute ride through the seldom explored jungle to Jade Gardens Cavern. We had the chance to cool of in the emerald waters of the cave system. I decided to just take in the unique formations and exotic surroundings. Well let me keep it real: I was upset because Nelson drove through a big mud pit and my camera got wet and stopped working. I was worried I lost all of our memories from our vacation so I sat on the sidelines sulking plus I was a little leery of the sulfur scent and bat droppings.

We got so banged up during this ride. You're bound to crash your buggy at least once because of the lack of power steering and Nelson had the battle wounds to prove it.

I like to try new, thrill seeking things and I'm glad I did it, but once was definitely enough for me. Let's face it: I'm too girly to get this dirty.

Dirty, hot, sun burned, and tired

You better Belize it!

My Belize caving tubing and zip line experience was by far the best excursion experienced on this trip. We met in the Belize Tourism Village where we were introduced to the most energetic, funny and knowledge guide team possible. We had to take a 1.5 hr bus ride into the rain forest. On our way there, the tour guides showed us places of importance to their country, gave us history lessons, the break down of the many cultures and people of the island and much more. Their jokes and antics made the pothole filled, hour long drive bearable.

Our zip line adventure consisted of 8 zip line platforms located within the rain forest canopy. Some platforms are as high as 85ft into the canopy and as far apart as 250 ft. It was quite an exhilarating experience by itself but taking in all the wildlife and nature you're surrounded by makes it 10 times better. We even got to see their national bird, the Toucan.

Then we were off to do some cave tubing

In order to get to the cave entrance you have to walk about 40 mins through the rain forest with your tube. Thank God for Nelson who carried mine the entire way

Let me tell you, it's kind of hard to maintain your sexy wearing a bulky life vest and a flashlight on your head...lol

Finally we arrived and boy was the water cold but refreshing. The entrance of the cave was so beautiful. We were all attached to each other, with our guide leading the way. Unfortunately the caves were too dark for me to capture the true essence of their beauty. We explored the cave system and formations (that's where the headlights come in).

At the end our tubing experience, we were separated and able to pick up a little speed and floated along to the end

After all the activity, we had a the most FANTASTIC Belizen lunch buffet ever... YUM!!

Roatan

For our shore excursion of Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras, we decided to take a tour off the beaten tourist path. I thought this would be a great plan especially since Nelson is really into different cultures and spending time with the locals

We were able to see authentic fish towns and villages on stilts

Fishing is one of the major industry's and the fishing season here begins in July and ends in February

We took a motorized canoe called a Cayuco into the mangrove tunnels

On our way there and back we saw children being transported by boat on their way home from school. What a cool way to travel!

Mangroves are a natural defense against coastal erosion, found at the ocean's edge. They are a nursery for marine organisms and provide a feeding ground for many endangered birds. Mangroves are threatened and it's illegal to cut them down.

The view from on top of a hill

Afterward we went to Sherman Arch's Iguana Farm. He started this hideaway 18 years ago to protect the species.

Imagine almost 3000 iguanas, cocks, roosters, and lizards just roaming around freely. Who knew bananas would be the snack of choice for iguanas.

Seeing all those reptiles just trotting by was a little creepy but interesting nonetheless

He also had a pond with turtles, talking parrots, and monkeys in cages

Unfortunately a lot more was suppose to be included in this tour, including a beach break at Turquoise Bay and the authentic Garifuna villages: the native people of Roatan but we had a lazy, swindling tour guide but don't worry I complained to the company we hired and we're actually getting a full refund.

Because we were a little disappointed, we headed over to Fat Tuesday's for a little pick me up and silly fun