Chetumal Bay is a perfect backdrop for the capital of the state. Take a boat or yacht trip along its shores for a panoramic view of some of the city's monuments, such as City Hall, the State Congress building, the lighthouse and the statues of the fisherman and manatee.
Chetumal Bay is part of the recently declared Manatee Sanctuary, established to protect Mexico's largest surviving population of this aquatic mammal. More likely than not, this but timid animal was the mythical siren that early Spanish mariners claimed to have seen during their voyages to the New World.
On a boat trip through Chetumal Bay and interconnecting backwaters like Guerrero Lagoon, you might catch a glimpse of the threatened manatee, turtles, cocodriles and a variety of birds including herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills, frigate birds, kingsfhisers and ospreys. There are several ports of call along the shores of the bay worth a visit. Calderitas is a popular bathing spot with several good seafood restaurants and Isla Tamalcab is a jungle - covered island lined with white beaches where the clear offshore waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
