Our four days on the island were spent at Tina's Backpacker Hostel. The owner of the same name was an elusive one, so we had to rely on Wes, Tina's right hand man. Oddly enough, Kirstie knew Wes from Boone and we all became pretty good friends. The only thing out of whack at the hostel was the three Frenchmen who ate jelly sandwiches and watched cable all day for three days. The end of the island had a tiny concrete pier that overlooked the ocean and a large thatch of white mangroves.
Mangroves are the foundation of islands.
As the roots grow into the water, they build up sand and silt, and, over the course of a couple thousand years, an island forms. The morning was normal enough as our illustrious guide fitted our goggles and flippers. The first stop was at the Manatee Park. Our guide was not amused. In the meantime, Carlos showed us many birds native to the region.