Barillas Marina

Sirena on the hook in Barillas Marina estuary.

Pool at Barillas Marina

Restaurant serves meals all day.

Kayaks available for rental by guests.

We've been taking advantage of some unfavorable wind and seas by staying put in the remote branch of Bahia Jiquilisco, home of Barillas Marina. Located on an upper loop of the estuary, the marina is well protected from wind and swell but we do get a nice tidal change each day. Most of the land is preserved as a wildlife sanctuary, so we see a great many birds and animals.

Yesterday we were privileged to take part in a turtle release. Operated by the government park services, turtle eggs are collected and raised, then released back into the wild, giving them a much better chance at survival. Two species of turtles and two species of land tortoises were released.

Shawna releasing tortoises.

Guards on the plantation make certain there are no poachers. Turtles are often killed to make turtle soup, a traditional remedy for illness similar to "chicken soup" in the US. 

Tortoises are captured and sold as pets. 

Next we were offered the opportunity to see wild spider monkeys. An old fellow from the plantation can call them down for bananas and feed them by hand. After several minutes of calling, the tribe started to come down from the tree tops. We could see them leaping from branch to branch as the tribe grew nearer, many of the females carrying young ones clinging to their chests.

Another male was kept in a cage and we were told it was because his tribe had fought with the home tribe and lost. All were killed but him, so he was placed in protective custody. Poor boy did not look happy to be caged while the rest roamed free.