06 - Orchid Bay

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After our busy Monday and a full morning teaching robotics at Pathlight in Orange Walk, our Pathlight hosts had arranged an excursion to Orchid Bay, a peaceful waterfront community on the northern coast of Belize. The drive from Orange Walk took about an hour and a half, which turned out to be just long enough for Sanaye, Sanya, and Joshua to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

Orchid Bay is known for its mix of vacation villas and private residences, with shady coconut palms, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe. The area has a history as a fishing and trading spot for coastal communities. Today, it’s a quiet getaway popular with both visitors and Belizeans. By the time we rolled in, the afternoon sun was warm and inviting, and the saltwater pool sparkled.

Sanaye and Sanya wasted no time slipping into the pool to cool off. Laura attempted to snorkel off the beach, but the shallow water and silt bottom made snorkeling tricky. After about half an hour of trying to wade far enough out (without water shoes), she decided the pool was a better bet and joined Sanaye and Sanya there.

Sanaye and Sanya standing in a sparkling pool under a mostly sunny sky with a clear blue ocean stretching out to the horizon behind them
After their swim and changed for dinner, Sanaye and Sanya pose for a photo on the beach in front of palm trees. A pier stretches out in the ocean behind them.
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Not everyone was eager to jump in—the photo on the right shows Benjamin’s closest encounter with the water. He and Joshua were perfectly happy keeping their feet dry. Teresa relaxed in the shade on a beach chair and took in the sights, while. Benjamin and Joshua, ever the adventurers, took off exporing.

The afternoon gave us a chance to rest, recharge, and simply enjoy each other’s company outside of a teaching setting. As the sun set, we gathered for a hearty dinner at Orchid Bay’s small general store, bar, and restaurant, which was quaint and welcoming. It was the perfect way to end a slower-paced day.

The MSU team and Alex all looking up from the table before dinner arrived at the Orchard Bay Bar and Restaurant.
Sunset at Orchard Beach. Looking out from from an inner pathway, through the silhouettes of shrubs and palm trees to the sea and a bright orange and yellow sky on the horizon.

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