Our family went on a day trip to the Itamaraca Island, located in northern coast of Pernambuco. There, we had the opportunity to go an boat expedition through the the mud flats (mangue) area. The name of the island, Itamaraca, comes from the Tupi-Guarany language, and means “rock that sings“. The tropical holiday Island of Itamaracá is connected to the main land by a 400 meter long road bridge and is situated just 45-minute drive from the city of Recife and the international airport. It has an area of round 65 km² and rises to an altitude of about 20 meters.
The island was annexed for the Portuguese crown in 1526 by Francisco Garcia and in that year the first settler was Duarte Coelho from Portuguese Pernambuco. In 1631 the large fortification Forte Orange was built by the Dutch under Frederico Henrique de Orange, who at one time lived on Mauritius Island. In 1866 a lighthouse was erected on the island. Nature in abundance, cultural and historical sites are to be found on this island which is separated from the mainland by the “Canal de Santa Cruz“. The “mangue” or mangrove is a type of vegetation found in areas where the waters from the sea and from rivers are mixed, adapted to the high salinity and to the muddy soil – an unique experience to a biologist mom, a passionate photographer dad and, our delighted and curious children… See below some of the images taken during the the “Miranda Family expedition” – hope you all enjoy them, as much as we have!
View from the island
Getting ready for some good shots
Entering the “mangue jungle”
oyster colonies growing along the tree branches
deeper into the 'mangue'
'aquatic jungle'
closer look at the populations of oysters and mangrove crabs
tree roots make the best shelter for mangrove crabs
Getting “stuck”… our boat got trapped!
nowhere to go... 
We're stuck! Great opportunity for pictures!
intriguing roots and branches...
budding oysters all over the place!
Thrilled “explorers”
family back from 'manguetown'
lots of green on our way back to the island
a fantastic experience!
one happy explorer!
brasileiro? latino? no speak americano?? click!
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays
good feedback!
London Caller
December 14, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Such a wonderful place to explore!
Did you see any mudskippers?
3rd Culture Children
December 14, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Thanks for stopping by! No, unfortunately, I was only able to see mangal crabs, oysters, tons of bugs and daring fish…
But amazing experience, for sure!
Suzy
December 14, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Looks like a mystical landscape you were cruising through!
3rd Culture Children
December 14, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Thank you, Susy! That´s why I chose this one to submit to your “weekly challenge”… Greetings from Brazil!
Cherise
December 12, 2011 at 3:01 am
Super cool experience & photos … Charles & I would have enjoyed exploring there. Look like everyone had a fabulous time!
3rd Culture Children
December 12, 2011 at 7:37 am
We sure did, Cherise…. But hey, you and Charlie are much better explorers/travelers than we will ever be!
I’m trying to get all the images together, sort thru them, and post… We’re still working, kids still in school… getting ready for Xmas with my family here… Leonel’s been traveling a lot, so, any opportunity we have to be out of the house, as a family, we’re taking! The boat trip thru the mangrove was fantastic! Maria Cecilia’s first boat ride (no seat belts, so, imagine!) 
Cesar & Marcela loved it – and I took advantage of the experience for some “teaching” about biomes, ecosystems, aquatic animals/plants… was a totally win/win situation! Much love from Recife, Los Mirandas.
YAduhYAduH
December 11, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Lots of great memories for your family!
3rd Culture Children
December 11, 2011 at 4:44 pm
absolutely… That’s what we’re going for!
Marion Driessen
December 11, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Fascinating pictures. And a lovely family.
3rd Culture Children
December 11, 2011 at 4:45 pm
thank you, Marion!