The area called "the Rio Dulce" begins at the mouth of the river on the Bahía de Amatique at the Garifuna town of Livingston. Going upriver, one passes through a spectacular steep walled canyon lined with jungle vegetation and wildlife. The river then widens into a small lake, El Golfete, the shores of which are lined with beautiful locations, Mayan settlements and a manatee reserve. The river then narrows and passes the towns of “Fronteras” and “El Relleno” where there is an abundance of hotels, restaurants, marinas, services for boaters, medical care, communications and transportation.