Belize - Where to stay - beach resorts?

[A&M 90]

Along the same lines of Ground Threats thread....

I'm planning on going to Belize this Summer.

I'm looking for suggestions on a beach resort that will be:

1. Very reasonably priced.

2. Good scuba opportunities for my friend.

3. Good people watching opportunities for me.

Pics appreciated. Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Eric

[kramer]

Eric:

Keep in mind that Belize emcompasses many islands in addition to the "mainland". Most people stay in Ambergris Caye (key to us). I stayed on Caye Caulker at the iguana reef inn. Caye Caulker is a small island, probably 1/2 mile wide and 4 miles long. There are many places to stay there and no cars.....the locals drive golf carts. Iguana Reef Inn is probably the nicest hotel on the island and is VERY reasonably priced. There are several dive shops on the island and all are reputable. You land on the mainland and then take a taxi to the harbor. You then proceed on a boat with 20-30 others to your island destination. The boat ride was awesome and you get to see a lot of scenery. It was 8 of the most relaxing days of my life. Diving in the morning and afternoon and then lounging around in a hammock until dinner. Make sure to drink some panty rippers.......simply coconut rum with pineapple juice......very refresing. There is also a bar at then end of Caye Caulker that attracts everyone at night. I had quite a time visiting with people from Australia, England, Germany, Scotland and South America. There are also lots of students backpacking through the area.

Be safe wherever you stay......and have fun. You will come back to Texas totally relaxed.

chris

[jyoung]

Wildman was just there not too long ago and had a great time. You might want to check with him. You may be able to search here and find his story and picures.

[justhrowit]

Check out www.portofinobelize.com

Wife and I stayed there last June. It was my second trip to Ambergris Caye. Had a blast both times. I highly recommend portofino. For the most part, I sat on the dock fishing and drinking beer the whole time. Very relaxing. I did one snorkel trip. We took the hotels kayaks to the reef and swam around.

That's my suggestion.... Have fun on your trip!

Jay

[Mako]

Turneffe Flats is a great place. Check it out at tflats.com

Great place, fantastic fishing and unparalelled diving. Best diving I have ever done.

[boos2]

We stayed at Hamanasi in Belize but it was real secluded. If you want people try Ambergis (sp?) Cay. I'll post some pics whenI get home.

[Flame-Tamer]

Banyan Bay on Abergris keye was a little high but very nice cabanas. My FD buds stay on Caye Caulker and love it.

hank

[A&M 90]

Thanks for the info gentlemen. Excellent detail Kramer - I appreciate it.

I get the sense Belize may not be the best for people watching....is that accurate?

Eric

[hlansford]

I have stayed at Exotic Caye Resort and loved it. It is very reasonable and within walking distance of downtown San Pedro. It is not a fancy resort, but rooms are very nice and clean. They also have Crazy Canucks Bar right on the beach. There are dive shops all along the beach, ask the locals and they will recommend one. We dove with the one in front of the resort, but that divemaster has since opened his own shop and I can't remember his name. The web site for the resort is www.belizeisfun.com. I will try and find the diveshops name for you.

[samsdad]

Try Victoria house

Try victoria house on Ambergris Kaye. Get in one of the Palapas.

[kramer]

Eric:

Have you been to Key West??? Their "beaches" are not what you will find in Hawaii, Carribbean, or other Island resorts. Keys are islands linked underwater and as such they will not have what most people consider to be a "beach". Also you will not encounter the touristy and trendy beach atmosphere.........but if you want to get away from it all for a bit, this is definitely your place. Belize makes their own beer......Belikan......and they used to have a no import rule so do not go expecting to have your favorite US beer. Belikan is good, just one of the quirky differences on the island. Its nice to go to Hawaii, Carribbean, etc, but every once in a while its more fun to go somewhere that is not so trendy and popular. The barrier reef on Belize is 2nd only to Australia and many say that Belize is the ultimate diving destination. Great snorkeling too.

Hope this helps......

[Rotag]

We rent a beach house so cant hel on the resort.
We rented casa lisa last time.