Asking for Turneffe dive resort recomendations

[Downing]

I woke up with my ears burning...

That was some slow burn. I posted that over three months ago (had to look it up)!

Good to see you back. Don't stay away so long next time.

 

[Stoo]

I've been here, but since we can't go anywhere, I guess I've been avoiding anything to do with Belize! We're all booked again for this year, so fingers crossed. I was much more optimistic about travelling, but the "hesitaters" are getting me all fussed up again!

 

[tursiops]

I've been to TIR in the past and think it's fantastic. But I am curious for those that have been in Placencia v Turneffe which do they prefer?

TIR, hands down, for the diving.

 

[Downing]

I've been here, but since we can't go anywhere, I guess I've been avoiding anything to do with Belize! We're all booked again for this year, so fingers crossed. I was much more optimistic about travelling, but the "hesitaters" are getting me all fussed up again!

I totally get that. I'm not flying again until the mask thing is over.

At the rate we're going, I may have to walk, lol.

 

[Stoo]

At the rate we're going, I may have to walk, lol.

LOL ya, we actually mapped out a driving route for sh!ts and giggles. It's a bit of a hike.

I understand Belize just re-instigated the negative COVID test requirement to get in to the country. I'm still a bit fuzzy on what requirements we Canadians will have on return, but I think a test will likely be required, which we can do at the airport in Belize, but I am REALLY hoping that that will be dropped before we go.

 

[Hank49]

LOL ya, we actually mapped out a driving route for sh!ts and giggles. It's a bit of a hike.

I understand Belize just re-instigated the negative COVID test requirement to get in to the country. I'm still a bit fuzzy on what requirements we Canadians will have on return, but I think a test will likely be required, which we can do at the airport in Belize, but I am REALLY hoping that that will be dropped before we go.

There are test sites in all the districts. And some resorts have health officials come and test you on site. No problem. The government is raking in some money. The PCR test is US$270.

 

[Stoo]

There are test sites in all the districts. And some resorts have health officials come and test you on site. No problem. The government is raking in some money. The PCR test is US$270.

That would be nice. We stay way offshore, so I don't imagine getting tested there is possible. I can only imagine how this will effect transiting the airport.

 

[Ayisha]

...I'm still a bit fuzzy on what requirements we Canadians will have on return, but I think a test will likely be required, which we can do at the airport in Belize, but I am REALLY hoping that that will be dropped before we go.

These are the current requirements and exemptions for those fully vaccinated entering Canada. It looks like there has to be a test upon arrival, but you may be exempt from the 14 day quarantine and 8th day test if you're approved for an exemption.

COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering Canada - Travel restrictions in Canada – Travel.gc.ca

Mandatory quarantine or isolation – Travel restrictions in Canada – Travel.gc.ca

COVID-19 and travel: Exemptions from testing and quarantine - Travel restrictions in Canada – Travel.gc.ca

 

[Hank49]

That would be nice. We stay way offshore, so I don't imagine getting tested there is possible. I can only imagine how this will effect transiting the airport.

I have two daughters working for resorts here. They say the atholl resorts offer testing also. Probably a bit more expensive but the convenience is worth it.
I'm flying to the US next week and will get tested in Hopkins at a new medical center called Caring Hands. Walk in.
Hopkins Village - Covid Test Belize

 

[Zonicles7]

I just returned from 2 weeks in Turneffe. Stayed at Blackbird Cay Resort. The new villa rooms were the nicest I have ever stayed in. All rooms have screened in porches. The food is very good with an emphasis on native Belizean dishes. Blackbird is owned by a wealthy Belizean family and the staff seems to really like their jobs. The reefs are diverse and healthy. Underwater species diversity is good to very good. The divemasters spear lionfish which show up later at happy hour. The price was lower than Turneffe Island Resort. Now that I have stayed at both, I prefer Blackbird as it was smaller, fewer people, and fewer rigid rules to chafe. The single supplement was waived because I stayed longer than a week.
The Covid test in the airport - walk up, pay $75, get a nasal swab taken, wait 15 minutes and assuming you are negative, they hand you the report that the airline will require of you to board your plane.
The biting bugs of Belize - and they are everywhere except Half Moon Caye - are called doctor flies. They are like deer flies that bite people - slow enough to whack, though. Hydrocortizone and Benedryl creams are inneffective so avoidance is best.