Belize experience for timid newbies - recommendations?

[chillyinCanada]

Honduras is classified as a high risk for security concerns:

"Protests are frequently violent and may target or disrupt foreigners; they may be exacerbated by governance issues, including security or law and order capacity. Violent crime and terrorism pose significant direct or incidental risks to travellers and international assignees. Communal, sectarian or racial violence is common and foreigners may be directly targeted. Certain parts of the country are inaccessible or off-limits to the traveller."

Risk Map — International SOS

Go to the upper left corner and click on the LAYERS icon, then select SECURITY

I've traveled to half-a-dozen countries rated as EXTREME SECURITY RISK or HIGH SECURITY RISK (e.g., Somalia and Pakistan), but I won't be returning to Honduras.

Roatan is a completely different scenario than mainland Honduras. In any event, my recommendation wasn't for you, it was for the OP.

 

[Edward3c]

Give Reef Concervation International (ReegCI) a look. The diving isn't too demanding, and you're away from the crowds.

 

[DreadnoughtNH]

Hi all,

My wife and I are interested in going to Caye Caulker in Belize over winter break to do some diving. We are both very new divers with ~14 dives to our name, mostly drysuit diving in our cold Puget Sound waters as well as a day trip diving the Coronado Islands off of Tijuana.

My wife has sworn off of coldwater diving but is interested in trying the warmwater experience, and I'm wanting to make sure it is as positive and fruitful as possible for us. So we're looking for the right dive shop to use that could bring us to calm sites and be patient with our wanting to go slow and general noob energy.

It seems like most of the shops are doing these dives to ~75 feet or so, which technically busts our SSI open water limit of 60ft. Reading google reviews of Frenchies and others, many people have positive experiences, but the most common negative experience is impatient and grumpy divemasters. This is going to be a nonstarter for us, as I don't want to be rushed in a safety-critical environment. I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations for newb-friendly shops, or general guidance on whether these dives are appropriate for our current skill level. We'd be open to hiring a dedicated divemaster or extra guide to stick on us.

It seemed like Belize Diving Services would have been the go-to shop before their move.

For reference, the Coronado trip was very fun, but heavy (for us) surface current made it hard to rejoin the boat at the end. Obviously visibility would be the best we've ever seen but wondering about the depths needed and the current at the typical sites in the area.

This is probably the 'trial by fire' in terms of keeping my wife interested in diving, so I really want to make sure we have a great experience, even if it's kind of basic!

Late reply, but I have 2 suggestions:

If your heart is set on Belize, I recommend Chuck & Robbie's on San Pedro. Very low key dive shop. Tell them what you're interested in, the pace you are looking for, and they'll dial it in for you. Can't recommend them enough.

If you're willing to take a chance on a dedicated dive resort, based on your criteria Cocoview on Roatan would be a great match. It's about the easiest diving you can imagine; I go there regularly and it's like coming home every time. The ONLY possible negative is that it's a dive resort: if you're not diving, there are not many other options (although lounging in a hammock for a week with a book and margaritas can be tempting....).

 

[34109411]

Honduras is classified as a high risk for security concerns:

"Protests are frequently violent and may target or disrupt foreigners; they may be exacerbated by governance issues, including security or law and order capacity. Violent crime and terrorism pose significant direct or incidental risks to travellers and international assignees. Communal, sectarian or racial violence is common and foreigners may be directly targeted. Certain parts of the country are inaccessible or off-limits to the traveller."

Risk Map — International SOS

Go to the upper left corner and click on the LAYERS icon, then select SECURITY

I've traveled to half-a-dozen countries rated as EXTREME SECURITY RISK or HIGH SECURITY RISK (e.g., Somalia and Pakistan), but I won't be returning to Honduras.

Hi all,

My wife and I are interested in going to Caye Caulker in Belize over winter break to do some diving. We are both very new divers with ~14 dives to our name, mostly drysuit diving in our cold Puget Sound waters as well as a day trip diving the Coronado Islands off of Tijuana.

My wife has sworn off of coldwater diving but is interested in trying the warmwater experience, and I'm wanting to make sure it is as positive and fruitful as possible for us. So we're looking for the right dive shop to use that could bring us to calm sites and be patient with our wanting to go slow and general noob energy.

It seems like most of the shops are doing these dives to ~75 feet or so, which technically busts our SSI open water limit of 60ft. Reading google reviews of Frenchies and others, many people have positive experiences, but the most common negative experience is impatient and grumpy divemasters. This is going to be a nonstarter for us, as I don't want to be rushed in a safety-critical environment. I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations for newb-friendly shops, or general guidance on whether these dives are appropriate for our current skill level. We'd be open to hiring a dedicated divemaster or extra guide to stick on us.

It seemed like Belize Diving Services would have been the go-to shop before their move.

For reference, the Coronado trip was very fun, but heavy (for us) surface current made it hard to rejoin the boat at the end. Obviously visibility would be the best we've ever seen but wondering about the depths needed and the current at the typical sites in the area.

This is probably the 'trial by fire' in terms of keeping my wife interested in diving, so I really want to make sure we have a great experience, even if it's kind of basic!

Just to make sure you understand and i am sure you do. Caye Caulker is one island where you find Frenchies and San pedro is another island where you find belize diving service. I dove numerous time over a period of 3 years with Frenchies, excellent service. Dove once with BDS experience was great.

Both could bring you to Hol Chan marine park, not to deep and easy dive, this will be great for you and you wife.

I always prefer caye caulker more of a relax island compare to SP.

PM me i lf you like any information about the area was there from 2005/2008 from playa del carmen to utila . cheers