Belize Tip for Aug 2012

[jeremyandelsa]

My husband and I are planning a trip to Belize in August 2012. We would like some advice on where to stay and which dive operators are the best. I have contacted a company called Tradewinds to help us out, but once I started asking for itemized statements of the cost of things, I never heard back from them. Has anyone out there used Tradewinds to book trips to Belize? :cool2:

 

[Hank49]

I don't know about Tradewinds. But I can tell you this. Belize has different dive areas that vary. San Pedro is the diving hub with multiple dive shops, restaurants, night clubs. Dive sites are within a few miles or even half mile from the beach. You're right on the barrier reef out there, Caye Caulker is the same type of location but less people.
Down south you have a few scattered resorts and then Placencia. More quiet little town. Better access to the inland activities than San Pedro. Mayan Ruins, cave tubing etc. But these areas are 15-20 miles from the barrier reef. Good diving though.
Then you have the outer atholls. Pretty much eat, dive and sleep type resorts on isolated little islands of Turneffe, Glovers and Lighthouse reefs. There isn't anything to do but dive basically but that is where the best diving is.
Hope this helps.

 

[jeremyandelsa]

Is there a hotel or dive center you would recommend over others? We are not looking for anything 5 star, but would like to get our money's worth. And, which dive shop would you recommend? We are interested in a day trip to the ruins, too...I guess I've got a lot of research to do, still....

Thanks!!

 

[Hank49]

I don't know all the shops. I can say this. Splash Dive Shop in Placencia has a good reputation. There are many in San Pedro that are good.
Marisol, on Glovers Reef is good. I've been there 4 times.
Turneffe Island Resort on Turneffe is good but expensive.

If you're doing day trips, Hamanasi Resort in Hopkins is very strategically located. It's the closest to the mainland activities and it's only about 10 miles by boat to the Southwater Marine Reserve, which has very nice diving.

Do a search here in the Belize forum. Belize

There are lots of reviews on shops and hotels. My personal choice? Marisol. I know the family, the manager and Glovers has great diving. It's a true dive resort though. No night life except for the little bar they have.

 

[jeremyandelsa]

Thanks for the good info! I've been looking around, just so much info out there that it's hard to decide!

 

[sharkwatcher1214]

I'm heading to Belize for my 2nd time this year and have been to the same place each time, Hugh Parkey's Dive Resort on Spanish caye. From Belize city they take you to the marinia then a 45 minute trip by boat to their private island. Nothing to do but dive and dive and dive. 12 cabanas over the water, no tv no phone no nothing but diving. It's great. here is there web site Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge on a private island in Belize
If you want more info let me know.