Bringing my gear to Belize?

[reddog]

I'm planning to go to Belize with a bud in February and would liek to hear from folks on whether I should bring my own gear or not. In general, I like using my own stuff and tend to lug it wth me. I'm concerned, though, that if we dive with a service not co-located with our hotel that I'll be forever schlepping stuff back and forth. Any actual experiences folks can share with dealing with this would be appreciated.

Having scanned the other threads it looks like Amigos del Mar is the Op of choice. I also saw a strong rec for the Mayan Princess across the street. Can anyone suggest other hotels nearby to AdM? We are prepared to pay a bit more for good, reliable digs.

I'm also a bit concerned having read a recent post that said the reefs were dead. Any other recent eyewitness accounts, particularly of the Half Moon caye would be much appreciated

 

[peterbj7]

Much of the rental gear you'll find you won't want to dive with, though ours is high end Scubapro. You should also be able to leave your gear at the dive center so it's washed and hung up for you, and set up ready for you the following morning. Or just kept safely for you to deal with yourself if you prefer it that way (as I know I would).

The reefs aren't dead, but much of the coral isn't particularly brightly coloured. The diving at Half Moon Caye is excellent, and the island itself is fun for a couple of hours.

A good moderately priced hotel quite near ADM (if that's who you choose to dive with) is Spindrift. Further south is Sunbreeze, well regarded. A good hotel down our way is Belize Yacht Club, and still further down is Banana Beach. All excellent in different ways. But wherever you stay, most dive operators will pick you up and drop you off.

I've not heard many reports on the Mayan Princess but I believe it's good. Pretty pricey though, if a quote I had from them yesterday is anything to go by.

 

[hil71]

Agree with Peter on the hotel front - people who i have dived with and who stayed in Mayan Princess liked it well enough but it is maybe a bit overpriced for what it is and it can be pretty noisy. Holiday hotel is a decent option - rooms for under $100. I have stayed in Sunbreeze (liked it alot) and dived with ADM - just leave your stuff up there at night - no probs. Nice walk up there in the morning too. Liked it as it had a pool and bar on sight and was really handy for town. Enjoy your trip! Hilary

 

[DiveMaven]

Diving out of the US is one big reason that my DH and I bought our own gear. Of course now that we have it, we wonder why we ever considered renting in the first place! <ha ha ha>

Take your own stuff, your life isn't worth the convenience of not lugging your stuff to Belize.

 

[peterbj7]

Don't do what some people do and bring your weights as well! As to choice of hotel, check out Spindrift. Right in the center of town, houses one of the best (value) restaurants, and offers very good value.

Depending on your personal metabolism, you won't need more than a 3mm suit, and I always use a skin without feeling cold. The suit is one of the bulkiest and heaviest items to bring, so cut right back on that.

 

[Hank49]

"I'm concerned, though, that if we dive with a service not co-located with our hotel that I'll be forever schlepping stuff back and forth."

The dive shops will fetch you at your hotel with the boat every morning for the dives so proximity isn't an issue.

 

[peterbj7]

Several dive shops will keep your gear for you, will dismantle it after diving, rinse, dry and store it, and will set it up again ready for your next day's diving. We will, and I'm sure we're not unique. If you're booked to dive after your first day we'll often pick you up in the actual diveboat and you'll find your gear set up & waiting for you. However, many people don't like shops messing around with their personal gear (I don't, actually) and we respect that as well. Essentially, we fit in around the customers' wishes if possible.

Another point. I had a customer come to me a few days ago just after returning from dive 1 of the morning. He was surprised the dive had lasted so long (it was about 70 minutes). I replied that if divers want to stay down and have air to do it, and there's no conflict with other divers on the boat, then we try to let them. He was genuinely surprised that we didn't stick to the "45 minute norm". Other than in the Florida Keys where it seemed to be universal when I was there, I didn't think that practice was common. Anyone any comments/experiences?

 

[drbill]

I had the same experience out on Caye Caulker... dive shop (Belize Diving Service) kept all my gear and washed it so it was ready the next day. I kept my U/W video equipment with me at my small hotel. It was an easy walk to the dive shop from my hotel so I didn't worry about transportation. Of course this was on Caulker. In some areas of Belize City you want to be careful about wandering out.

Good diving out on Lighthouse Reef and other spots.

Dr. Bill

 

[scubamax]

Just got back from Belize today. Stayed at Mata Rocks which is a smaller place south of town. Did all dives with Amigos Del Mar and was pleased. I brought my own gear as well as the others in our group...even if you want to keep it at your place its no big deal...Amigos Del Mar picks you up at the hotel dock which is about a max walk of 50 feet from the hotel.