jbjclj
Contributor
Where did you stay and who did you dive with? Great report
Cozumel vrs. Belize
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mahjong
Contributor
I stayed at Paradise Villas, just north of the town center--technically still in San Pedro but a 3-5 minute walk to the town center. Paradise was really great. Full kitchen (fully stocked with kitchenware), living room, dining area, bedroom and bathroom. Like home away from home, but with daily cleaning service. Very decent pool, with a great outdoor shower--I showered daily al fresco (something I like to do; I don't over analyze it ;-). A resident cat or two or three meowed at my door each morning. The property is very convenient. Literally outside the back door (opposite the beach) is a nice fruit and produce stand. Walk a few dozen paces to the right and there are two supermarkets. Immediately to the left are two very nice delis; Mathieu's has excellent bread/baguettes. Nothing is far from anything on foot, though. It's a manageably small place. The golf carts buzzing around town I sense are mainly those people living outside San Pedro, farther north and south of town.
I dove with Reef Adventures, whose shop is on the dock that is almost immediately outside the front gate of Paradise. Ridiculously convenient. You can keep your gear at the shop (I kept everything there except my regs and computer and mask), though you wouldn't have far to walk with your kit if you wanted to keep it with you. They do everything for you, including rinse your gear. When you show up in the morning, your gear is rigged up and on the boat. Ched is the local part owner, Capt'n Ron the itinerant American one who resides in Oregon when not on Ambergris. Mike was our guide on all outings--he's a laid back and easy going Belizean, but cooly contientious (he sits in for the chicken if it fails to poop; he announces where he'll be drinking each night, hoping you'll be there too and take care of your guide; he welcomes any and all complaints, esp those written on a hundred dollar bill--maybe you can imagine the likeable vibe you get from Mike). Chucky was our boat captain; he also took me and my wife snorkeling and fishing. Small operation, but I kind of liked that, esp when I saw the party boats (Amigos, Ramons, Ecologics) buzzing by (but if the winds kick up and wake the waves and you get sea sick, then you might appreciate a larger boat).
I dive my most advanced gear when traveling--MK20UL/G250, Scubapro backpack/DR travel wing, old Aladin sport computer (here at home I dive MK10s and adj 109s). No Nitrox, and I'm pretty sure Reef didn't have any (but I'm guessing Reef's tanks are filled elsewhere and I don't know if that fill station might have Nitrox). What's an analyzer ;-)? I might note that I wore my 3mm fullsuit plus a 2mm vest in the 82 degree water off Ambergris, and, as usual, I was shivering after 25 minutes. Almost everyone I dove with was a freak who wore a t-shirt and board shorts, or at most a very thin neoprene rash guard top. Next time I go to Ambergris I plan to bring my TLS350 and Polartec underwear.
I dove with Reef Adventures, whose shop is on the dock that is almost immediately outside the front gate of Paradise. Ridiculously convenient. You can keep your gear at the shop (I kept everything there except my regs and computer and mask), though you wouldn't have far to walk with your kit if you wanted to keep it with you. They do everything for you, including rinse your gear. When you show up in the morning, your gear is rigged up and on the boat. Ched is the local part owner, Capt'n Ron the itinerant American one who resides in Oregon when not on Ambergris. Mike was our guide on all outings--he's a laid back and easy going Belizean, but cooly contientious (he sits in for the chicken if it fails to poop; he announces where he'll be drinking each night, hoping you'll be there too and take care of your guide; he welcomes any and all complaints, esp those written on a hundred dollar bill--maybe you can imagine the likeable vibe you get from Mike). Chucky was our boat captain; he also took me and my wife snorkeling and fishing. Small operation, but I kind of liked that, esp when I saw the party boats (Amigos, Ramons, Ecologics) buzzing by (but if the winds kick up and wake the waves and you get sea sick, then you might appreciate a larger boat).
I dive my most advanced gear when traveling--MK20UL/G250, Scubapro backpack/DR travel wing, old Aladin sport computer (here at home I dive MK10s and adj 109s). No Nitrox, and I'm pretty sure Reef didn't have any (but I'm guessing Reef's tanks are filled elsewhere and I don't know if that fill station might have Nitrox). What's an analyzer ;-)? I might note that I wore my 3mm fullsuit plus a 2mm vest in the 82 degree water off Ambergris, and, as usual, I was shivering after 25 minutes. Almost everyone I dove with was a freak who wore a t-shirt and board shorts, or at most a very thin neoprene rash guard top. Next time I go to Ambergris I plan to bring my TLS350 and Polartec underwear.
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Thanks for more info, mahjong. I've been in contact with Reef Adventures and will probably use them. I'm glad you gave such a good report about them....makes me more comfortable with the choice for us. The place we're staying is about a 3 minute walk from Reef Adventures according to Cap'n Ron. Works for me!
diverrex
Contributor
I've been to both Coz and AC twice each. If I went back to one I'd choose AC. I like the town's vibe much better, much more laid back, but also with better restaurants. As for the diving I think the viz is better in Coz and Coz probably has more fish, but Belize has more of the bigger stuff - rays, nurse sharks, and groupers. But I totally get why people like Coz so much, it has really good diving at a really good price, and is fairly easy to get to.
Besides Ambergris, there are also the numerous out islands (Caye Caulker!) or shore options. Since you are traveling with your boys, is it possible you could spend some time in-country? Belize has eco-tourism, jungle, Mayan ruins, and even cave tubing. All very cool. We made that trip several years ago with the kids and it was an awesome experience--including the diving! Btw, you don't mention the time of year you are going, but I believe they've just started the Whale Shark season--goes on until early summer, I think, and is dependent on the full moon. But you'd either have to be on one of the outer islands or pay extra for the whale shark excursion. Whatever. It's all good!
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