Help with summer planning

[boulderjohn]

My wife (a non-diver) and I are planning our annual summer tropics trip. We are thinking of two general possibilities.

1. 1. One week on Bonaire and one week on another of the ABC's.
2. 2. One week on the Belize mainland and one week on a caye.

We have never been to either, and the possibilities are dizzying. We have to deal with the challenge of traveling from Denver as well, which seems to be problematic for Bonaire especially.

We are looking for middle of the road accommodations; that is, we want to be comfortable without having to forego retirement.

I welcome any good advice.

 

[pigletfish]

My husband and I have done Bonaire, Curacao, and Belize -- both mainland (based out of Placencia) and Ambergris Caye. Although we are both divers, we tend to like to mix it up with other activities. For this I would highly recommend mainland Belize -- from Placencia we were able to dive and also to visit the jaguar preserve, Mayan ruins, a jungle canopy tour, the Belize zoo, etc. Placencia has an OK beach, but overall Belize is not know for beaches. Ambergris Caye was pretty boring except for the diving, and the beaches were pretty weak. Beaches on the outer atolls might be better (?).

Bonaire is a lovely island but might be boring for your non-diving wife. Flat and arid, and again no great beaches. Not a lot going on save diving and donkeys. But very friendly. Curacao has better beaches (and still nice diving), also more shopping and casinos. But it also lacks the natural beauty and attractions you'll find on mainland Belize.

You'll find a selection of mid-range accommodation in all of these places. It really comes down to what your wife likes to do while you're diving, and what you both like to do outside of diving. That will determine where you're happiest.

Have fun planning! almtree: