Ambergris Caye Journals

Belize diving

A June 2002 trip to Ambergris Caye by amp2006

Quote: Belize, located in Central America and closely tied to the Caribbean, is a favorite dive spot due to its vivid coral and rich undrwater life.

    Belize diving

    Overview

    Quote:
    The Cayes (Ambergris is the biggest island off Belize) are known for water activities. This is the second favorite dive spot in the world with the Hol Chan reserved for beginners and the Blue Hole for more daring divers. Other activities include snorkeling with sharks in Shark Alley, cave tubing near Belmopan, the mayan ruins at Altun Ha and Lamanai, parasailing, and sunset sailing.

    Quick Tips:

    Take a cab to Municipal Airport from the international airport and fly to Ambergris (or any of the Cayes) from there. You'll save -50 per person.

    Best Way To Get Around:

    Walking, water taxi, or land taxi at night were the best ways to get around the island.

    Lily's Hotel

    Hotel

    Quote:
    The accomodations were a bare minimum, but did include an air conditioner which proved important. The room lacked a tv but the hotel is located near all the nightlife including the local casino and the bar hotspots, such as Big Daddy's Disco.

    Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Lily's Hotel
    Barrier Reef Drive
    Ambergris Caye, Belize
    (501) 26-2623

    Xanadu Island Resort

    Hotel | "Xanadu Resort"

    Quote:
    Our friend stayed at this resort. They had a very nice suite with full kitchen, and the hotel had a nice pool. I'm not sure what constitutes a "resort" since there was no hotel restaurant or bar. However, this was a very relaxing hotel away from the activity and surrounded by nicer beaches.

    Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Xanadu Island Resort
    Beach Front San Pedro
    Ambergris Caye, Belize
    +501-226-2814

    Papi's Diner

    Restaurant

    Quote:
    This was a true local spot away from the tourist traps and main streets. The fish saute was incredible and there were plentiful side dishes per main entree. For an excellent dining experience, bring your own freshly caught fish and the folks will cook it up for and reduce your meal price by ~$8.

    Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Papi's Diner

    Ambergris Caye, Belize

    Los Cocos

    Restaurant

    Quote:
    We had a fantastic lunch here with choice of a meat entree surrounded by rice and beans and plenty of Marie Sharp's hot sauce. A great local spot that is tucked away off the beaten path.

    Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Los Cocos
    Back Street
    Ambergris Caye, Belize

    Quote:
    We took a river boat ride to the reserve where we spotted a few crocodiles. The Mayan ruins were very nice and the guide offered much history. However, the ruins were not especially big or majestic. The boat ride there took 2 long hours and we didn't see many animals.

    Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Lamanai Wildlife Reserve
    inland Belize
    Ambergris Caye, Belize

    Big Daddy's

    Attraction

    Quote:
    Big Daddy's was very mellow considered it's a "disco." The drinks were good but expect to wait a long time for mixed drinks. The outdoor bar area was a great place to spend the cool evening.

    Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Big Daddy's
    Front Street
    Ambergris Caye, Belize

    Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley

    Attraction | "Hol Chan, Blue Hole"

    Quote:
    Belize has some of the best diving in the world. Hol Chan is excellent for beginners and full of exciting fish and underwater life. The Blue Hole is a 130 ft drop where you are surrounded by coral, stalagmyte, sharks, fish, etc.

    Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 17, 2002

    Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
    Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker
    Ambergris Caye, Belize