Nords95

Our flight gets into Belize City at 2:30pm on a Sunday and I was wondering if that would be enough time to make the 4:30pm Triple J water taxi to to Ambergris Caye. My wife and I will have no checked luggage and only one carry on bag.

We are trying to decide on what hotel to stay at. We have narrowed it down to Ramons Village which will give us the honeymoon suite for $198.75 per night or Belize Legacy Beach Resort which will give us an Ocean View Suite for $151.13 per night. I know the money we save at Belize Legacy we would spend on taxi fare of cart rentals.

Does anyone have some pros and cons about both resorts? We are just looking to relax for 3 days since this will be our first vacation without kids in over 9 years.

JeanH

If your international flight is on time, you won't have any trouble making the water taxi. Even if it's a bit late, you should still be ok. What takes the longest seems to be getting your checked bags, since you have none, you'll be out the door quickly. Lots of cabs waiting outside. 20-30 minutes to the water taxi terminal.

As for hotels, I think the answer depends on how you want to spend your days on Ambergris. I hear wonderful things about Belize Legacy, but, it's too isolated for my taste. If you don't mind eating there most of the time, and just want to relax, it would be great.

I'm not a big fan of Ramon's, at least their regular rooms. I've never seen the suites. The property is lovely, and the beach is very nice. It's also pretty much right in town. That's a big plus for me, would be a negative for some. Large choice of restaurants and entertainment.

Enjoy your stay.

Nords95

Jean,

What other hotels would you recommend? I am leaning towards staying in town for the convenience of everything plus a little night life.

What places have the best beaches or pier/docks for snorkeling and swimming. I know the beaches have lost of sea grass and are not like the beaches we have in the states. Just looking for a locals opinion.

Josh

shillmac

Ramon's is giving you a deal. We paid $225 per night for a room that was certainly "not all that". Disappointing for sure, although we loved the location and the property. Eat elsewhere, though. LOTS of choices.

Hi Jean.

SiteC_er

Though we did not take the water taxi, I suggest a flight to AC. I took advice from others on this site and glad we did after talking to people who traveled via water taxi. By most accounts it was not a fun experience (I could be wrong). Have fun!

Nords95

My wife is not a big fan of puddle jumpers. How big are the planes and does Maya Air have bigger seats with more leg room then Tropic Air?

My wife gets travel agent discounts so we are getting 25% off the price at Ramon's.

SiteC_er

These are definitely puddle jumpers. However, fly time is only 15-20 minutes. We did not stay at Ramon's, but the location is very close to downtown.

JeanH

Ramon's has the nicest beach close to town. Before we bought we stayed at either Belizean Reef (usually) or the Palms, both condo properties right next to Ramon's. We had nicely furnished, large units for far less than a room at Ramon's. We still swam at Ramon's and snorkeled off their dock.

Shillmac is right, you are getting a deal on the room. I'd book it.

I'd also second the idea of flying, rather than the water taxi. It's so much easier and faster. Tropic and Maya use the same plane, they're Cessna's, I think Caravans. 12 or so passengers. If you're lucky, you can sit in the co-pilot seat.

As for other hotels, I like the looks of Xanadu, people seem to really like it. It's over a mile from town though. And, Victoria House, although it's two miles from town. For your short trip, and wanting to be close to town, stick with Ramon's.

RBCal

The puddle jumper flight is very scenic and part of the adventure.

MrShort1

I 3rd the flying. My wife usually takes Gravol but forgot the last time and it was fine. The water can be choppy. The time it takes to get to the docks is about 30 -40 minutes and then you have the ride and the cost of the taxi. By the time you realize you have taken off you have landed. I know it is less than 10 minutes to Caye Caulker and I can't remember how long it was to AC but not much longer. It is real nice when you leave Belize also because you can fly into the international airport about 2 hours before you leave versus 4-5 hours that you may have to allow when leaving on a water taxi. In Ac we stayed at The White Sands ( around $200 night- 2007)and it was very nice, no restuarants on site but lots near by. On Caye Caulker we stay at Pancho's Villas( around $65 dollars night)

shillmac

We loved the flying and the time it saved. Riding a 4 passenger back to Belize City was a real thrill--we felt so brave! And RBCal is right--it really does add an element to the adventure experience!

TracyB

How far in advance should one book a flight from Belize City to Ambergis, and what is the cost??

JeanH

I just book the flights a couple weeks out. I was surprised when I went to book a flight for my husband last month, that the time I wanted on Tropic was sold out. So, we flew Maya.

When we flew back to the States, we booked just a couple of days ahead of time, from Ambergris to BZE.

Cost is US$63.00 per person one way. Maya sometimes gives discounts for cash, but you have to pay the same day you travel.

Nords95

I am leaving Sunday for Belize. Should I get any vaccinations? My wife's doctor is telling her to get a Hep A vacc. but I think that is a bit much. I am not a big fan of vaccinations but I was wondering what people who travel to Belize usually do.

JeanH

Personally, I think everyone should be vaccinated against hepatitis A, and in some states in the US, it is a requirement to attend school.

Hep A is endemic in Mexico and Central America. The CDC recommends vaccination for people traveling to the region. It's only two injections, 6-12 months apart. Most people get a good response, about 85% from just the first immunization, so one is way better than none.

There is also a preparation that combines Hep A and Hep B and is a series of three injections.

Also, make sure your tetanus is up to date (every 10 years for adults).

shillmac

Totally agree with Jean.

Nords95

Are there any good sports bars in San Pedro that are within walking ditance to Ramon's? From what I have researched online it looks like there may be these three. Am I missing any?

Hang Over Sports Bar at the Holiday Hotel
Cholo's Beach Side Sports Bar at Lilly's Hotel
Pedro's Sports Bar at Pedro's Hotel.

Any reccomendations? Looking to watch a little hockey while I am down there but that may be wishful thinking.

belizeguy1

It sounds like you have a great itinerary to check out the highlights of Belize. I fell in love with Ambergris Caye and bought a vacation home at Sapphire Beach. Wish I was there now!

Nords95

Just back from San Pedro and I had a blast. I will put up a trip report when I find the time. I want to thank all the people who helped me out. It was sad leaving the island this morning but I only have 51 days until we leave for Costa Rica.