wills

Hi, we'd really like to getaway at the end of August to somewhere interesting. I've elimated anywhere in Europe, (don't want to deal with the Euro or the time change.) I can get to Belize pretty easily and I have been intrigued by what I have read so far. If anyone could answer a few questions I would be very grateful!

The weather? Late August, early Sept is probably really hot but is it unbearable?

I have two children (7 & 10) and they'd love tubing, seeing animals and ruins, they've never snorkelled, but would love to see marine life.

I have looked at Black Rock Lodge and Banana Beach. Thoughts? Anywhere more appropriate? I would like to keep it below $200/night, preferably in the $150 range.

Banana Beach has a price list of excursions and I am wondering, for a family of four excursions seem to run about $200 + for each one is that right?

Finally, I can't seem to nail down how you get from Belize city to either property. Both say that they offer transport to/from the San Pedro airstrip but we're coming into Belize city. So this requires another flight or did I read somewhere about a water taxi service? Frankly I would rather use the money for excursions and good food.

I realize that this is last minute, unfortunately my job doesn't always allow for months in advance planning.
Thank you so much for your kind information!

kcapuani

Flights to San Pedro are through Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. Both have websites that you can book your flights on. The cost is around $28 one way or $55 roundtrip and the flight only takes 20 mins. This would be the easiest way to get to Ambergris.

I don't know anything about either hotel you've listed. I stayed at the Exotic Caye Beach Resort which was quite nice and definitely less than $200 a night. We had two beds (queen + double I think) plus a kitchen and living room. It was a 10 minute walk to "downtown" San Pedro with lots to see along the way.

Have fun! You will love Belize!

JeanH

I think you're going to have to return to Belize City to get from Black Rock to Ambergris Caye. The last poster posted airfares from BC to San Pedro. Those fares are from the municipal airport, about twice that at international. Concensus seems to be that it's worth the taxi ride from International to Municipal if there are four or more people. The water taxi is certainly an option, but can be wet and bumpy depending on weather conditions.

I haven't been any where in the Cayo district, so can't help you at all there.

As far as San Pedro goes, people love Banana Beach. Personally, I want to be closer to town. Our last trip, and our upcoming one in September, we'll be Belizean Reef. Beautiful condos, right on the south edge of town. Only downside is, no pool. Next door is the Palms, which does have a pool. You might also look at Paradise Villas, located on the north side of town. The town isn't very big, you can walk from one end to the other in just a few minutes.

Jean

kcapuani

Oops, I forgot to mention that we flew out of the municipal airport to get to Ambergris. There were four of us traveling and it was definitely the cheapest route.

Lauralis

We stayed at Coral Bay Villas on Ambergris Caye. They are nice suites with a full kitchen and a sofa sleeper in the living room (good for a family because you're not confined to a small space) The price is well under $200 per night. There's no pool but you can snorkle off the dock of the Caribbean Villas which is right next door. I would check out their web site and see what you think. All villas also face the ocean and the view is great. They will arrange excursions at either property for guests. It's also closer to town than Banana Beach and I thought the rooms were much bigger and nicer as well(we did case Banana Boat while we were there- I do recommend their restaurant, el Divino). Tropic Air flys out of Belize City to the Caye.

wills

Thanks for the replies! If we go to Ambergris I think I will do the municipal airport and cab ride. It will be four of us, so it makes a difference. I am really torn between Black Rock and Ambergris, Black Rock seems like a real adventure. Anyone have any comments about the weather? I am just wondering if it's going to be unbearably hot and humid. I would choose the end of August right? Thanks again!

Katie_Valk

Easy answer to that-split your trip between the beach and Black Rock (Cayo district) close to maya sites, river canoeing and kayaking, horses, caving-which will cut down on the cost of trips from Banana Beach (ambergris). I really am partial to Banana Beach, which offers lots of ameneties that Coral Bay, although nice, does not, including two pools, restaurant and bar on premises and a much nicer view. Look at both Black Rock and Crystal Paradise for another good lodge on the river with good rates (125.00 per night for two with bkft and dinner included).
Weather is quite nice Aug-Sept, which is hurricane seaosn in this part of the world. Rate from Intl to Ambergris is 47.00pp each way and 26.00 from Municipal.

JoniC

I was at Banana Beach in Feb and it is a nice place for kids. You can get one of the larger suite rooms. Ours overlooked the ocean which was great! (I didn't really care for the ones that overlooked the pool as the pool is in an internal courtyard so it gives it a bit of a motel feel). Banyan Bay was very nice too, right down the beach from Banana Beach. Banyan Bay is a little pricier but all the rooms are suites, the pool overlooks the ocean and overall it just seemed nicer.

Banana Beach day trips were great and reasonably priced. We did a snorkel trip out to the reef and the guide was incredible. He swam with us and pointed out all the fish, lobsters, rays, etc and told us the names of everything. A few of us were first time snorkelers and he really went out of his way to make us feel comfortable. We also did the Lamanai trip through Tanisha Tours and I also highly recommend that one as well.

Airfare to Ambergris is cheap and fast. I'd recommend that over taking a boat.

It will probably be pretty hot and muggy but the island will likely have a nice breeze and you'll be in the water most of the time anyway.

Have a great trip!
Joni

wills

How kind you all have been! Thanks very much!