snorkeling and relaxing beach vacation.

Old Nov 25th, 2014, 09:54 AM
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snorkeling and relaxing beach vacation.

My fiance and I are starting to plan our honeymoon even though it is a ways off (type a). We really want a relaxing beach vacation, great snorkeling, and good food. I think we are hoping that these things might be found more budget friendly in central America somewhere. First I was looking at Costa Rica because I have friends that have been and loved it. Only it seems there are not good snorkeling opportunities there.

Next I started looking at Belize but I'm wondering if we will be able to find somewhere with a good beach to relax on. I have heard that they don't have very much in that aspect.

I've also researched Honduras a little but it seems that maybe the snorkeling isn't as good there? I'm still considering Belize and Honduras but wondering if there is anywhere else I should be looking that would give us a good balance of both nice beaches and good snorkeling. Any suggestions? We would look into other areas the carribbean etc but we are also trying to keep the whole honeymoon 5k I think and hopefully a little lower. Thank you!
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 10:05 AM
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Mayan Riviera (Caribbean coast of Mexico)... Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum, Cozumel.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 11:35 AM
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I will second the above suggestion. Mexican Riviera has great beaches, good food, and world class snorkelling. More inexpensive than most Caribbean destinations.Look at locogringo.com for lots of info.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 11:38 AM
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Third for Maya Riviera, Puerto Morelos, Akumal and Cozumel all have good snorkeling, Playa del Carment not very good, Isla Mujeres only has two good shore snorkeling spots, for better snorkeling you need to go out on a boat ($25).
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 12:43 PM
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Has anybody been to both those areas of Mexico and Honduras (specifically roatan island) and have any preferences? Also does anyone have suggestions on time of year to go? We were hoping to push back our honeymoon to escape the winter here in the Pacific Northwest. We love the summers so much here that we don't want to miss any of it.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 02:30 PM
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Victoria House on Ambergris Belize is on a beautiful beach. The snorkeling at Hol Chan is the best we've ever done - sea turtles, nurse sharks, big rays, and lots of colorful tropical fish. Lots of good places to eat as well. There is sea grass in the water though so snorkeling is usually done via quick boat trips.

We also love Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica, but agree the snorkeling won't be great.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 04:08 PM
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Jamie99 has it right, as Cozumel and Akumal are the right places for snorkeling. The waves in Tulum do not permit proper snorkeling and nor does Playa Carmen for the same reason. Isla Mujeres used to be great but because of it's popularity, they now have closed off many popular areas as to help the coral and sea life regain a foothold.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 06:47 PM
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So the fiance and I decided that Belize is out and it is between Mexico and Honduras. I have to research those areas of Mexico because I don't know much about them but everything I've read about Roatan sounds amazing. I've read that Belize's snorkeling is the best but I think Roatan's is still considered good.

Ugh. I never thought researching honeymoons would be so confusing.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 09:46 PM
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Honduras's snorkeling is off-shore around islands including Roatan, etcetera. Mainland Honduras includes lush tropical rainforests and mountains. Pico Bonito area is incredible. Yucatan features beaches including some snorkeling beaches, plus cave snorkeling.

Honduras is definitely more off the beaten path-there are Walmarts on the Maya Riviera, though you can of course avoid that sort of experience quite easily.

Mayan ruins are more accessible in the Yucatan .

For a first-timer to the area, I would go with Mexico--tough part is choosing which areas.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 04:20 AM
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Base in Belize in either Hopkins or Placencia in front of the largest barrier reef in our hemisphere and close to grt mainland Mayan sites, caves with artifacts, jungle hiking, waterfalls and river floats, zip lines and rappelling, grt fishing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and diving. Where else can you find so much to do staying in one location?
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 06:09 AM
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I have been to all of the places you are considering. We return to Cozumel every winter.

Belize (Ambergris Caye): Lovely island with good food, some nice beaches, but snorkeling requires a boat ride to reefs.

Honduras (Roatan): We stayed on West End Beach. Snorkeling from shore was amazing. Beach was great although lots of people, some cruise ship excursions stop here. Not so much in the way of restaurants, etc.

Mexico (Cozumel): Amazing snorkeling from shore in certain places on the island - North end. Dazzling reefs further from shore. Outstanding dining. Beaches in some places, but not where the snorkeling is. Beaches and snorkeling don't typically go together.

Akumal/Playa del Carmen might be a great choice. There are some sexy resorts along that stretch. Some good snorkeling. You can take the ferry across to Cozumel for a day. Easy to get there by flying into Cancun.

Other locations:
Isla Mujeres or Holbox. Do a Google search to see if either fit your likes. Still easy to get there by flying into Cancun, but both are a bit more laid back. Holbox more so than Isla.

Congrats!
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 10:31 AM
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Ok so it seems the majority of you are pointing me to Mexico. Any specifics on why you would suggest that over Roatan? I'm currently leaning towards Roatan but I think my reasonings are dumb.

I grew up in Southern California and so I was close to Mexico and it doesn't seem as ~exotic to me. Of course I've only ever been to Tijuana so I literally know nothing else about Mexico. Also I think that I've heard of so many people going to Mexico that in my mind it seems easier and like someplace we will end up going at some point in our lives anyways.

Then the other thing is that Roatan is way easier to research and there are so many places in Mexico that people are recommending that my head is spinning.

And lastly, we decided that we would really like the option of being able to swim out to some good snorkeling and not have to be taken out on a boat to do it.

So I know these are kind of illogical but I also just think Roatan sounds cool because Luke I said I've been able to research it more than I have been able to research Mexico.

So TC since you've been to both I'm really hoping you can help with what reason you think Mexico> Roatan.

Thank you so much to everyone that has given input thus far. I really appreciate it.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 10:45 AM
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Roatan is more rustic and just one small island. Mexico is a huge, diverse country. Not an apples to apples comparison.

Everyone so far is recommending the same part of Mexico (the "Mayan Riviera" = the Caribbean coastline).

I'm not sure how you can find Mexico not "exotic" when you've never even been there.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 11:28 AM
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Haven't been to Roatan (too expensive from LA for me), but among other things, the exchange rate in Mexico is great right now, peso is currently trading at about 13.8 to 1 USD (but you are more likely to get 13.4 or so from an ATM (only use bank owned ATMs if you do end up in Mexico). Have a great honeymoon.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 11:46 AM
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Hi Malifornia, I understand your reasoning. I think it really depends on where you go in each country. For the best snorkeling, Cozumel or Roatan -- Cayman is ok, but they have a lot of cruise traffic on the reefs there.

As I said, we stayed on West Bay Beach on Roatan. We rented a private house. The snorkeling from shore right there was amazing. However, to get to the small town of West End for dining (where there weren't many choices) we had to hire a boat to take us in and bring us back. You can stay in other places on Roatan, but the snorkeling will not be as good. It was quite a few years ago that we were there and even then the beach was filled each day with cruise ship day excursions. It wasn't a huge big deal, as we were able to stay in our house. I believe West Bay Beach area has grown a lot since we were there with more and more resorts and more and more people. However, it is still a spectacular beach and the snorkeling from shore is great. Look at this place:
http://www.infinitybay.com/index.html

The thing we like about Cozumel is the option of wonderful dining experiences in the town of San Miguel. You will find great dining all along the Mayan Riviera. You will also find the East side of Mexico very different from what you grew up with in S. Cal. Because of the location (many places being islands) the Caribbean influence in vast. The food is much more seafood based and everything revolves around water activities. Cozumel is located on the second largest reef system in the world - second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Having said that, you won't find resorts that are as sexy as you will find in other places. Its more a divers destination than a 5 star resort kind of place.

I'm not recommending one over the other. Either would be beautiful. Let me ask some questions: What do you want to do beside beach and snorkel? Do you want an all-inclusive or do you want to dine in restaurants? Do you want small, local places to eat or only high end? Do you want adventure beyond snorkeling -- such as kite boarding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, surfing, zip lines, etc.? How about night life? Do you want to party or are you ok going home early to read?

What kind of accomodation do you want? Something secluded and sexy or something with more resort party atmosphere? Right on the water? Waited on hand and foot or take care of yourself?

How far are you willing to fly? Are you located on the East or West coast now? How exotic do you want? Would you be willing to go as far as Tahiti, Australia, Bali, the coast of Africa? These are exotic, but not cheap.

As far as "exotic" you really have to get futher away than any of the Caribbean to find it. All the islands that cater to tourists have pretty much the same feel. So I think you will find the Mayan Riviera as exotic as Roatan or Belize.....maybe not exotic enough for your taste, but pretty much the same.

I have been all over the Caribbean and to the Pacific, Africa, Australia, Thailand, etc. If you give me a bit more information on what you like, maybe I can help you sort out a good location.

I hope this helps a bit.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 12:05 PM
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Suze, not sure how to explain that any better? When growing up literally right next door to a country it doesn't seem as exciting to me. I understand everyone is saying the same portion of Mexico and that is what I'm referring to when I ask for opinions of Mexico > Roatan. Researching what part of the mayan riviera is still challenging.

Jamie99- thank you that is a great point and one I haven't thought of guess I better research and compare currency in Roatan.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 12:08 PM
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Wow, TC thanks. You have given me homework. I am going to sit down with the fiance and talk about what we want and get back to you. Seems like you have a wealth of information!
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 12:35 PM
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Also I'm sure the mayan riviera would be as exotic to us as roatan or belize, it's just all in my head. I think we would like to stay in Central America somewhere if that will get us more bang for our buck.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 01:01 PM
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I also grew up in southern California. I am crazy about Mexico and find it thoroughly exotic. But I'm not familiar with the east coast, only the west and the baja, so can't help further with the specifics you seek.
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Old Nov 26th, 2014, 01:54 PM
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Our favorite CA country is Guatemala, but not for blue water time; we generally go there 1st and then spend a few weeks on the water. We have been to Belize 5 times and to Honduras 4 times including 3 visits to Roatán. My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there.
Congratulations and happy planning!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
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