No one has mentioned Roatan (that I can see) - I guess it's considered Central America. We really enjoyed our trip there a couple of years ago - the snorkeling was wonderful. We've got a trip planned for late November this year, and were really considering going back, but historically November isn't good weather-wise (although there are no guarantees any time of the year). Another consideration for us was that we were hoping to take air only with a charter company, so it would be a direct flight from Toronto, but those flights don't start until December. With only a week, we didn't want to spend a whole day getting there and back. I'm not sure what it's like from Atlanta.

We stayed in West End, but there's a wonderful beach at West Bay where we snorkelled several times, just off the beach.

I will third Stankase's suggestion about the Canon D-10. I bought one a few months ago after seeing Blamona's photos from San Salvador, Bahamas- stunning! We went to the BVI's in April and we thought it took great pictures! I got it on the internet from Abe's of Maine. Stankase is so right about the larger memory card, too.
SusanInToronto- I booked our first trip to Roatan for next March a couple of weeks ago and we can't wait. I was told to avoid November through February so that is why we chose March. I do not find very much in the way of internet information even on the Central America forums. We heard the snorkeling is very good so that is why we got interested in it.
I think you can actually fly non-stop to Roatan from Atlanta on Delta. We have also looked at flying Continental through Houston.
Chellyroo- the guide books say that English is spoken more than Spanish in the Bay Islands so you would not need the Spanish. There are ziplines and some other interesting sounding activities besides diving/snorkeling- I do believe I read about a trip to ruins but I am not sure at this point. There seem to be many restaurant choices and everything sounds very reasonable (or even cheap compared to some Caribbean locations we have been).
Hope you find something great!

StanKase; you might serioulsy consider this as an additional source of income! You comments & help are invaluable.

I will look at the Canon D-10/ Makes sense to spend that amount & have it forever.

We did look at Roatan but found more comments about the snorkeling around Belize. THen when StanKase directed me to the TIR & I saw it--I was sunk!

Roatan does have good snorkeling but I beleve based on my travels to both [laces several times it is better in Belize. Honduras is below the Barrier Reef but does have a good amount of heathy coral. There is a good snorkel and dive resort there called Anthony's Key but it is a bit too many guests but they take you out twice a day snorkeling or diving. The food is surprisingly pretty good based upon our 2 visits but it is 20% pricier than TIL.

On reminder on the Canon D10. When you take it out of the water make sure you dry it off and be careful when taking out the chip or changing the battery that no moisure is present. If you fail to do so it can fog up the lens and you may have to let t dry out for 2-3 days.

Thanks, StanKase!

Ok this is going to really amuse those of you who are well-traveled, but when a place advertises a "double occupancy" rate, is the price for 2 people or each person? I.e., if it shows $1450 under the double occupancy rate, is it going to be $1900 for two people? Or just $1450?

Your math is not correct. Anthony's Key is a very good choice. You go snorkeling 2 times a day or diving plus all meals that are satifactory to good (consider their location) and airport pick-up and return. The $1450 is per person. You need to stay on the Key. I suggest you request Cabin #49, # 51 or #52. While they will not guarantee it those IMO are the nicest in terms of view from the porch and are only 50 yards from the speedboat that takes you to the main lodge, trip takes 1 minute.You really need 100% DEET in the morning, and after 4-5 PM all over and you will be fine. My brother is an allergist and he indicates that 100% DEET for 2-3 weeks is absolutely no issue as long as you avoid the eyes, of course.
Have a ball.

The rate I was referring to is for Turneffe Island resort. But, either way, I guess your'e saying it's a per person rate. Bummer. Hope my husband meant it when he said we'd go even if it meant putting some on a credit card.

Yes. either is per person. But, if you want want more people around go to Anthony's Key. If you want a bit quieter place with somewhat better snorkeling and highly likely a snorkel around the Blue Hole, which is terrific, then go to TIL. I should tell you that the chance of having a decent chef though is better at AKR only because it caters to a larger group and they could not get aay for long with a "stiff" in the Kitchen. I hate to confuse you, but those are the considerations.