Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Caribbean Islands (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/)
-   -   Grenada or Belize?Please help! (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/grenada-or-belize-please-help-732235/)

GraytonBchGirl Aug 27th, 2007 11:20 AM

Grenada or Belize?Please help!
 
I have been going back in forth with these two and just can't decide.Has anyone been to both?Here is what we are looking for
1)natural beauty,nice beaches although we do live on Gulf Coast In Fl.so long stetches of beach are not that important.
2)culture,friendly people
3)snorkeling,diving I realize Belize wins hand's down on this one is there some in Grenada?
4)some nightlife not crazy just good waterin hole w/some local music
5)fun and relaxation Grenada seems to have this one Belize seems kinda tiring because we would go from forest for 3 nights to a caye for 4-5 nights
Any advice is much appreciated.
We have been to St.John and LOVED it.
Thank's

GraytonBchGirl Aug 27th, 2007 11:24 AM

Oh yeah not going till summer of 08,I'm just excited about planning a trip.

Callaloo Aug 27th, 2007 11:35 AM

I've been to both, and have loved both, but for different reasons. Running down your wishes...

- Natural beauty: Above the water, Grenada wins, hands down. Underwater, Belize is better. Belize's beaches aren't all that great -- that's the price to pay for that amazing reef. Grenada has a wide variety of beaches; while not a classic beach destination like Provo or Grand Cayman or Anguilla, the iconic Grand Case Beach (2 miles of white sand) can compete nicely. Plus there's other beaches in different flavors and sizes.

Beyond Grenada's beaches, the topography is lush, mountainous, green, fertile. You've got rain forest, crater lakes, sulphur springs, spice plantations. Endless variety. (Belize offers a lot, but not as dramatic.)

- Culture -- a toss-up. Both islands are inhabited by friendly islanders whose official language is English and whose welcome is warm. Aside from dicey Belize City, both Belize and Grenada are quite safe destinations.

Culturally, both have a lot to offer. Belize with its Mayan ruins, Grenada with it's creative local cuisine and crafts based on the riches of the earth and sea.

- Snorkeling and diving, Belize wins. Grenada's snorkeling isn't all that great (run off from those lush rainforests and waterfalls), but you can get decent underwater views if you daytrip to Carriacou or the Tobago Cays.

- Nightlife, I've generally found Belize (at least Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) to be better than Grenada. Mostly because the towns are small and walkable, and there is a young, mellow, almost-hippie vibe brought to you by the diver culture. Grenada ... can't say we experienced much nightlife at all.

- Fun and relaxation: a tie. You may spend more time traveling within Belize, but you'll have a much easier time getting there. Grenada is a haul (the airline schedules are no help). You'll make your own fun and prioritize your own relaxation, and you can easily do it in either place.

Based on what you say, I would give Belize the teensiest edge. But I'm sure you'll manage to enjoy either. So, toss a coin. Go to the Heads place first, and follow up by visiting the Tails destination later. Neither is going to be spoiled by mass market commercialism any time soon.

JeanH Aug 28th, 2007 03:40 AM

I've been to both as well, Grenada once and Belize about a dozen times. I guess that shows where my bias lies.

I would definitely agree that the beaches are better in Grenada. Grand Anse is beautiful. However, there are some areas on Ambergris Caye that are very pretty, just not very swimmable. The sand is white and soft, and the water is blue in Belize.

We found the local population friendly and interesting in both places. We used local transportation in Grenada, large vans that act as buses during the day and cabs at night. Every time we climbed in virtually every person greeted us warmly.

We didn't do any snorkeling or diving on Grenada. It's wonderful in Belize.

There's live music somewhere every night on Ambergris. Lots of fun little bars along the beach. That was one thing we never really did find in Grenada, a fun place to just hang out and claim as 'ours'.

Getting from one place to another in Belize is pretty easy. Distances are short, and the driving isn't hard. We rented a car when we went to San Ignacio, dropped it off at the Budget office in Belize City (not at the airport where we picked it up) and they drove us to the smaller (and cheaper) municipal airport to fly to Ambergris. They would have taken us to the water taxi terminal as well.

I have pictures of Grenada. Oddly, although I have lots of pictures of Belize, most are of people not places. On our first trip, which is when we usually take lots of pictures, our camera 'drowned' in the backpack with a leaking water bottle. You can e-mail me if you would like to see them. [email protected]

jlillberto Aug 28th, 2007 04:59 AM

Hmm...I hated Belize. But then again Grenada is my favorite island in the entire Caribbean. In all fairness (on Belize), we didn't go to the islands where most Americans are nor to the interior. But the towns, beaches, national parks, etc. that we did see were nothing like the regular Caribbean. The beaches all had high sea grass right to the shore. It was in October (Belize) and it rained quite a bit.

blamona Aug 28th, 2007 05:50 AM

If you love St. John, why don't you consider St. Vincent and the Grenadines? (Concentrate on the Grenadines)

I've been to Belize and Grenada also, and I, like different people have different tastes. I am not a fan of Grenada, found it to be a poor man's Virgin Islands, with people (vendors) approaching you on the beach all the time and bugging, not relaxing to me. Snorkeling was not good, and Grand Anse is a decent beach, but nothing to keep returning to, after seeing beaches in Virgin Islands. The scenery and flowers make Grenada pretty, but again, not enough to have to go back.

My husband hated Belize. I liked it enough that I would go back. Found the snorkeling to be superb, and the watering holes were cool. The beaches aren't as great, they are grassy, but the water is alot more turquoise than Grenada.

Now the Grenadines: If you love St. John, Grenadines will be more your style. Tobago Cays are stunning and have great snorkeling. The views from Palm Island looking towards Union Island are like a mini Bora Bora. There are fun day sail trips to all the different cays. You may want to consider these.

GraytonBchGirl Aug 28th, 2007 08:34 AM

GREAT just when I thought I had it narrowed down to two!The Grenadines do look awesome any info for a budget traveler acc.$100-$175 night.What about Union Island also is there any hiking or are activities mainly water based?Thank's again

ejcrowe Aug 28th, 2007 08:42 AM

Bequia, the northernmost of the Grenadines, has a huge array of accommodations at your budget or even well under. The highest category rooms at the Frangipani, for example, are only US $140/night during the low season. You can find a nice villa, hotel, or guesthouse in your budget just about any time of year on Bequia. Bequia has the most going on in terms of activities and nightlife, but it's still pretty sleepy by most Caribbean standards. I simply loved it and I long to return there. Unlike others, however, my one snorkeling experience in the Tobago Cays was not stellar. Perfectly adequate for a daysail, and I would do the same daysail again, but it wouldn't be for the snorkeling opportunities.

I'm one of the folks who LOVE Grenada and think it would be perfect for you. I occasionally encounter beach vendors, but usually just on Grand Anse and Magazine Beache--they're a fact of life on most but not all Caribbean islands. Virgin Gorda in the BVI is the only island I've been to where I've not encountered any. Some folks find dealing with them a major PITA, but I generally enjoy my conversations with the beach vendors on various islands. (If I were trying to read and got constantly interrupted, though, it would be another story!)


GraytonBchGirl Aug 28th, 2007 09:20 AM

The beach vendors don't really bother me,drug dealers do! I realize that they are just trying to make ends meet.I had originally written Grenada out do to travel time however we are flying from Orl. to Sju. and it seems now that AA has a direct from Sju to Grenada on our dates of travel.Very nice.I have awhile to plan which I need because my mind goes in 20 different directions.Ejcrowe have you been to Belize?Blamona why did husband hate Belize?We are both very laid back.Pretty much every night making dinner w/the kids dancing to Buffet,so really do not need luxury just fun,and beauty and some adventure.

GraytonBchGirl Aug 28th, 2007 09:24 AM

Oh yes meant to state that we only get to vac.like this every two years since I became a stay at home mom.That is why I just really want to get it right!and we try not to use credit cards so we save throughout the year another reaso why I have to plan in advance to know my budget.THANK'S So MUCH,please keep it coming!

diann24 Aug 28th, 2007 01:59 PM

I am one of those who happen to love the Island of Grenada. I was there twice only for a day on a cruise ship. I thought the people were delighful!! I never met a more friendly group and warm and kind. It was just my experience. It is lush tropical, and the beaches were nice, and I loved purchasing spices. It is called the Sprice Island. the beach did have peddlers. It sure did. Belize, I snorkeled there and it was great but the water was not the turquise/caribbean water we are use to seeing. Other than that I cannot offer much about Belize. I don't think you will go wrong with Grenada.

ltilson Aug 28th, 2007 03:17 PM

I have been to Grenada & Ambergris Caye and enjoyed them both. We went to Grenada many years ago, shortly after the invasion and they absolutely loved Americans. Their harbor is one of the prettiest I have ever seen and they have many beautiful beaches to visit. I felt completely immersed in their culture during our visit and it remains one of my favorite Caribbean islands. I don't remember much about the nightlife, but we always manage to find some place to hang out and party. We rented a car and I remember a lot of hair-raising rides cruising around on the left side of the road with my husband. I remember stopping by a nutmeg factory and they gave us a tour on the spot...very interesting. You really can smell the spice in the air all over the islands.

Belize was also a lot of fun....we stayed the whole week on AC so I can't comment on the rainforest. AC had fun little bars with live music. Unfortunately, we had the worst week of weather on record in March....it was rainy and cold for almost 4 straight days but I really think that was a fluke. Everyone rents golf carts and it was pretty messy driving around the island with driving rain and mud in your face. When it cleared up, we snorkled a lot and it was great...comparable to Bonaire, only you had to go out in a boat...no good snorkeling from the shore. Lots of Americans, no real beaches to speak of with seagrass.

Between the two, I would return to Grenada. Although I love to snorkel, I love a mountainous island to explore and the people in Grenada were about the friendliest I can ever remember meeting.

mymoosie Aug 28th, 2007 03:29 PM

I'm off to Grenada next week, with a few days at Union Island. Wheee! Check back in 2 weeks and I should have a report with lots of photos then. :)

For a weeklong vacation, that may be too long for Union Island. Just my opinion based on my research...

GraytonBchGirl Aug 28th, 2007 05:21 PM

Mymoosie,can't wait to hear about your trip.Have a fun and one.

GraytonBchGirl Aug 28th, 2007 05:30 PM

meant to say have a fun ans safe one

GraytonBchGirl Aug 29th, 2007 05:55 PM

ARRGH now really considering Bequia,Grenada,and still Belize the main thing for me w/Belize is the barrier reef we love to dive and snorkel.However we will of course be spending most of our time out of water.

ejcrowe Aug 30th, 2007 04:27 AM

GraytonBG, I've never been to Belize but I'm sure I'll get there one day. It will have better snorkeling at the reef in Belize, but remember that the reef is not swimmable from shore and that you'd have to take a boat ride every time you wanted to snorkel.

I think either one would be fine for you, and so would Bequia. Bequia is more low key than Grenada but I don't know where it stacks up against the different parts of Belize.

GraytonBchGirl Aug 30th, 2007 05:12 AM

Thank you,ejcrowe I really enjoy your input.I know we will love anywhere we go,don't know why I stress on these things.Well like I said we get a big vac. every 2 years(which is still a blessing)

caribqueen Aug 30th, 2007 05:27 AM

Grenada and Bequia are two of my fav destinations as well, in fact, heading off to them in 29 days. I've never had a problem with beach vendors, but I usually go in the low season, so maybe there aren't as many around. The ones I have seen have taken a polite no thank you and have moved on. However, my husband is a fairly muscular, tattoed type of guy, so maybe that helps!

If you need snorkeling, there supposedly is good snorkeling at the Aquarium Beach on Grenada (will find out soon!) and from Bequia you can take day sails to the Tobago Cays, as ejcrowe has suggested, for snorkeling.

There is music and laid back nightlife to be found on both islands, you just have to ask around and someone will tell you which place is good to go each night.

Grenada is probably the most beautiful island I have been to in the caribbean, and I've been to a bunch of 'em! You can hike, sightsee, shop, or just hang out on the beach. I see they have also started up a river tubing adventure. There's a little something for everybody.

I don't know if I can post other websites here, but put Bequia in google and a very good informational website for them will pop up.

Never been to Belize, but it's on my list!

diann24 Aug 30th, 2007 05:59 AM

I totally agree with Caribbeanqueen. I also love Grenada. It is such a different island with the smell of the spices everywhere. As said one must go on a boat to snorkel in Belize. Yes it was great but after an hour it is rather reduntant. I think if you can find a place to snorkel in Greanda you would be more happy with that choice.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:10 PM.