mad

Looks like you guys planned my whole trip for me- thanks! I still just need to figure out the best way of seeing the zoo and also cave tubing. It's a long, expensive trip from Victoria House and a bit of a long trip with a little kid from Lamanai (plus there's so much cool stuff to do right there!). The Jungle Lodge looks a little too rustic for us. I don't want to bounce around too much, but am thinking perhaps we should spend our first night in/around belize city and do the zoo/cave tubing and then head to Lamanai. Does that make sense?

volcanogirl

I look forward to what you find out about cave tubing. We haven't done that yet, and I'm definitely interested. Belize City has some rough areas; our driver kept mentioning things like "avoid this area at night" etc. so careful where you stay.

Patty

Look at Black Orchid if you want more creature comfort than the Jungle Lodge. It's in the village of Burrell Boom.

mad

Thanks Patty, was literally just checking them out. I've heard from friends who have done the cave tubing that's is really fun.

alisa23

Mad, we went to Lamanai and Ambergris Caye last year with two kids -- 6 and 8 year olds. We loved Lamanai! Strongly recommend. Ambregris was just ok. The boys had no problems snorkeling but I was not impressed by the snorkel sites near Victoria House. Way too crowded, not much coral. Mexican reef in the north was better in my opinion. We stayed at xtan ha. It has a much better beach than victoria house and bigger apartments. The food is not that great though but passable. Tranquility bay at the far north has some snorkeling and a little beach area. We went there for a day trip. It is nice but too isolated for us.

Deb15July

LOL is awesome, but it is pricey. Our cabina did have 2 beds. Don't miss the ride up the river to the lodge, that is one of the very neat parts.

When we were there several ago, our daily rate included all meals and two activities a day. I feel the ruins is a must, and in addition to the crocodile tagging (which we did not do) your son would probably like the night hike. We saw a snake in the garden area and a tarantula just a little up the road from the lodge.

Chan Chich is lovely, but does not have the water setting like LOL. It is however in the middle of unexcavated ruins. Chan Chich has a pool which LOL does not. CC is also pricey, but all these places are remote and I'm sure more costly to operate than staying in a town.

San Ignacio is also an option. There are many lodges close to town without being busy and the area has lots of activities. Chaa Creek would be a good bet as there are onsite activities, but again...that price point! We didn't stay at Chaa Creek, but canoed down there from our lodge and we were impressed by the facilities.

I will caution you though...we saw more wildlife at BDC than anywhere in Belize.

Another place you might want to put on your list is Guatemala. Lake Atitlan is beautiful, with many Mayan villages surrounding it, and you get around the lake by lancha (boat). Tikal is spectacular, but we flew there to save time. I also loved Antigua, but it is not what you would call a nature spot!

Good luck on your trip planning!