Ambergris Caye
 

I have read many contrasting reviews as to the actual beaches at ambergris. Is it a place where you can put your feet in sand. How consistant is the seaweed problem? Also, is it worthwhile snorking directly off of the beach or do you need to take the tours each day?

Ambergris town area does not have great beaches but the island has lots and you can gather great shells and such on these beaches. Along the town area, the beach is like a beach in Hawaii but not as big. We found no seaweed problem when we were there but it may change from year to year. For snorkeling, I would recommend a guide but do not pay in advance. He may not show up - this happened to us. It is like many tourist spots and remember, tourist beware. But you can negotiate a tour price and pay prior to boarding as most tours are private. Be sure to offer and give a tip if you receive an exceptional trip. The snorkelling and small beaches are worth the time. Have fun.

We stayed on the beach near San Pedro and I would not have gone into the water there. The seaweed was everywhere but more important was the fact that the day tripper boats were going in and out and you wouldn't want to get in their way. We didn't venture much past the town though so it may be different once you get away from the docks. <BR> <BR>Definitely try at least one snorkeling trip. We really enjoyed the visit to Shark Ray Alley where you can swim with nurse sharks and rays, they combine that stop with another stop near an island that has interesting stuff to see. We booked our trip at our hotel and had no problem, paying at the end of our trip when we were ready to check out.

We also booked our snorkeling excursions through our hotel when we were there 2 1/2 years ago. We were staying at Rubie's hotel (a budget hotel in town) and there was a guy called Manuel who ran snorkeling trips from there. We were really pleased with his trips - very reasonably priced and we enjoyed them. We also did an excursion to see manatees - that was with a guy called Willy. Also a good trip. <BR> <BR>I agree with the others - I don't think that Ambergris really has good beaches, but the snorkeling was great.

I've been all over Ambergris Caye (well okay, it's not that big) - San Pedro, the south side past Victoria House, the north side across the "ferry" pretty far past the Capricorn Resort, and there are no good beaches to be found anywhere. Yes, there is sand, but the water is so shallow and choked with seaweed, crabs, etc., it's really impossible to swim. I didn't see any shells. <BR> <BR>Most hotels have long piers with a small area at the end cleared of seaweed, but that's about it. You will definitely want to stay at a hotel with a swimming pool. <BR> <BR>Ambergris is a big diving destination. There's nothing else really to do. Almost all the boat tours involve diving or snorkelling. If you don't do either, you'll be hard pressed to find a generic boat ride or fishing trip unless you hire a private guide. Tours seemed expensive too. For example, to dive the famous Blue Hole, count on $200/per person for the day. The least expensive 1/2 day dive trip I saw was for $45. <BR> <BR>I was suprised when I went to Key West, Florida after Ambergris to find things much less expensive ie 1/2 day dives, fishing, snorkelling or all-you -can-drink catamaran crusies for $18-$25. <BR> <BR>

PS The Blue Hole Dive boat is shit. It's not a real boat. It's like a row-boat with an outboard and nothing to shield you from the sun. There's no bathroom either - they tell you to "free willy" in the ocean. Lunch involved slapping some day old bread and suspect ham together. <BR> <BR>It doesn't seem to matter where you book the trip either - we booked at the Belize Yacht Club, but they actually just act as middlemen for the tour operator.

Full day 3 tank dive at BlueHole is165.00pp with tanks, weights and belt, bkft,lunch and after dive snack. I use Amigos Del Mar ([email protected]) who have great boats with covers, head, veryt good gear and guides. Picnic lunch at Half Moon Caye and lunch was just fine. <BR> <BR>You'll need to get on a boat for snorkeling and most trips are 2.5 hrs and begin at 20.00pp. <BR> <BR>Best beaches are north and south of San Pedro town. Better beaches in Belize in Placencia and diving there is also very good. <BR> <BR>Best, <BR> <BR>Katie Valk <BR>Belize

I think Chi-chi is mistaken. I, too, have been all over that island and found a lovely beach at Captain Morgan's Retreat. I think they must clear out the seaweed, because I didn't see any; however, I didn't actually go in the water, since I was just passing through to check out the resort itself. <BR> <BR>The place is terrific - if I ever return to Ambergris Caye, that's where I'll stay. Not only does Captain Morgan's have a beautiful beach, but they have the nicest swimming pool on the island. If you want more information, here's their website address: <BR>http://www.belizenet.com/index2.htm <BR> <BR>There's just one catch...Ambergris has a channel that divides the island in two, and Captain Morgan's is on the opposite side of the island from San Pedro and all the "action". So, if you want to go into town and back, you'll need to rent a golf cart (the primary mode of transportation) and that's a bit spendy. I think the price was about $40 a day when I was there a few years ago. You can probably get a better deal on a weekly rental, though. <BR> <BR>As for tour outfits, I've heard nothing but good things about Hustler Tours. I would have gone with them myself, but the timing wasn't right. A few other people I met had gone out with Hustler, though, and spoke very highly of them.

<BR>Footnote: Uh - you're probably wondering how you might cross that channel with a golf cart. I forgot to mention, that there's a ferry. Quite a little production, too - it's basically just a big platform that a VERY muscular man pulls across the water by using a cable. I don't how he does it - it's gotta be pretty strenuous work! <BR> <BR> <BR>