What part of the Caye do you suggest staying on. My husband and I will be on Ambergris for 2-3 days and want something mid range (we LOVE a good deal) , authentic and not touristy (with our own bathroom and on a beach..no need for a pool)

We will be arriving at the airport and will take a taxi to whatever part of the caye is suggested. I know San Pedro has many options, but we do not want a touristy area.

We want to 'wing it' on our trip..but think we should book the first night at least. We have a very long day with 3 flights so want to at least plan this...and our trip is on Sept. 8th.

thanks,
Courtney

All of San Pedro is pretty 'touristy', although in Belize, it's a relative term.

I'd stay within walking distance to town. Very few Belizean owned properties left, I guess that would make them more authentic. Look at the Tides, it's Belizean owned.

Also, Hotel del Rio, if you can get a unit right on the beach.

Both of those properties are north of downtown, but an easy walk.

Also, Blue Tang and Paradise Villas are in that neighborhood.

For cheaper options, look at Lily's, Conch Shell, Ruby's, Spindrift, all right in town.

On the south side of town, there's the Palms, Belizean Reef, a bit further south Exotic Caye. Past there, Coconuts, Corona del Mar.

South of there, you're a mile south, Coral Bay (I own a unit there), Caribbean Villas, Xanadu, Banyan Bay, Banana Beach, Mata Rocks.

There's also loads of places north of the 'cut'. From there you'll need transportation, probably by water taxi to and from town.

Some of the above properties have three night minimum stays. Some may be closed for vacation.

Note if you don't have a pool you will want to be in an area which has good beach swimming.

About the only place that does is Ramon's. They clear the sea grass and the water is deeper than most other beaches.

Thanks everyone,

I am googling some of those places now. So..I have heard that there isn't good swimming because of the sea grass..if I want to snorkel where do you suggest I stay then? I am looking into Ramon's but Tripadvisor.com says its almost $300 a night. We are looking for something a lot less expensive. Looking into the other places too.

wbs

Courtney

Ramon's is $200..I might ad, my husband can be 'frugal' at times..so I'd better stay somewhere near San Pedro and by town... I have a feeling he won't want to rent a golf cart if expensive. And Im not walking a mile if I need something!

How much is a golf cart rental per day? worth it?

I emailed Hotel Del Rio (looks cute with the thatch roofs..even with no air and great price) Got good reviews online as well..Hope its available! Sounds like a good spot, only a short walk to the main area too.

wbs,
Courtney

As I said, our condo is a mile south of town. We've been on Ambergris maybe 20 times and have never rented a golf cart. Walking a mile along the beach doesn't seem like a hardship.

However, if you want to stay closer, and Hotel del Rio isn't available, look at Ruby's or Spindrift. Both are easy walking distance to the beach at Ramon's. They do have good swimming and ok snorkeling off their dock. We've seen rays, lobsters, nurse sharks, and lots of fish while snorkeling there.

I'd also look at Corona del Mar. Half a mile or so to the beach at Ramon's, less than that to the pier at Caribbean Villas, where there is ok snorkeling as well. And not terribly far to the very nice beach at Banyan Bay.