Belize or Aruba???
 

Planning a trip in late August 2002 to either Belize or Aruba. Unfortunately, we can't decide which one would a great value. We are both certified divers and want to do some diving as well as other activities. We're both single and are not looking for a party spot but not an all-honeymoon spot as well. It appears to me that Belize has more to offer as far as things to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I can answer for Belize, as I live and dive here. Two very different destinations. Aruba is a small arid island with good diving and Belize is a larger country with many small islands off the coast and some of the best diving on the reef and atolls you'll find anywhere. We also have mayan ruins, caving, horses, inland jungle sightseeing and lots more. It's a friendly english speaking country, 2 hr flight from Miami. More laid back than Aruba, which has larger more Americanized hotels than we do.

Belize all the way.... Been to both, no comparison. Aruba is commercialized, busy, arid. Belize is diverse, jungles, ruins, caves, cayes, mountains as well as economical. You will love it. and the diving is superior...

Molly, are you kidding us? Have you done any research? There's no comparison. Belize wins hands-down. Aruba is overrated. It's a small, desert-like island with average diving. Most people that I know who go back to Aruba year after year are timeshare owners.

Molly:<BR><BR>Haven't been to Belize YET, but really want to go. Have been to Aruba. It was a nice, small, dessert island with things to do (not a huge amount), but I can't say as I'd go back again. It's your basic place to kick back and relax on the beach. I didn't think the snorkeling was anything to write home about. Grand Cayman is a nice place to snorkel/dive. Just my thoughts.<BR><BR>Tia

Thank you for all your positive feedback. I have done a lot of research on Belize. It's definitely my choice. We're really looking forward to diving the reefs and atolls, seeing the mayan ruins and cave tubbing. I believe that most of these expeditions could or are far from each other. Any suggestions on where to stay?

If you want to dive the atolls, you can opt to book into one of the lodges dedicated to diving on Turneffe atoll that offers 3, 4 and 7 nt packages. <BR><BR>If you want to be on a larger island that offers more, you can look at San Pedro, Ambergris, where you can catch full day 3 tank dives to either Lighthouse atoll (blue hole) and turneffe. Plus easy to visits ruins from the island, but I'd split my time between the beach and one of the lovely riverside jungle lodges in the Cayo distrcit for ruins, caving, horses, etc.<BR><BR>Which one you choose will depend on what ameneties you require and what your budget is. You can email me for more specific info if you'd like.

Molly, my friend and I stayed in Placencia which we absolutely fell in love with. It reminded me a bit of the South Pacific. Depending on what type of place you want to stay in, there are a number of choice. We rented a beach cabana and it was wonderful...

Be prepared: the beaches in Belize are nothing like Aruba. There is seagrass everywhere, and not all resorts rake it from the beach to get rid of the sand fleas! But, Belize is a destination not to be missed. It is an amazingly friendly place to go, and the resorts are so intimate. We stayed at Capt. Morgan's on Ambergris and would definately recommend.