Three thirty something males with three days in Belize interested in Mayan ruins, scuba diving/snorkeling, caving possibly interested in recommendations for private car and guide or tour company.

We used PACZ tours to go over to Tikal, and they were very good, everything else we booked through our hotels. The snorkeling at Hol Chan is very good; we saw large rays, sea turtles, etc. there.

3 nights? Best to base on Ambergris for diving. You can book a day trip to the mainland for a combo of cave tubing/Maya site or spend a night on arrival or departure, not too far from Intl airport. Some good options to consider

It would help to know if '3 days' means 3 nights or 4 or 5 to you. With 5 I'd split between mainland (San Ignacio area for caving and Maya sites?) and on the water; with 3 or 4 I'd probably choose Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker and do a day trip to ATM and/or the Lamanai Maya site from there. Temember to leave time for off gassing from diving before you fly. Happy trails!

Thanks for responses. Realized we will have 5 nights/ 4 full days. Everyone-where did you stay/itinerary? This is very helpful.

I'd spend the 1st 2 nights in the San Ignacio area and do the ATM cave tour the full day between; maybe hit the Belize Zoo and make time to visit Cahal Pech and/or Xunantunich Maya sites on the partial days, then end up on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
Here’s a link from an old forum thread that compares the beach options:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1737076

My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection (except the last 2 - I'm behind!) are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

ttt

thanks for all of the of the wonderful help. It has gotten clearer to that we have 5 nights/4full days.
Day 1 - arrive mid-day, transportation to San Ignacio, relax
Day 2 and Day 3- ATM tour and tour Mayan ruins
Day 4 - transportation to Belize airport, fly to Ambergris Caye, relax
Day 5 - snorkel
Day 6- fly to Belize airport, fly home

Any suggestions as to tour specifics and a reasonable place to stay in the Caye would be welcome. An Airbnb has been booked for San Ignacio.
Your help is appreciated, as it has always been in the past and planned so many of our adventures