I am trying to choose between the Cayes in Honduras or Belize for my next vacation. I am looking for a hotel or resort with the BEST snorkeling right offshore. Coral, fish, ect... Has anybody been to both places? Which is best? What hotel? I am interesting in staying on an island, but also considering the stanncreek area in Belize. Having coral right offshore is very important, as that is what I love to see!

You won't find coral right offshore in most parts of Belize, including Stann Creek. The reef is one mile offshore on San Pedro/Ambergris. However, the more remote and small outer islands on the atolls do have the coral reef swimming distance from the shore.

I was looking online and found that a place called Tobacco caye in Belize has the reef directly offshore, any truth to this that you know of? Where would be the closest area I can stay at? Thankx!!!!

Nice small island on the reef with five or so small budget-moderate types of accomodations. South Water Caye is similiar in it's location to the reef, but is larger and has lots less people and a wider range of types of places to stay-from outdoor showers to rooms with ac. Both have dive shops and aare easily accessed from Dangriga by boat.

Thank you!! Is it safe to assume then that the reef is close to shore then? <BR>