My husband and I are planning a 7 day trip with our three children age 12, 10, and 7. Our interest in Belize is being able to explore the jungle at the same time we can have a great beach with clear blue water and wonderful snorkeling experiences with the kids. With only seven days I'm having a hard time narrowing down where we should go. I was thinking St. Ignacio and then Ambergris Caye.....however is a better snorkeling experience in Placencia? I'm not sure and I would greatly appreciate recommendations. Also hotels I have been looking at but want to make sure family friendly.......The lodge at Chaa Creek, Las Terrazas, and Victoria House? I am fine with the price point of these but if better options please inform. Thank you!!!

I forgot to add we will be going in late July/early August.

I'd start inland and end up on the water. Maybe check out Actun Chapat since your youngest isn't old enough for the ATM cave trip.
http://actunchapatadventure.blogspot.com/

Be sure to hit the Belize Zoo either coming or going.
www.belizezoo.org

I can't help you much with lodging - that price point is way out of my league but here are links to 2 jungle places and 2 beachy places we love:
https://www.chaacreek.com/accommodat...budget-casitas
www.duplooys.com
www.tranquilitybayresort.com (you can snorkel from shore there)
www.colindacabanas.com (Caye Caulker, which we prefer to Ambergris Caye)

I wouldn't choose Placencia over one of the northern cayes because the reef is way off shore so the boat trips take much more time and money (and can be rough at times).

Here’s a link from an old forum thread I like with good descriptions of beachy options in Belize:
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 planning!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Or Barton Creek cave and include zip line or scenic sites in the Mtn Pine Ridge. Snorkeling in Placencia from one of the coral cayes on or near the reef is much further than the reef from Ambergris, but is much easier for inexperienced snorkelers and swimmers than is Hol Chan, with its sometimes strong currents. Many other lovely options for places to stay with walk in snorkeling.

We've stayed at Victoria House and Chaa Creek, and I really like both of those spots. Best snorkeling for us was Hol Chan, a quick boat ride from Victoria House; they pair it with a trip to shark ray alley. At Hol Chan we saw huge rays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and pretty tropical fish. From Chaa Creek, we did a day trip to Tikal to see the ruins with PACZ tours. We also did the Barton Creek canoe caving and enjoyed that.

Thank you so much for the the responses!! I'm excited to start planning!!