Kris

I'm planning a trip to Belize in Feb. I've been to Caye Caulker and Placencia. This time I want to stay on the reef so I can snorkel any time I want, rather than have to depend on boats. Am thinking about Tobacco Caye. I know it's somewhat primitive, but that doesn't scare me much. Want to avoid the high prices and overdone tourism of places like Ambergris Caye. Have any of you been to Tobacco Caye or South Water Caye? I'd appreciate advice on lodging, what to take (I already know to take mosquito netting), how the snorkeling is, etc! Thanks.

Lan Sluder

Kris, <BR> <BR>Katie Valk, a regular here, can probably give you better information than I can on these two islands. I will say that it takes about 5 minutes to research the accommodations on these two islands, as there are only a few places and the two islands together are about the size of three or four soccer fields. Both got considerable storm surge damage from Hurricane Iris but should be back to normal before you go. <BR> <BR>I would also say that I disagree with your characterization of Ambergris Caye. I don't know if you've actually been there or not, but by contrast with most of the rest of the Caribbean and with much of the Mexican Caribbean the prices are reasonable and the level of commercialization is low. <BR> <BR>--Lan Sluder <BR>Belize First magazine <BR>(and author or co-author of six books on Belize including an upcoming guide to Ambergris Caye)

Katie Valk

Both islands were roughed up in the last two storms that passed thru. I've got guests going out to SW next week and expect the island to be fine. As for the reef, it withstood a lashing but I haven't dove there since and can't say how much different it is since. But plan to over the next week or so. SWC is the larger of the two islands with 3 different hotels on the island-one very upscale and the two others mid priced and one with dorm style rooms, which will be the least expensive. The better beach on this island is on the Pelican Beach side, the plac with the dorms style rooms. <BR> <BR>On TC, I book people into Reef End Lodge with inn rooms with hot water starting at 86.00/8% for two with meals included. Another nice plac out there is Mark Bradley's Island Camps, but not sure of what his rates are, but he does have the nicest cabanas on the island. Small and crowded with small family owned/operated inns. <BR> <BR>But both are directly on the ree fo walk in snorkeling and both have good dive shops for snorkeling, diving or fishing. <BR> <BR>Katie Valk <BR>Belize

Gaz

Hi <BR><BR>I have been to Tobacco Caye a few times and a very good friend of mine operates Tobacco Caye Diving (www.tobaccocayediving.com) his name is Andrew Muha and lives on the island, I spoke with him a few days ago and he said while they lost a couple of docks they are back in business and ready for guests.<BR><BR>Its a great little island and rustic and my personal opinion when i was there it was a littel high priced for what you get but never the less you can snorkel off the beach area as the island is located right on the Belize Barrier Reef.<BR><BR>Give Andrew a call i am sure he can advise on the best place to stay<BR><BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>I also agree with Lan Ambergris actually offers very good value when you compare to other caribbean destinations, we have a long long way to go before commercialism gets anthing like Mexico or Cayman islands etc.<BR><BR>All the best<BR><BR>Gaz<BR>Playa Blanca Beach Resort<BR>www.playablancabelize.com<BR><BR>

Steve

Sorry, but I disagree with Lan. I found Ambregis Cay to be way over priced, and pretty unfriendly. Reminded me of Tijuana! I also spent time in Placencia, Dandrega, and Tobacco Cay and loved them all. Nice people, fair prices, no "we're sick of tourists" attitude. Kris, you'll love Tobacco Cay, I stayed at Reef End Lodge, rustic, but clean and nice people running it.