which Caye should we stay at
 

We are 50 & 57 years young, active and like to have fun. We are traveling to Belize the end of April and want some input on where we should stay on the island - Ambergris or Caye Caulker? Any input, also would love hotel recommendations as well.
thanks!

I like both islands. Ambergris is bigger, more developed, more choices for food and lodging. Better beaches (although they aren't great). Downtown can be crowded at times, with constructions trucks, golf carts, bicycles and cabs.

North Ambergris is quiet and beautiful. The 'road' from town is pretty awful, if you stay very far north and want to go to town, you'll probably want to use the water taxi.

Caulker has very little traffic. I had lunch there a few years ago and there was a dog sleeping in the middle of main street, and he never had to move during my lunch. Just no traffic. Only real place to swim is at the 'split', divides the south and north end of the island.

As far as hotels, depends on what you're looking for. Do you want to be in, or close to town? Do you want condo type accomodations? Full service resort? Need a pool? Budget? Prices on Ambergris range from less than $25.00 a night to over $500.00.

You also might want to consider Belize's better mainland beaches in Hopkins or Placencia

I prefer Caye Caulker and have been there 3 times. We are going to Ambergris Caye in Feb for a change of pace since we've only been there for lunch on snorkeling trips.

We have trip reports and several pictures on our web site, if you're interested. www.AlandSueJohnson.com

You can see the Belize link in the menu at the top or in the text. It will give you an idea of what Caulker is like. I can't help much with Ambergris until after our trip but many others can and have. We're around your age, for what its worth.

Caulker is still a fairly slow pace but if the dog slept there now, he'd get run over. It would be a bicycle, golf cart or the john deere pulling the trailer of beer, not a car.

Personally I find Caye Caulker to be too small and quiet. The entire town can be seen and shopped through in half an hour.

Ambergris has more to do and better beaches. However, both Caye Caulker and Ambergris has very shallow water and a lot of sea grass near shore.

On Ambergris the best beach is in front of Ramon's. You don't need to stay there to use the beach but it is a nice resort. I'd recommend staying somewhere close enough to walk into town just south of town near Ramon's.

Ambergris for sure! You'll get bored on Caulker plus you can always take a day trip there to see what it is like. Lots of great places to stay on Ambergris. We stayed over 3 miles north of town and got tired of making the commute. Water taxi's slack off in the evening and renting golf carts gets expensive. Lots of beautiful resorts in various price ranges. Gotta try the Blue Water Grill while you're in town.

Thanks to everyone who replied - it has really helped us. We have 10 days (incl travel days) in Belize, we will spend 5 or 6 in Caye Caulker at the Caye Caulker condos and would like to do the interior the first part of our trip. Definitely to see Tikal. Where else should we go and would like hotel recommendations. Again, we are 50 & 57 and active! I need a warm shower and a decent bed, would like ac or a really great fan, but am somewhat adventurous.

My fiance and I are going to Belize in April for 13 nights. I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you might have.

We are staying 4 nights in San Ignacio at Martha's Guesthouse. We plan on going on a day tour to Tikal. Also, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pillar and going to the Barton Creek Cave.

Then we have booked 9 nights at Ramon's Village on Ambergris Caye in a beachfront cabana (I've heard the beach at Ramon's is one of the better ones on Ambergris?).

We plan on snorkeling at Hol Chan, taking a day trip to Caye Caulkner for sure but we don't have anything else locked in.

Ant recommendations for a day fishing trip (not deep sea)?

Any thoughts on Bacalar Chico Park?

Has anyone taken the tour to Lamanai from Ambergris?

I don't scuba, but would love to go to snorkeling (not super deep:/)

I'd add ATM cave tour to your time in San Ignacio. It's on my list of 'need to go', but never seem to make it to San Ignacio to get it done.

I've been to Lamanai twice from Ambergris, went with Tanisha Tours. It's a wonderful trip, with a great guide. It's a long day, but worth every minute.

Bacalar Chico is another trip we keep meaning to do, but then get to Ambergris, get on island time, and don't get it done. Maybe in February.

Snorkeling at Mexico Rocks is also a nice snorkel trip.

Ramon's does have a very nice stretch of beach. Enjoy your stay.

Bacalar is a great day trip. The snorkelling at the far north end is superb! very few people go there.
The day trip to Lamanai is good - a very long day though - if I recall,
about 12 hrs. Daniel with Tanisha is a great guide for Lamanai.
Snorkelling at Shark Ray and Hol Chan - I would recommend Elito with Seaduced - in fact any of his trips are excellent. We will be there Feb
9-16. Sorry you will miss lobster season - over on the 15 of Feb.