jojoblais

Want to go soon, in August, & can't decide. The beaches in Roatan look so much nicer.
I stopped in Belize & Honduras for a day this winter while on a cruise. Didn't quite get to see the coast of Belize because we drove inland & did a cave exploration, which was really cool.

Going w/ my girlfriend. We are both women in our 40's. I'm more active physically than she is, she likes to vege on the beach. But we both enjoy nightlife. Is there any? What would you recommend? Really confused at this point, because I hear so much that the beaches aren't great in Belize.

What about Panama?

I'm open to any suggestions.

volcanogirl

I'm going to throw a bookmark on here because I'm also curious about Roatan.

We read all that stuff about Belize not having great beaches, but at the resort where we stayed, it was gorgeous. There was, however, sea grass growing near the shore. That seems to be the issue. The beach was a good size with beautiful white sand and clear/teal-colored water and lots of palm trees. Everyone who sees our pictures thinks it looks like a post card.

A lot of the beaches will have a long pier going out into the water and people swim off that. Ambergris has a lot of restaurants. We relaxed on the beach in lounge chairs and hammocks, but for swimming, we did snorkeling tours and went to the pool.

volcanogirl

I don't know if it interests you, but since you said you like to be physically active, Belize has all those cool inland activities like going to see Tikal or other ruins, the ATM cave, ziplining, cave tubing, canoeing.

SusanInToronto

I've been to both Roatan and Belize. We visited Belize several years ago - it was a good trip, but it's true that the beaches weren't anything special. We did a fair amount of travelling around - time on Ambergris Caye, San Ignacio and Placencia spread over 2 weeks. Roatan was just a couple of years ago, and we just had 1 week and it was totally a beach trip.

Beaches on Roatan were much nicer. Lots of good snorkelling off the shore, and that was important to us. But it didn't have the ruins, etc.

If I was looking strictly for beaches (and good food), I'd go back to Roatan.

I just notice that you also asked about Panama - been there as well. That was last year - lots of activities, easy place for travelling. We didn't make it a beach vacation though, although we did spend time in a couple of places where there was a beach.

How much time do you have? Where are you flying from? The amount of time to get there might make a difference.

hopefulist

If you have a bit of time to explore, you have access to beautiful ruins from both. My photos and trip stories are below if you're interested:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

jojoblais

Susan: from what I understand, there are ruins & rain forest also in Honduras. Like Belize, you must go onto the mainland.

We have a week.

volcanogirl: do you remember where you stayed in Belize that had a nice beach?

I guess late August is a slow time, because I've been offered some great deals. For ex, Infinity Bay on Roatan for half price!

hopefulist: did you travel to the ruins from Roatan? rain forest? horsebackriding?

THANKS GUYS, REALLY! BECAUSE WE NEED TO DECIDE SOON!

volcanogirl

http://www.victoria-house.com/360views/ is a link to the place where we stayed. It's expensive, but going during low season saves you a lot of money.

jojoblais

Volcano: it looks gorgeous, but more the type of place to go as a couple, romantic. I'm, going w/ my friend.

volcanogirl

Gotcha, lojo - there were families there when we went, so not all couples but I hear what you're saying. I hope you find your spot!

I'm curious about the tours in Roatan too, so I'm glad you asked that question.

SusanInToronto

You're right - Honduras does have ruins and rain forests on the mainland. It just seemed easier to do that in Belize for some reason! Plus I flew directly to Roatan from Toronto, whereas Belize, I had to take a few flights to get around.

hopefulist

If you can afford to fly Roatán > San Pedro Sula (SAP) you can take a bus or shuttle to Copán from there, about 3 hours. The town is lovely, there are good museums in addition to the ruins, good lodging options at multiple price points, and great hiking and exploring including a butterfly place and a bird park, both just outside of town. You could also ferry across to La Ceiba and bus from there, about 6-7 hours.

Great jungly adventures including rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking at Omega Lodge just outside of La Ceiba. They have a variety of lodging options, good food, great guides. http://www.omegatours.info/

Again, check out the links on the main page of my photo collections - lots of recommendations there. Good luck!

TC

I've been to both places, although several years ago. My first reaction is to suggest Roatan - because it was the one I like better at the time. The beaches on West End are lovely and the snorkeling/diving from shore was amazing. Ambergris beaches were nothing to speak of with lots of grass so swimming from shore was nothing. The reefs are outside the barrier, so required a boat every time. However, there is probably more night life on Ambergris than on Roatan. Both are islands and getting back to the mainland to take part in any activity is not easy or cheap. If you go, be prepared to spend the whole week doing things from the island you've picked.

We stayed in a two bedroom condo next door to Victoria House on Ambergris. Its the same beach, but might be better suited to your needs with a friend.
Banyan Bay:
http://www.ambergriscaye.com/pages/lodge/banyan.html

On Roatan we stayed in a private house at West Bay Village.
http://www.westbayvillage.com/

jojoblais

Thanks to all for your suggestions & responses. We have decided on Roatan, primarily because of the beaches. Also, it seems late August is their slow season & we're being offered really good rates on hotels. We plan on taking at least one excursion onto the mainland to the rainforest and/or the ruins.
Can anyone recommend a reputable tour operator that they've had some experience with?

ttraveler

You are going to love Roatan. I have been twice and have really enjoyed the mainland as well. We stayed at Omega Lodge in Ceiba both times but if you are looking for something more upscale you should take a look at Pico Bonito Lodge. It really easy just to take the ferry over. Both lodges offer many adventures. Even though the ferry is easy.. if you are prone to motion sickness make sure you take something.

volcanogirl

Have a great trip, lojo - can't wait to hear how it goes.

hopefulist

They'll give you dramamine when you buy your ferry tickets if you ask. Another advantage of Roatán in August is that's usually ahead of the wet season there (though we've had good weather in Belize in August both trips). Happy trails!

jojoblais

Thanks to all for your comments & suggestions. If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know.
Is it possible to take a day trip to the mainland to the rainforest? How about the ruins?
Any recommendations as to a reputable tour operator?

quest42n8

Rain forest - as suggested above Omega Tours (www.omegatours.info) is right on two national rain forests with white water rafting, horseback riding and hiking. They will pick you up in La Cieba once you get off the ferry.
Copan ruin is really a multiple day trip from Roatan but marvelous.