Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Other Adventures => Topic started by: jstone on February 08, 2018, 10:09:58 AM


Advertise Here
Title: Who has been to Belize
Post by: jstone on February 08, 2018, 10:09:58 AM
The wife an I are thinking of saving up for a trip to Belize for our anniversary. It will be 30 years in 2 more years and we want to do an epic trip. About how much did you spend for a week stay? What activities to do? I would also like to stay in the huts in the water. Just looking for ideas.

Thanks
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on February 08, 2018, 10:16:21 AM
I have not,  but my father, who has traveled extensively for 50+ years, said Belize is his all-time favorite.  Snorkeling and beaches being the reason, I don't think he did anything inland.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Pinetar on February 08, 2018, 10:33:05 AM
Belize is AWESOME!! Great people, snorkeling, diving, fly fishing, Blue Water fishing, sailboat booze cruises in the evenings, nighttime entertainment and food and beverages are cheap and right down on the beaches. You can never go wrong in Belize. With all this said you do not want to stay in Belize City. Upon landing in Belize City jump on a plane and fly out to Ambergris Caye - San Pedro with Tropic Air.

I'm taking off for Christmas Island tomorrow, but if you PM me, when I get back in two weeks I can send you some more info and contacts of the better guides there.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Pinetar on February 08, 2018, 10:37:46 AM
Oh ya, I also know a great guide that will take you for a killer boat ride from San Pedro up the Belize River, then into the New River to the Mayan Ruins. Great day and very interesting!
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Special T on February 08, 2018, 10:54:49 AM
I've seen the 30' concrete wall topped with Constantine  and machine gun turrets the Mexicans out up on the pensula

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2018, 11:06:14 AM
Tag.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: huntingfool7 on February 08, 2018, 11:12:32 AM
I went with the wife a few years ago.  Belize is a major destination for scuba divers and there are resorts that cater to tourists.  We didn't go that route and I'm sure our experience was much different than most.  Belize City can be a dangerous place and we were told not to cross over the bridge for safety reasons. 

After landing at the airport we rented a car in town.  We stayed at a hotel in Burrell Boom on the way in and out of Belize. It was owned by an older couple from Texas and they were very helpful and offered the closest thing to American food we saw on the trip.  Burrell Boom is close to Belize City and a handy jump off point.

We traveled around the country primarily visiting Mayan ruins which included Xunantunich.  It is close to the border with Guatamalla.  If you have the time, it's worth while.  Be warned that there are some theft issues with possessions left in the vehicles.  The guide books recommend hiring a local guide at Xunantunich.  After doing so, I would recommend against it.  I believe the guide was working in conjunction with someone at the concession stand to point out burglary targets.

There is a ruin across the border from Xunantunich that I really wanted to see.  We ended up passing on it because  there were known highwaymen setting up road blocks on the mountain roads inside Guatamalla.  At the time, the warnings stated that your money and virtue wasn't worth dying for.

Inland Belize is very third world and a high percentage of the population has some weird eye issues.  I don't know if it's genetics or an ailment but it was prevalent. 

Further South we stayed at the beach for a few days.  I believe it was in Punta Gorda (I'd have to check).  There was a couple from Alaska that spend the winters down there and rent out beach cabanas. 

Overall it was a good trip.  There are some rough roads down there.  If I was to do it again, I'd rent a diesel SUV rather than a car.  They get incredible mileage without the EPA smog junk and would be better suited to the roads that we spent time on.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: farmin4u_98948 on February 08, 2018, 11:37:08 AM
We stayed at Caye Caulker. Some of the best snorkeling.  Did a fishing and snorkeling with stressless tours.  Make sure you get a room on the water so there is a breeze. Also spent a couple nights in southern Mexico at Bacalar Lagoon. It's a must go    Rode the bus from there then caught the boat to Caye Caulker.   Never went to the mainland of Belize
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: jstone on February 08, 2018, 12:16:17 PM
What’s the best time of year to go? For good weather?
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 08, 2018, 12:25:08 PM
Was there last March. Stayed 3 days outside of Belize city to do the Mayan ruins, Cave Tubing, and the zoo. Then flew out to San Pedro and Ambergris Caye. We did the snorkeling thing there with a guide at the reef and Shark Alley. Stayed at a motel outside of San Pedro on the beach. We kayaked out to the reef there and snorkeled as in that part of the reef you weren't required to have a guide. Did other stuff like rode bikes to San Pedro, and took golf carts into San Pedro. Golf carts is how most people get around there if you don't take the sea Taxi. They drive plenty fast on narrow roads that are in need of repair. San Pedro reminds me of a lot of the Mexican border towns in that it is run down and in need of repair. We had a good time there, my wife is from Hawaii so it doesn't stack up IMO.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: brocka on February 08, 2018, 12:34:35 PM
I have been twice. 2007 and last year. Both times I stayed on Ambergris Caye. This last year I fished just about everyday. It is awesome there. I want to go back. We flew direct with Southwest. It was very reasonable.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Machias on February 08, 2018, 12:58:10 PM
I made it about 75 miles south of Belize.  :)  Went through San Pedro Sula, Honduras on my way to the Tela beaches....and also went to the Copan ruins.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: eastsidemallard74 on February 08, 2018, 01:03:54 PM
Went on a cruise, parents have been there on a resort. Through the cruise, was not impressed with what we saw, town was a little sketchy for Americans. Parents loved it at a resort, they really didn't venture out much to the city because the resort was all inclusive. The waster is blue and warm, and some cool scenery once you get outside the city. We did a jungle excursion ,zip lined through the rain forest.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2018, 01:18:31 PM
Probably a statement of the obvious, but research hurricane season for the area.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: h2ofowlr on February 08, 2018, 01:41:33 PM
I went down to Belize in July.  It was the rainy season, but was a blast.  Stayed down in Hopkins.  Did a lot of fishing, diving and snorkeling.  If I went back I would bring some cheap 30-50lb spools of line with me and some good sized 2 hooks.  Do a little bartering with the locals.  Watched the guys going out with a fly trying to catch fish.  I went with heavier line, and shrimp and caught 12 different types of fish.  Go with heavier line as everything has sharp teeth.

We also did a plantation tour, jungle tubing, fishing, snorkeling trip out to the reef.  Crystal clear water at the reefs.  It was a blast.

Don't buy souvenirs in the little towns.  Wait until you get back to the airport and buy them there.  They will give you a song and a dance and tell you how it's hand made.  Then you see the same stuff for half price.  Hand made in China.  Exchange rate was $.50 to the $1.00 in our favor.  Small little towns have great food, but takes a while to get.  If you have chickens running around while your eating, you know your food is minutes fresh.  :chuckle:
Big city or large resort may offer a completely different experience.  Where we stayed it was all read dirt roads.  Fun experience.  English speaking country, so it makes it a lot easier.  6 different languages spoken in Belize as well.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Doublelunger on February 08, 2018, 03:03:10 PM
We were just there in December. Flew into Belize city, then took a water taxi directly to Ambergris Caye. Went with two other couples. Found a good priced VRBO on the south part of the island that was basically a mansion. I loved it, the wife said she would NOT go back because of the bugs (mosquitos and no see ums...they didn't bother me at all).  We went snorkeling, fishing, and spear fishing, which resulted in some of the best seafood I've ever consumed  (fish, lobster, and conk). Restaurants down there will cook your fish for you. I drank my body weight in Belikin Beer and cheap rum. Rallied golf carts all over the island (they're the main source of transportation). Weather was great. highs around 83-85 and lows never got below 70-73. rain showers here and there mostly in the evenings. One thing I might do different is go see some of the Mayan ruins on the mainland, but we saw a bunch of that last year on our trip to playa del carmen Mexico.  Prices on things weren't what I would call cheap but not really Expensive either.  Not really an exchange rate too, the Belize dollar is tied directly to the US dollar, 1 USD = 2 BZD all the time no matter what.  I would say that a $50 meal in the US would cost you about $40 for the exact same thing on Ambergis Caye. Beers were $2.50 US everywhere, grocery stores and restaurants. Mixed drinks were $4-5 US.  Overall i'd give Belize  :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: trophyhunt on February 08, 2018, 04:05:55 PM
Tag
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: zwickeyman on February 08, 2018, 04:39:41 PM
Been to Belize 3 times. We have stayed at San Pedro all 3 times. Chill as can be and very safe. Decent fishing with the right guides and you can take a golf cart up the island past the resorts and fly fish off the old abandoned docks or wade the flats. Stay away from Belize City though. Next time we go we are going to a resort south of Belize City and do a little more fishing. The best food is the side street BBQs. 1/2 chicken, rice and beans for 4 or 5 American. You'll have a good time
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: YoungFowler on February 25, 2018, 07:51:42 PM
We went a couple years ago, we spent a few days in the jungle at this really cool place where you stay in tree houses and they have day adventures for you such as rappelling and floating the river. We then went to San Pedro for a few days and hung out on the beach and fished. We went with Mike from Belize Fishing Charters, really great guy and he got us on the fish.

https://www.cavesbranch.com/ (https://www.cavesbranch.com/)

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g291962-d7810858-Reviews-Belize_Fishing_Charters-San_Pedro_Ambergris_Caye_Belize_Cayes.html (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g291962-d7810858-Reviews-Belize_Fishing_Charters-San_Pedro_Ambergris_Caye_Belize_Cayes.html)
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: whacker1 on February 26, 2018, 10:34:29 AM
tagging along
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: SWHUNTER on February 26, 2018, 05:25:07 PM
My wife and I went down and stayed at Coco Beach Resort for a week 4 years ago. It was awesome. We went at the end of October, and the place was a ghost town, but I think we lucked out on the weather. Captain Morgan's resort next door had the best fish and chips I've ever had.
It was cool seeing kids pull their boats onto the beach and sell fish that they just caught to the restaurants.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Miles on February 26, 2018, 06:36:39 PM
The wife and I are headed to Roatan in a few days.  We looked quite a bit at Belize, but found a good deal in Roatan.  We are big into snorkeling so we plan our vacations around that.  If you are going for the beaches and snorkeling, check it out.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Alchase on February 26, 2018, 06:40:22 PM
The wife and I are headed to Roatan in a few days.  We looked quite a bit at Belize, but found a good deal in Roatan.  We are big into snorkeling so we plan our vacations around that.  If you are going for the beaches and snorkeling, check it out.

Curious what a trip like that cost?
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Miles on February 26, 2018, 06:55:07 PM
The wife and I are headed to Roatan in a few days.  We looked quite a bit at Belize, but found a good deal in Roatan.  We are big into snorkeling so we plan our vacations around that.  If you are going for the beaches and snorkeling, check it out.

Curious what a trip like that cost?

We’re staying 8 days at the Grand Roatan Resort.  With airfare out of Colorado included, we are just under 3k for both of us.  The only thing not included is lunch and dinner.  It’s right on the beach with a nice reef for snorkeling out front.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Alchase on February 26, 2018, 07:01:08 PM
The wife and I are headed to Roatan in a few days.  We looked quite a bit at Belize, but found a good deal in Roatan.  We are big into snorkeling so we plan our vacations around that.  If you are going for the beaches and snorkeling, check it out.

Curious what a trip like that cost?

We’re staying 8 days at the Grand Roatan Resort.  With airfare out of Colorado included, we are just under 3k for both of us.  The only thing not included is lunch and dinner.  It’s right on the beach with a nice reef for snorkeling out front.

Wow, please give a review of what you liked and dis-liked. This sound interesting!
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Miles on February 27, 2018, 03:51:11 PM
The wife and I are headed to Roatan in a few days.  We looked quite a bit at Belize, but found a good deal in Roatan.  We are big into snorkeling so we plan our vacations around that.  If you are going for the beaches and snorkeling, check it out.

Curious what a trip like that cost?

We’re staying 8 days at the Grand Roatan Resort.  With airfare out of Colorado included, we are just under 3k for both of us.  The only thing not included is lunch and dinner.  It’s right on the beach with a nice reef for snorkeling out front.

Wow, please give a review of what you liked and dis-liked. This sound interesting!

Will do.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Miles on March 08, 2018, 04:50:23 AM
Still here enjoying how beautiful this place is.  I’ll post up some reviews for those interested once we return stateside.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: trophyhunt on March 08, 2018, 05:22:53 AM
Sweet, looking forward to the review, hopefully going there in a year or so.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Tbob on March 08, 2018, 07:35:00 AM
Been to Belize a while back. Stayed 10 days. Flew into Belize City and hopped on the water taxi to Ambergris Caye. Loved it. Everybody speaks English and takes USD everywhere. As stated above, It’s not “cheap” but by no means expensive. We went snorkeling, cave tubing, scuba diving, fishing, zip lining and went to see multiple Mayan ruins. We found that if you booked excursions in San Pedro you could usually work a better deal between the vendors too. I’d def go back!
    Another cool option would be the Riveiera Maya side of Mexico. My wife and I just got back a few weeks ago. We stayed in a nice all inclusive right on the beach. It was called the Valentin Imperial Maya. Awesome vaca! I’ve never been a fan of the “all Inclusive” but this place is saaaweeeet! Love that part of the world ! Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and pina coladas till your hearts content. Tons of Mayan ruins and cynotes to swim in. Fishing, snorkeling and diving all over too!
   Let us know where you end up!
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: jstone on March 08, 2018, 08:02:36 AM
Man that looks awesome.!! We will be there in 2 years. Can’t wait
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on March 08, 2018, 12:44:18 PM
Tag

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Alchase on March 08, 2018, 01:59:55 PM
Looks like snorkeling and diving heaven.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 08, 2018, 02:23:53 PM
Yea the problem is the good parts of the reef to snorkel and scuba at you have to be with a guide. If you don't the warden is sitting right out there waiting for you. We kayaked out to other parts of the reef that weren't in the reserve and it wasn't near as good. Was cool going to snorkel at shark alley though.
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on March 09, 2018, 01:37:38 PM
Stay away - Too sketch - Even the "Love Boat" territory (Puerto Vallarta) isn't safe anymore.


https://nypost.com/2018/03/02/doctor-dies-after-he-was-allegedly-beaten-during-mexico-vacation/
Title: Re: Who has been to Belize
Post by: Miles on July 05, 2018, 03:05:47 AM
Just booked our trip back to Roatan for May 2019.   This time we’re staying at infinity bay resort (just down the beach from the Grand Roatan).  I guess I never did put up much information from our last trip, but if anyone has questions, fire away.  The snorkeling is a huge factor on why we are returning.  That and the price for 8 days and airfare is really hard to beat.
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal