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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
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OP
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Hi everyone, nice forum you've got going here. Reading through a bunch of these posts has me very excited to get to Belize! I'll be meeting a buddy of mine in Belize City in late December for two (hopefully) warm sunny weeks in Belize. We have no plans at all beyond meeting up and finding the nearest place to grab a Beliken, I mean, some Belikens. I'm hoping to get some information and ideas from you guys on what we should be aware of and what we definitely HAVE to do while in Belize. We'll be trying to squeeze the absolute most out of our dollar so luxurious accomondations are definitely not a priority. We know we want to get to San Pedro for at least a few days (plane or taxi?). We'd also like to see the country...is there a decent bus system to take us up and down the coast? We would like to do some fishing and snorkeling. Do we need our own equipment? We'd love to spend a day out on a catamaran and maybe try some windsurfing and parasailing as well. Anybody know of any good deals anywhere to do this kind of stuff? What about cave tubing? Is it worth it? Nightlife? Where's the best places to hang out at night, and how late/early do they stay open? We plan on playing all day and then finding some fun watering holes to mingle with the locals and other visitors. I'm planning on winning that Chicken Drop that I read about. Where should we stay? We'd take the lowest price we can find for a safe place to crash. Is San Pedro the place to be on New Year's? Sorry, I know this is a mouthfull, but if anyone has any suggestions or comments for any of the above...I'd appreciate it!! Thanks!
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,299
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For cheap place to stay on San Pedro check out ambergriscaye.com/conchshell/
We did cave tubing first time we came here it was combined with a zoo trip and lunch and i think it was worth it.
Pier Lounge and Crazy Canucks fun to hang out at.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,770
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Also Fido's for music and dancing, and BC's on Sundays for awesome b-b-q, music, and dancin' in the sand as the sun goes down....
It's never too late to have a happy childhood!
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 367
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Oh yeah, at least a few days in San Pedro. My first trip I split between mainland and AC. My second trip was all AC.
Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley with Alfonso Graniel. He's extremely knowledgable and a total blast. Once you get to the island, local tour companies (at many hotels) can book you with him. You can do both in a half day.
Cave tubing was enjoyable. I liked learning about the leaf cutter ants along the trail to the river, seeing the bats in the dry caves and tasting the treasures the guides found for us along the way. Then, the cool water is a welcome, relaxing ride. We stopped at some gems of swimming holes along the route. It's a wonder to to see the jungle canopy through openings in the cave ceilings.
Be sure to do a Mayan ruin while in country. Lots of folks have fun with the zip line tours as well, although I haven't done hat one myself...yet : )
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 326
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Would suggest starting mainland, probably San Ignacio is best. Bus is good, from what I hear, and about 2 hours from airport. Do as much as you can from there--cave tubing, zip line, Tikal is fantastic. Then hit San Pedro for second week--fly from Municipal or water taxi. Stay near or in town, for best deals. Better to be able to walk to where you want to go. Lots of restaurants, places to stay, etc. in reasonable range. Snorkeling, even fishing reasonable, just read the board. Mask and snorkel, if you have them, rent fins. You will enjoy!
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 115
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I second on going snorkling with Alfonso. If you get a chance, go night snorkling with him. It's absolutely amazing, if you are up for an adventure.
Crazy Canucks-great hang out on Monday night. And please, try to visit Fido's.
Most of the local restaurants we have eaten have been great. There is one place, Waraguma's, on Middle Street. If you blink, you may miss it. It's South of Elvi's kitchen (going towards the airport on the right. Two tables in the front. She has the best lobster burritos you have ever tasted.
I haven't been inland much, so good luck with you research on that.
You look like you will have a great time and fit in just well.
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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take the water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro - you've got the time, it's a beautiful ride, a fun way to chat with locals and between the two of you you'll save about $150 over the cost of flying.
Pedro's Inn is the cheapest place to stay on the island (around $12 I think), fun bar, free internet and for a while he had a deal where you got free pizza as long as you were ordering beer.
You'll find differing opinions about cave tubing if you do a search - it will cost a lot less to go from the mainland - same for the ruins - if you're only going to one site see Lamanai.
You can rent snorkels/fins for about $5, a half day at hol chan & shark/ray alley is about $25 + the entry fee and worth every penny.
Good cheap food from the street venders and really good meals if you try some of the smaller spots off the beaten path.
You'll be hooked! Have fun!
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 700
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Personally I'd upgrade just a bit on accomadations & stay at Ruby's or Lily's right on the beach in town. My favorite local watering holes are Cholos Sports Bar & Dready's Coco Loco Sports Bar which is the first Bar South of the bridge. Rent a cart & explore the North end. Hop on the water taxi and spend a afternoon on Caye Chaulker.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 440
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Hey, what about little Coco Loco's, just north of the cut on the beach with a swim-up beach bar!!!
Can't find my plane...
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,850
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Not a dang thang wrong with Coco Locos! I like it
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 700
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Wonderwoman where exactly is that one I think I'd like to give it a try in Feb. Thanks in advance J.D.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,366
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
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OP
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Thanks everyone, I can't wait to get there! Any recommendations for a place to stay the night we arrive in Belize City? It will be late afternoon and we'll be looking to get into a hotel quick and then walk around and check out the town...probably hit an establish or two that sells adult beverages
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 289
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YA CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON A GOOD TIME
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,748
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No reason to stay the night/go to adult establishment in Belize City...take Graffice advice.
Change your Latitude
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,748
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You do not want to "check out the town" either. Belize City is a third world Caribbean port town and they are all pretty much the same. If you have ever been on a cruise and ventured out past the "tourist areas" you know what I mean.
Change your Latitude
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,281
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Belize City gets such a bad rap but it's not as bad as they say. I have had some awesome times there and some people even live there and like it!!! The main hotels for tourists are the Radisson, The Biltmore, The Great House, D'Nest B&B. The Biltmore & D'Nest are closer to the airport but kind of in the suburbs. The Radisson & Great House are in the Fort George area on the coast. Both have decent restaurants and the Radisson bar is a popular place. The Biltmore bar is OK as well and has live music several nights a week. There is a new place called the Riverside Tavern that has good food and a popular sports bar type atmosphere. Can get there by taxi from any of the hotels. The Princess Hotel has a casino if you are interested in that but don't stay there - just play there! There are some very cheap hotels in the city as well like Hotel Mopan, BelCove & Seaside Guesthouse but you would probably want to see them first before booking. Cheap in Belize does not mean a Motel 6 type place! And there are some dangerous areas you would want to avoid (like any city). That said, Bz City does NOT make a good first impression of the country and it is possible to get to the islands the first day without spending a night there. Last flight is at 5:40. Or you could get a driver/taxi to the inland areas. Possibly can make a bus to Cayo or elswhere if you don't get in too late.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 440
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Coco Loco's is about two city blocks north of the cut, over the bridge, on the beach.
Can't find my plane...
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Coco Loco's will let you dip your sandy feet in the pool while their incredibly fun bartender makes you an incredibly tastey drink!
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,444
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Said Law, speaking credibly.
I've already told you more than I know.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,850
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wonderwoman is creditable?
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,748
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I go to Belize City every six months or so to shop and do not tell tourists not to go there...but would not want a first time visitor to spend their first night in Belize wandering around Belize City looking for a nice bar to have a few beers......could be not such a good first impression of the country, and might put a damper on the entire trip. It would be like telling someone who has never left San Pedro to just fly into Detroit, find a hotel, and go look for a bar. Might not give a great first impression of the US. Please don't scold folks who are only trying to be of assistance. Tourists are our livelihood and we would not want to discourage anyone from coming here.
Change your Latitude
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,366
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credibly a sweetheart.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,444
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I've already told you more than I know.
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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I have - downtown Detroit wouldn't be the first impression I'd want someone to have of the US, but it wouldn't be my absolute last choice either
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,444
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It's image is worse than the reality. There's some pretty nice places downtown actually. (Yes, some bad ones as well, not alot different that most cities)
I've already told you more than I know.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
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OP
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Thanks again everyone, you are all a great source of information. A few more things... I think a night in BC may end up being necessary, but we aren't the type of people that will let a negative experience in BC put a damper on the rest of our trip I will be arriving around 5 pm and would rather take a water taxi to San Pedro than a plane. It's cheaper and takes longer so we'll have more time to take everything in. Plus, I like boats! I'm thinking 5 will be too late to get on a taxi so maybe we'll go stay near the water taxi and get on in the morning or start bussing around the mainland. A lot of our trip depends on where we want to be for New Year's. Where would you say is the most fun place to be? San Pedro? Caye Caulker? Any special celebrations for the holiday? Thanks again for all your help!
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