planning a trip to belize in may. which is a better place to stay AC or one of the atolls? has anyone stayed at manta ray resort or lighthouse? what about the bugs - how bad is it really? any input would be greatly appreciated!

I think most people would agree that the best diving in Belize is around the atolls. If you are a serious diver and that's your chief interest, then you ought to look at staying at one of the atoll resorts. Manta and Lighthouse Reef Resort and a couple of others are excellent.

The downside is that there is nothing at these remote cayes but the resort -- no shops, no other restaurants or bars, nada. If you want a vacation as opposed to a dive trip, then Ambergris Caye or Placencia or Caulker or even Hopkins might be a better choice.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/

I didn't see a single bug when I was on Ambergris last May. I probably would have if I'd ventured to either end of the island and I did load up with DEET when I went into the jungle.