We are planning our first trip to Belize. We are looking at Nekton, Peter Hughes and the Agressor Fleet. Any bad experiences?Does anyone have a prefference and why? We are planning this trip for March. Is this a good month or is there a potential for any bad weather? Would another time be better?

March can be pretty windy. The clearest water (and warmest) underwater time is a bit later in the year - May-June-July.
Peter Huges's organization has been at the center of some heated debate in Belize.

A friend of mine went on the Nekton - his only complaint was that it did not go to the Blue Hole.

Diane, I love the way you can be so diplomatic, "heated debate". OK tiadude, do a search here under Wavedancer. Twenty people died on Peter Hughes boat due to poor judgment at best and gross negligence at worst. Do your "homework".

Yep, I'd say those 20 poor souls who died on the Peter Hughes boat back of Placencia last October had a pretty damn bad experience.

--Lan Sluder

By,
I would love to jump on this one but experience with this board begs me to voice my opinions face to face. Rick of the Katkandu TMM charters is free lancing since Iris because of poor judgement AGAIN on the part of the Corporation. These people just don't get it I guess. They bent up a bunch of boats again. Their insurance co.'s must be getting pissed.Go figure.
Jim

Who is this new Jim guy pretending to be Jim from Pier Lounge holding back on speaking his mind? Whoever you are, you can't fool me. I know the real Jim. He has a mind and he speaks.

After suggesting to tiadude he do a search and read about the Wavedancer incident, I went back and read some myself. I was reminded of what a heated debate took place under the topic of "supporting the Wavedancer victims". In that discussion a number of people took the position that until the investigation was complete and the results were made public, as the Belize Government promised, no blame should be placed on the Hughes operation or the captain. I am curious as to whether a report has ever been made public, and if so, what the report indicated that would vindicate the Hughes operation and convince the Belize Government to allow him to resume operation in Belize. Has anyone heard anything about this or the law suits that were filed?

Okay, okay, okay, I remember the Wavedancer incident and I too am undecided, until further investigations are published, as to who is to blame. I really appreciate this point being brought up but does anyone have any other advice or opinions about these or any other operators? Any advice about the diving in general? I am completely new to the liveaboard thing and I don't want to regret the trip.

Thanks!!!

haven't been on a Hughes boat yet. I'm booked to go on the Aggressor boat in February. I've been on few other aggressor boats and always had a great trip. Crew always pleasant, great food, and wonderful diving. I'll be able to tell you how it my trip was when I get back, but that will probably be too late for you to book for March.