I live on Ambergris Caye. Caye Caulker as anyone who knows me will attest to, is my get away. In fact I just "got away" there 2 weeks ago, and go over about twice a month. I travel alone and as such try to be reasonable and responsible. I always have a great time and have made some great friends. The last time I went over I stayed at Caye Reef and loved it. I felt safe, and had the best sleep I'd had in a long time.

I have also lived on the mainland in "mosquito land" and just like my native British Columbia where West Nile disease lurks, you try not to get all bitten up. Insect repellent and common sense will get you a long way.

By the way, someone mentioned Cuba less than favorably, and I would just like to put a good word in for Old Havana and Varadero, I have been 4 times,and can't wait to go back.

I have found with my overactive Capricorn mind, that at some point I have to stop researching every single aspect of my upcoming travel destination or eventually I find the dark underbelly. Keep up the positive thoughts, and have a great time!

Well said Verbatim!!! I couldn't have said it better! I'm from Canada and love Caye Caulker more than any place in the world

Ditto.......Thank you Verbatim....you have just reminded me of all I left behind 8 years ago, and I think I was getting into the negative vibes like others on this site in the past two months. You made some excellent points. And it is true that people always go back to Caye Caulker.....and if not they carry the island and the people and the experiences in their hearts for always. Thanks again for making it all come back to me. I hope everyone who is looking for a travel destination reads your post.

We've been vacationing in Caye Caulker for 3 years now, and will be coming back again January. Every year, we bring one or two more friends with us. Nothing could stop us from returning. Bad stuff happens everywhere. You just have to live your life and try and focus on the good stuff.

Caye Caulker is a lovely, laid-back, happy and genuine place. We always feel welcome and safe. I can't wait for January!

"By the way, someone mentioned Cuba less than favorably, and I would just like to put a good word in for Old Havana and Varadero, I have been 4 times,and can't wait to go back. "

No offence meant Malibu, I would consider Cuba as well at some point in the future. My friends experienced Caye Caulker first with their children who had incredible adventures they will remember for the rest of their lives, Cuba just didn't seem to do it for them. But again, no one was with them, like me, to give them the lay of the land and they did the 'tourist' thing I suspect so I can see why they are more eager to return to Caye Caulker. My point was it depends on your trip 'karma' sometimes, how you plan your trip, etc. and anyone can find something wrong on any trip. In fact, the only place I find perfection and comfort is home. My own bed, my own TV, all the conveniences I need, it's set up perfectly for me after years of making it that way. But like everyone, I need a break to get 'out of the box', reassess my life, my value system, etc.

"I think I was getting into the negative vibes like others on this site in the past two months."

I hear you Without Regret, I've let off steam too about the possibility of noisy golf carts, high airfares, crime and animal care. I think we get passionate about all these issues because we care so much what happens there and want to preserve that which is so special to us all. If you weigh cost, safety, life altering experiences, beauty, sense of community, like many I find it hard to want to go anywhere else in the world. And I too keep turning more and more friends onto this amazing place.

And may I add, the thing that bothers me the most on any of my travels are the late night inconsiderate ravings of other (usually inebriated) travelers keeping us up through the night. I imagine the locals who have to work and send their children to school the next day don't appreciate it much either.

I would absolutely believe that Mexico would be much worse. Don't change your plans. Just be mindful of the many lodging choices; and, choose wisely.

I went to Caye Caulker with an open mind. I really only posted the follow up message because there are certainly issues that need to be addressed. If I did not care about that island I would simply never have posted any message.

Recapping once again: food was fabulous, snorkeling was wonderful, Kayaking, kite surfing, and other water sport opportunities were available. People for the most part were wonderful to spend time with.

It would be wise to take groceries if you are going for an extended stay. Look for reviews of the lodging. Believe the reviews.

I am sure that the lodging we stayed in must have been more noisy than most. It was not one dog; it was many. I was not the only patron of the establishment that was annoyed by the dogs. Obviously it was a dog owner problem, not a dog problem. People should be required to control their animals to keep them from annoying/biting the tourists.

My 2 cents worth:

On my first visit to Belize in 2006, I took a day trip to CC (from AC) & really enjoyed it.

So when I was planning my last trip (Nov 09), I thought I would give CC a try. As a woman traveling alone, I obviously have to be very cautious, so I did alot of looking for hotels on CC and just didn't get the good vibe on any that I found.

So, I decided to go back to AC for my holiday. And it was a great trip.

I have to say that I am glad I did not go to CC, as I met some great new friends at one of the dive shops on AC. It ended up being a trip of a lifetime.

My findings are the exact opposite from phishhippegirl. My first trip was in 2004, stayed at Bannana Beach in AC. I took a day trip to CC and reeally enjoyed it. I just returned from my 8th trip to Belize. I have stayed on CC ever since that first time and have nothing but good things to say about the many hotels and beach houses I have rented. I normally spend a half day in San Pedro, pretty much get my fill of car exhaust and paved streets. It's a nice half day just not the same as CC.