Trip report to San Pedro Belize: March 24 to April 1, 2012
We stayed at the Conch Shell Inn: This is a great place right in front of the water taxis. There are only 8 units. We stayed in one of the upstairs units. The beds were comfortable but small. There was a mini fridge and a sink. There was a great deck with chairs and a couple of hammocks. We talked a little with owners Mark and Joan. They were very nice. We got most of our help from Eleanor who answered our questions and filled us in with information about San Pedro. She was very easy to talk to. It is not a fancy place but was perfect for our needs. I would stay there again.
Best meal: We had an amazing Seafood burrito at Waragumas. It had two HUGE crab claws, oysters on the half shell (I think), tons of shrimp, and fish. It had so much flavor. Deb and I shared it and it was plenty for both of us.
Other great meals and places to eat: Nierie's: The fry jacks were amazing and cheap. The watermelon juice was also tasty. El Fogon: We had great fried whole snapper, conch fritters, and key lime pie. Luis and Olive were very nice. Palapa Bar and Grill: We had ceviche there one day. It was pretty good. The conch fritters were delicious with a great sauce. There were few for the price but very yummy. The best ceviche for the price: The open door behind Cholo's was amazing. I believe we went there 5 or 6 times. The bakery by the soccer field(name?): We had great treats there several times. Lily's: Deb had some great shrimp scampi there. And it is right on the beach so you can't beat the view.
The place that we thought was okay but over- priced was The Reef. We looked at the menu and all the appetizers. The waiter told us that the seafood platter came with an appetizer so when we ordered we were waiting to let him know which one we wanted. He brought us some chips and salsa and said that was our appetizer. It was very misleading. I wouldn't go there again.
Activities:
1) We snorkeled with the guys that were right in front of the Conch Shell Inn. We went to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Our guide swam in front of us and pointed out all the sea life. He was very informative. He also held a nurse shark so we could touch it. Wow! I was a little disappointed with shark ray alley but it wasn't our guides fault, just bad timing I think. We only saw a couple rays and a shark or two.
2) We snorkeled several times at the end of some of the piers. Our favorite two were Wet Willie's and the pier just south of that one. Lots of cool fish.
3) We took a day trip twice to Caye Calker. We mostly hung around The Lazy Lizard. They had a delicious grilled barracuda and fried whole snapper. Another day we had great chicken burritos. We snorkeled along the split and really enjoyed that. I had a t-shirt "painted" by a lady. It turned out great and she was very sweet. I also bought a great walking stick/cane from the "guru". He is at peace with the world.
4) We took a sunset sail boat ride with "Seaduced". It was a very peaceful ride and they served us rum punches and belikins, ceviche, and fruit. It was a wonderful ride.
5) We rented bikes from Joe's bikes. I recommend exploring the beaches that way. We liked going North more than south. We went to Captain Morgan's and bought drinks and they allowed us to use their pool. We also had a nice chat with Danny, our bartender. It was a great trade off buying drinks and using the pool. We did the same thing at Grand Carribe. Beautiful pools and great views.
6) We went to the chicken drop at Wahoo's. It was a one- time experience. I wouldn't do it again but it was worth experiencing it. Deb got to hold the chickens before seeing where they pooped.
7) Best advice: Ask the locals but ask more than one person. Often the person you ask is related to the person that owns the place they recommend.
Dawg and Deb Swanson
AmbergrisCaye.com 
