Are there precautions that need to be taken regarding drinking the water? The health department suggested not drinking any water other than the filtered hotel water. They also suggested not eating anything that cannot be pealed and not to have ice in your drinks. We have been given anti-malaria pills and received a hep a shot. How about precautions to take with a three year old? It was strongly suggested she get a hep a shot as toddlers are always putting objects in their mouths. What do you all think?

On the island of Ambergris Caye the water served at the restaurants of San Pedro and the hotels is fine for drinking as is the ice. In regards to a baby you may still want to take precautions. I have been to San Pedro many times with no problems with the water. If you plan to go over to the main land that may be another matter esp. in the forest. Have fun.

HEP shots are now even required for school entrance. I had both of my boys innoculated before we went, and was told by the doctor they would need it for school anyway.... So I was glad I did. Better safe than sorry. We ordered a couple cases of bottled water for our fridge, but not because the tap water was bad. We just wanted portable water, and the little sip spouts are so much more convenient. The San Pedro school kids get bottled water in plastic pouches, and some tours offer these to the tourists. We found them a little awkward for the kids. We made coffee in the morning with tap water and we did just fine. If you're going to be in the jungle at all, I recommend the malaria pills.

We used the hotel water provided, not from the tap, and used ice from the ice machine,
no problems. The tap water tasted salty when brushing your teeth.
Personally I think your 3 year old would be better left at home, with a good care giver.
I saw a 2 yr old at our hotel, and it took
Mom Dad Grandma and a niece fully time to watch him. It will be very tiring on your child and yourselves. The sun is so hot.

Thanks for all the tips - I think I will risk having ice in my drinks! The three year old is my granddaughter so I am not the one in charge there! There is a group of 7 of us going,(family & friends)and we are meeting another group who is bringing a nanny for their three year old. I guess the nanny will have her hands full as the two children will want to be together!

never had a bit of trouble with the ice. restaurant water always fine...

we do buy the large bottled water when we are there for drinking at the room...

but i live in oregon and am kinda spoiled on good water...

The water is fine. We usually get 10-15 gallons of the bottled water delivered to villa because we don't much care for the taste of chlorine. They use a very high concentration of chlorine at WASA which tastes unpleasant. However...if you have any whites that need washing you WILL not need any bleach. Serious, we've done it.

And plenty of water in Oregon we do certainly have. Hey Marty I'm from Oregon as well and taking my first trip to Belize in March 2001. It seems like such a long time to wait but I guess there's something to say for anticipation.