Diet-
Coconuts is 100% OK (other then the barge- but thats another story)
The staff is great and the bar is a great mix of locals & touristas.
If you like hot & spicy "Jam-Bel" Jamacan Jerk right at the town center is terrific.
Sit upstairs on the roof.
Party styles vary. The hot disco is 1/3 mile south of the airstrip. I prefer a touch more mellow, so Fidos in town just a tad north of the center right on the beach is excellent. Always has live music and a good crowd.
Re diving-
Short trips to the reef Aquarius on a pier in town but on the north side. Russell
is an excellent guide and it's less $ then some others. For a Blue Hole trip use Amigos del Mar. Book through David at Coconuts. If you are staying there he'll save you 10% or more. If you need any certification contact Thomas Sharp phone 014-8008. David can make the contact as well. Thomas mostly works out of the Tropica 1/2 mile south of Coconuts.
You'll also see him at the Coconuts beach bar.
Re Mayan Ruins- I don't have a clue. I'm sure someone can give you good referrals.
Seashell-
Though some locals are still going barefoot- DON'T. There is alot of debris in certain places & some pieces of broken glass buried in the sand near town.
Hustlers is open - the bar isn't.
Sharks ( a few piers south of Hustlers) at the end of the pier (where Rasta Pasta once upon a time was) where the water taxis are is open. So if you want the end of a pier drink thats where to go.
Alot of palms died. The greenery is returning. If you take a boat over to Caulker, on approach you really see the stark contrast in dead or bare foiliage vs. the new.
Most of the resorts and even mid-level hotels (such as Coconuts) have replanted and pruned.
The stores are mostly all well stocked. Rock's & The Island market didn't have
the fresh meat & produce section fully supplied. But overall anything you need is there (at a price of course).
[This message has been edited by Beach Bum (edited 11-25-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Beach Bum (edited 12-05-2000).]