Hello All- I've been reading this message board for a couple of weeks and it has some great information! I'm coming down with 2 friends in January and staying at Banyan Bay. They offer diving, tours, etc., but I was wondering if anyone has stayed there or been diving with them? We want to do a day trip to Blue Hole and I've seen a lot of good comments about booking that trip with Amigos Del Mar - would we be better off with them, as far as service and cost?

Also, has anybody been by Banyan Bay, if so, what kind of condition is it in since the storm?

Thanks for any info anyone can provide.

Amigos del Mar is rated as one of the top dive operators in Belize. You won't go wrong with them.

**Jim


[This message has been edited by Sandcrab (edited 12-02-2000).]

When I checked the Banyon Bay they were feverishly refurbing & cleaning. They weren't open then (Nov 19). I am sure however when they say they will be ready it'll be gorgeous.

Re the dive of the Blue Hole. I'll repeat the same answer to the similar question elsewhere. Very few actual operators actually go to the Blue Hole. It requires a much larger boat then trips to the nearby reef do. So even if you book at your hotel you very well may end up with Amigoes del Mar.

Sandcrab & Beach Bum-
Thanks so much for your replies. Since we're going to a place none of us have ever been, it's nice to know who to deal with and who will give you the best experiences...

Can you or anyone else give me any advice about other excursions? We're considering, other than diving, going on the river tubing trip or the trip to Lamanai - but probably can't do both. Any recommendations?

Thanks again!

I have enjoyed trips by boat from AC to both Lamanai and Altun Ha. Both trips are really great experiences but if I had to choose the more rewarding one, it would be Lamanai. Keep in mind that Lamanai and Altun Ha are all day excursions with AH being a little less long.

Lamanai cost $125 US per person and included lunch at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Altun Ha was about $60 US and we had to purchase our lunch at a very nice restaurant close to AH.

Either trip is informative with lots of wildlife and exciting boat trips on the rivers. The guide I liked the best was Daniel Nunez who operates Tanisha Tours. The website is: //ambergriscaye.com/tanisha/index.html/
Your hotel can contact him for you at no additional cost (sometimes less cost).

Hope this helps.
**Jim


[This message has been edited by Sandcrab (edited 12-02-2000).]