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I'm confused about a few things pertaining to Ambergris Caye. If I want to snorkel, do I always have to pay to take a boat out to some place or can one snorkel off of a beach? My husband and I want to visit in Feb. but I can't see having to rent a boat each time I want to snorkel. Can anyone answer this? Also, I've heard that Villas at Banyon is nice, but they are all two bedrooms. Anyplace next to Banyon that isn't so far from town that we couldn't bike it - right on beach, of course. Can individuals rent small boats and are there smaller islands to go see. Weve been to the Caymans snorkeling (very good) and the Abacos (just so-so). Is Ambergris a good spot to go to? Thanks for anyone who can help me.

the best snorkeling by far is out at the reef, you must take a boat to get out to see it....

its quite incredible, well worth the trip. you can do minor snorkeling around the docks, but nothing like what you see out at Hol Chan and other spots....


there are small islands to visit, either out at lighthouse reef or just around ambergris..

caye caulker, caye chapel, goffs caye, all the small cayes out at lighthouse reef, lots of places to wander.. not to mention the jungles and various trips on the mainland...

The snorkeling in Belize, even in the more visited areas around Ambergris Caye, is superior to almost any other snorkeling in the Caribbean. You do have to take a boat out to enjoy the best snorkeling -- and no, boats are not available for rent -- but that's not such a hassle as you might think. You can make a fun trip out of it, and contrary to what you might think, you'll get more snorkeling in than you probably want to do. In between trips, you can snorkel off the shore, around docks, etc.

There are many different small condotels and suites places along the beach south of town, starting with The Palms and Belizean Reef Suites just south of town, and among others Caribbean Villas (litle "mini reef" around the pier), Woody's, Coral Caye. Near Banyon Bay is Banana Beach, which has lovely one-bedroom suites.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/

You might want to consider Tobacco Caye for a short stay. They claim you can wade a short distance to the reef. www.tclodgebelize.com . Not as much social activity as SP though.

Karen, I just got home last night and found that my one bedroom Feb. 4-13 booking had cancelled...so its available again if you want it. Yikes, I can't remember what my URL on //www.ambergriscaye.com is for my condos but the belize.com page is www.belize.com/paradisevillas.html
It's available through the morning of Feb. 14, busy the rest of the month. It's real convenient to everything, in town next to the Paradise Hotel.

Karen...
If you want to go to AC in February, suggest that you try one of the following:

The Palms
Belezian Reef
Coral Bay Villas

Not necessarily in that order...Not as pricy as Banyan Bay. Located between Banyan Bay and town. Each has a page under lodging on this site.

Good luck!

Jim