We are planning a 7 day trip, probably to Ambergris Caye in late June 2001 (two couples and their best friend). We are all friendly, athletic non-smokers (but not non-drinkers). We want to pretty nice house where we can prepare meals or have them prepared for us (although we are not apposed to staying in a small hotel/B&B). A hot tub and pool would be a bonus.

We all want to get our diving certification and dive most mornings (we need a recommendation on SCUBA instructors).

Since some of us only vacation once a year or less, we want it to be a fabulous time. It would be nice to be close to some night life and shopping but proximity to a beautiful beach and snorkeliing/scuba is more important. I found over 500 listings in one web search. Can anyone steer us the right direction?

What's the difference between "North" and South"? Do we need to rent a car? What's the best way to get there from Belize City? What other questions should I be asking? Help!

Any help will be greatly appreciated and certainly reciprocated with advice for New Mexico travel or the Kodak Baloon Fiesta.

Thanks.

There's a tremendous amount of information about Ambergris Caye here on Marty's Web site.

If you want to get up to speed quickly on Ambergris, you might also see my Free, Fun & Easy Guide to Ambergris Caye (access it from the main home page on our Web edition of Belize First -- see below). It explains where the different areas of Ambergris Caye are located, rates and reviews most hotels, and offers other advice. And it's ad-free so the information is candid.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/
(and Fodor's Belize & Guatemala Guide and
Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize)

Thanks. I'm so excited I can barely get any work done. I just don't want to make any mistakes making decisions since the other four are depending on me and my net surfing ability.

I assume you already noticed...but every answer to every question is on this message board...or in Ambergris Caye.com.... leaving in 4 days...full report when we return...good luck...use the "search" function..I think that everything has been asked..everything...

There are many options on Ambergris. Do you want to spend all your time on the island or split it up and spend time on the mainland, in the jungle too? My personal preference is to spend a few nights at a jungle lodge, exploring ruins, doing cave trips, horseriding in the jungle and hearing the jungle sounds at night, then head to the island for some water activities, relaxing, diving... But if you want to be on the island the entire time, you can easily do a day trip over to the mainland to see ruins. What kind of price do you want to spend per night? That would help determine which place best suits you, along with do you want a phone, tv... you already mentioned a hot tub and pool would be nice, along with a kitchen. I am not a travel agent but lived in Belize for 5 years, have a 12 year history, lived on Ambergirs and started a tour operation on the mainland so know the country fairly well. Feel free to email me direct if you would like, [email protected]