I will be traveling alone to AC for the first time July 18-25, staying at Coconuts. This will also be my first trip to Belize. I've wanted to go to Belize for some time, and got airfare from Chicago I just couldn't pass up!

Can anyone recommend good, yet inexpensive restaurants in town or within walking distance of Coconuts? Nothing fancy, just simple, somewhat healthy meals -- not alot of fried stuff. I know many businesses charge a 5% service fee for using a credit card. Does this apply to the restaurants also?

During my stay, I plan to snorkel and will take at least one mainland trip. There seem to be alot of tour operators offering pretty much the same trips at the same cost, but are there any (trips and operators) that stand out? Coconuts will also arrange trips, but I'd like to consider others.

Thanks for the advice!

My one piece of advice:

Do your mainland tour (Altun Ha or Lamanai) with Daniel at Tanisha tours. No one is better. Period.

kathy

agree with KC - Daniel be da man - say Hi to Margie & Ada at Coconuts- watch out for Margie & her dominoes -

ask her about the $400BZ shave that happened there late February !

oh - and El Patio just around the corner - great food

BrianH - I think you will like Coconuts. Small place but has a great open air bar. Margie and Ada will take good care of you. I've been there twice now. My first night - I'm so tired, that walking just around the corner to El Patio is all I have energy to do. It's a great place. They have a special that includes multi-courses but tends to be pricey. Just pick off the ala cart menu and you'll eat well for less. If you head north, you can stop in at George's who has decent inexpensive food. Then there's BCs BBQ on Sunday (a 10 minute walk on the beach), JamBel Jerk Pit (adjacent to Big Daddy's),Caliente's, etc. You will find that you don't have enough days to try all of the restaurants. Just gives you reason to return!
You'll have a great time - safe journey to you.

[This message has been edited by Gela (edited 06-27-2002).]

I'm sure you will like Coconuts. We stayed there last year and will be staying there again in a little over a week. You can't beat the price ofr what you get.
There is no pool. But we walked on up the beach to swim in the ocean at Ramon's - nice spot for that.
I agree that El Patio is good but a little pricey.
I don't think we ate fried food once while we were there - just lots of grilled fish, chicken and rice and oh yes the lobster!
Our favorite tour operation was Searious Tours across from Rubies's on the beach.
I think the most fun we had last year was on the Searious Manatee Tour with Willy (the owner and guide). You get to snorkel, see Manatees, and so much more!
You should also go snorkel at Hol Chan. It will blow you away!
Have fun!

BrianH, for a good discussion on local restaurants, check out the "Restaurants Galore" thread on this forum. It has some useful information for ya!! Have fun!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Keep them coming! This is a great site -- I've been finding alot of good information here.

What's a typical price for lobster on A.C.?

about $15 US. i think.