We had a great trip and all the info collected from this message board was invaluable. Thank you!

I'll start by mentioning the first highlight of the trip. The puddle jumper cessna to San Pedro. On the way over my husband jumped in the front co-pilot seat and I had it on the way back. Fun fun and now the husband (Ron) is set on getting his pilots license.

The Palms was very nice. The rooms spacious and clean with a great view. Marty, Ana, and Melinda were very gracious hosts. We did find the location convenient to town and with that a bit noisy for us. I highly recommend The Palms for those who enjoy night life, the convenience of town or for deep sleepers. Should we return we will stay on the north end at The Belizean Shores. Loved their pool and friendly bartender Roberto!

We decided to take a dive course. On the first under water attempt I decided it wasn't for me. Ron continued and became certified. The instructor, Jim Zykan, was wonderful, patient and very skilled. The underwater life is worth the trip in itself. Even just snorkeling offered up a beautiful coloring of fish and sea life. Sigh.

The food was of every variety. We absolutely loved the Jamaican Jerk Pit and Hector was so friendly and provided excellent service. The meat pies, chicken burritos and rum punch at BC's were yum. Stained Glass Pub was enjoyable and for the record is not yet set up for credit cards. Luckily I had some cash on me
We didn't have a bad meal the entire trip and tried many different places at each price range.

Aside from the diving certification we took the Bacalar Chico excursion with Ricky from Excalaber. Ricky is a great guide. We had a nice outing.

We did a lot of beach walking and one afternoon we took the water taxi up to Journeys End and then resort bar hopped our way back to the Palapa Bar were we caught the water taxi back to SP. We were surprised by Captain Morgan's after all the hype from tv. It was quite plain and quiet.

Over all it was a pleasant restful week. AC did not grab our hearts as it does many. I went expecting a rather undeveloped area and in my eyes it was over developed and very Americanized and touristy. I had dreamt of becoming immersed in another culture (as when in Costa Rica or even French St. Martin) and found the only San Predrans we met were in service to Americans/tourists. The people of San Pedro are so friendly and kind and wish to please the tourists. They certainly did for me.

The dogs were plentiful and friendly. They looked well cared for. There were a few beach vendors and a "No thank you" was enough for them. I felt safe walking through town by myself by day and anywhere else in the evening with my husband.

For any one not into crowds I recommend visiting before high season or at the end. It was pleasant with out the crowds.

Thank you again for all the information provided by this board.

boat girl sounds like you had fun ..the ride over is always a trip co pilot seat ,not for me ,but your husband must had a ball .right seat and all ..glad you got to live the dream and enjoy

Oh ya, we had daily sightings of "The Mayor". That's what they told me at BC's they call him.

Glad you had a nice trip BG and, as you said, it's not your cup of tea (paraphrased). Next time, if you want the cultural experience in more depth, spend time on the mainland, rent a car, go off the beaten path (literally)...world of diference. As has been said oft times before, there are two Belizes, and we love them both.

BG: Sounds like you had a nice vacation, despite the fact that AC did not "grab your heart". It is an English colony, so not quite sure what you expected. In any event, after spending several vacations in a row on AC, then traveling elsewhere for the last couple trips, I do agree with your comment about culture. Having just returned from my first trip to Costa Rica a couple of weeks ago, I felt immersed in their culture, especially on the Caribbean side. I was down near the Panamanian border with the Bribri Indians. It still remains primitive, to an extent, and very beautiful. It is still so pristine - no hotels on the beach and the jungle just right there. The food was wonderful and it was so inexpensive.

I was one of very few Americans traveling there over Thanksgiving, but found it to be an awesome experience. The wildlife was unbelievable, but the people are not as warm as those in Belize and I was told by many people that theft is rampant.

All in all, I returned from this trip in absolute awe over the scenery, but not especially over the people.

Glad to read about your trip, BG. AC has a vibe that hooks alot of us, but I want to explore other parts of Belize myself, to experience all that Belize has to offer.

Looking forward to seeing some other parts of Belize, too. On the past 3 trips, I loved being in AC so much just didn't want to leave. Going exploring this time! Thanks for trip report Boatgirl.

I've just started to look into AC as a future destination... my questions may seem naive, but I haven't a clue.

What is considered high season... rainy season?
Would you spend time on the mainland on your first trip?

Thanks much!

High season is basically Christmas through Easter. Rainy season is basically mid-May through mid- Nov with Sept, Oct & early Nov being the worst. But it all depends - like everywhere weather patterns in Belize are also changing. Yes, I would recommend going to the mainland on your first (and every) trip!