Just decided to go to Belize next month. I want to go fishing while I am there, And maybe something else for a day trip as well. If I travel by Myself I was thinking about staying an ambergris or Caulker. Was hoping to head to a Marriott or Hilton property but that doesn't seem possible. I am totally open to suggestions. Would it be best to stay in Belize city and only go to the Cayes to fish and to hang out on day trips? Or should I do it the other way around?

While I don't need the peninsula club, I would prefer not to stay at something without the basic necessities air-conditioning good high-speed Internet. So I'm looking for a clean three or four star.

Tell me what you think I should do, and I'll do it. Also any recommendations on fishing guides? I want to do flats fishing one day and reef or offshore fishing the second day.

Also please rate the difference between Caulker and ambergris Cay. Restaurants and resorts, things to do, crime, cleanliness, friendliness etc. I have one friend that goes to Caulker said that's the nicer of the two. But from what I read it really it the other way around. The one blog even said it's not safe to drink the water. And I still have flashbacks from a Mexico trip years ago

Thanks everyone !!

I've only been to Belize once, 7/8 years ago.

Belize City didn't impress me much. I wouldn't stay there for more than a day, if at all. I did go to Caye Caulker, and although it's pretty basic, I did enjoy it quite a lot. I can't answer on the Internet and luxury aspects. Didn't see any of that, there.

There are some very high end places on other islands, but I have no knowledge of them, personally.

thank you. I was thinking I might have to stay in ambergris caye for more than basic.

anyone else have any input.?

again thanks !!

Neither Caye has chain hotels. Ambergris Caye does have some relatively high-end places north of San Pedro, and a wider selection of places to stay; Caye Caulker is smaller and quieter. Lots of places, even fairly low-cost ones, provide Wi-Fi. Good selection of restaurants with good food on either Caye, but they're not going to be fancy. No worries about crime, friendliness, or cleanliness, and I've had no issues with drinking the water after many trips.

I agree that staying in Belize City is not the way to go.

Thank you, that's very helpful

Avoid Belize city, it's not very nice. And I like ugly cities.

As stated above, there are no big name chain hotels on the keys. There are several nice luxury places, but they are usually remote. Eating out in Belize can be pricy at times. Crime can be an issue, theft from rooms and pickpockets, and as long as you're not up to anything illegal nothing violent. Belize city has big drug gang problems in some parts. Wifi can be spotty, so keep your expectations low. Enjoy!

Ambergris Caye is more developed and has a wider range of accommodations than Caye Caulker. There's no good reason to spend a night in Belize City, unless you like to smoke crack. The really high-end luxury places in Belize tend to be self-contained, and destinations unto themselves.

Not only are there no chain hotels in the Cayes, but there are very little of them on the mainland of Belize either.

There is a Best Western and a Radisson in Belize City and that is about all.

I wonder why no major hotel chains have invested in Belize?

I stayed for a week on Blackbird Caye (Turneffe Island) in 1994 and it was amazing -- anyone have more recent experience? At least at that time, it was so much more remote, pristine, and nontouristy than Ambergris (which we also did enjoy, though not as much!). Comfortable lodgings, great food (though just the one resort). We went out snorkeling every day, really nice!

bumping this thread as I am also taking my wife to BZE in February and staying a week, with many of the same goals as the OP (fishing, exploring, snorkeling, bird watching, generally relaxing).

OP, if you are around, where did you end up staying and how did your trip go? how was the fishing and did you walk away with any recommended (or recommended to avoid) fishing guides?

I just came back from Caye Caulker yesterday. There are definitely some newer developments (both hotels and rentals) that, whilst not luxury resorts, are very well finished and probably exceed a mid-range European or US hotel. We stayed at Weezie's Oceanfront hotel and cannot recommend it highly enough - right at the sea, beautifully designed modern rooms overlooking the ocean, pool, spotlessly clean. They also have three inland cottages.

Do note that both Ambergris and Caulker have no proper beaches - the coastline is made up of mangroves and sea grass, but many places have piers which it is possible to swim from. I hear Placencia is much better, if long sandy beaches are a must.

Snorkelling: had a couple of extremely well done tours which actually turned into private trips due to it being low season, from Caveman tours and Mario's tours for a full day and night snorkelling respectively - both highly recommended. Pretty sure that those guys take fishing tours as well, though I didn't take one.

I was briefly on Ambergris during a diving surface interval. Much bigger and more commercialised than Caulker - it reminded me of Roatan with much more happening, but also less characterful. Nothing wrong with that - just not my preference.