Question: hubby and I are vegetarian. Will we starve on Ambergris Caye? :)
I understand that these are islands and seafood is the main thing .. however we don't eat meat, seafood, even eggs.

Good stuff. Thanks!

I reach there at 3:55pm, so 5:30 would be the only choice to Caye and probably cannot make it to Ambergris.

Is staying on the mainland worth it for a night to avoid any repercussions from IRROPS? We are only there for 2 nights, so it probably makes sense to go to Caye and enjoy it.

Is there snorkeling on Caye? We dont have any gear or experience. Looking for cheap rental/lesson for fun.

That website says 20 minutes. So if you're on time, the question is how long does it take to clear customs? I certainly wouldn't check bags, and I would try to sit as close as possible to the exit to beat folks to the customs line.

I have a 2 hour connection to Caulker and I've asked whether that's OK, given it's the last boat of the day. The answer I've received is "yes," but I got the impression it would have been "no" had I had only an hour to get the boat.

I am leaving 11/11 arriving 12pm,my thought was to catch one of the vans to Flores to base myself to see Tikal .Its been said that I should just bus to San Ignacio and then travel on the next day,what do you think?I have had no luck in getting responses to my emails as far as reservations but have been told there should be not a problem this time of year ,any suggestions for a place in San Ignacio or Flores?

Immigration & Customs:

If on AA probably 738 = 148 passengers. If this is the only international arrival, sitting in exit row 13 or 14 it has never taken us longer than 20/25 minutes to clear both. Down the stairs, across the tarmac, into the airport C & I...there will be 2 main lines plus a third on the right for "Residents". It is much quicker. We have never been turned away from this line.
2 hours between arrival and water taxi should be no worries.

So you can use the "resident" line if you're not a resident? :)

That's a great tip for those trying to make tight connections. I wouldn't bother with my 2 hour boat connection, but if my flight were late . . . .

Less expensive options would be water taxi + car rental or check the cost of day tours from Belize City + water taxi.

Flights from the municipal airport are about half that amount but you have to factor in the cost of a taxi. If there's only 1 of you, it wouldn't make sense.

Options from quickest/most expensive to longest/cheapest:

Flight from BZE
Flight from municipal
Water taxi

Not much snorkeling from shore from either Caulker or Ambergris but it's a short boat ride to the reef. From Caulker, you can get a snorkeling tour to the local reef for $25 gear included http://www.tsunamiadventures.com/snorkeling.htm

I am not a resident and have used it in the past 4 or 5 years about 9 x's.

That's pretty tight. I'd fly or if you'll be splitting your stay, do the inland part first.

Look at the recommendations in the Cayo District section http://www.belizefirst.com/documents...tels_eBook.pdf It's about 2 hours from Belize City to San Ignacio. Xunantunich (ruins) is close to San Ignacio. You can stop at the zoo on your way back. Lots of choices in this area. I stayed at Windy Hill years ago but it's gotten pricey.

The zoo itself also has accommodations http://www.belizezoo.org/zoo/tec.html

Closer to BZE http://www.blackorchidresort.com

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'm headed down for a long weekend Dec 12-15 with two friends. One just got off the campaign trail so we're looking to relax, scuba dive and eat some great seafood.

Can anyone comment on Tina's or Tropical Paradise Hotel on Caulker? What about Pedro's Inn and Martha's on Ambergris? They seem to be the cheapest possible places to stay...shared bathrooms and all. Would anyone absolutely recommend against any of these places? We don't arrive in BZE til 330p so unless we arrive on-time and speed through customs it looks like we may have to spend the first night in Caulker and then Saturday/Sunday nights in San Pedro.

Also, it seems that Pedro's Inn is a little ways out of town. Would that pose a problem getting to/from town?

Thanks!

im also in on this fare but am on a budget. i have read a few reviews about bze airport and they are not good. can anyone shed some light as to how and whether you would consider sleeping overnight at bze airport. also,im not sure of how and the cost of travelling from bze airport to the water ferry terminal.

appreciate any advise.

Thank you

Pedro's over Martha's.

It's about a 15 minute walk from the airport....actually, it is partially adjacent to the east side of the airstrip. If you could walk down the strip it would be less than 5 minutes. It is very easy to get to. From where the ferry docks, it's a further 5 minutes walk away.
If you take a taxi, which will in all probability be one of quite a few rather old Toyota vans, it should be about $10 BZE from either the dock or the airport.
Pedro, aka Peter is a British expat who knows absolutely everything about Ambergirs Caye...great source for info...
I assume you've seen his website...http://backpackersbelize.com/
(If you click on "PHOTOS" at the top, Peter is in the first top left pix.)

I also assume your reference to a 3:30 arrival and staying the night on Caye Caulker implies you are taking the water taxi over? If not and you are going by air, I can assure you there will be others on the flight from DFW going to San Pedro that same day and Tropic Air (can't say about Maya) will get you there that afternoon...

I am reasonably certain cannot stay overnight @ the airport. I would not want to either. The water taxi/ferry is a $25 US and maybe 20 minute cab ride from the airport.

Great thanks. Why Pedro's over Marthas?

Also I found San Pedro Water Taxi which has a 530p express boat from Belize City to San Pedro. So for folks getting in at 330p from Dallas it is possible to get to San Pedro same day via ferry.
See: http://sanpedrowatertaxi.com/files/schedule.html

Pedro's is fine if you want to be around the nightlife of San Pedro. No worries there. If on a budget, look at them, Ruby's, Conch Shell Inn. As far as taxis go, they're everywhere. Alien's right... old, beat up Toyota vans. I don't think you'll pay $10 though... if I recall, I paid $5 from town center to Crazy Canucks.

trekkie,
Like alien said, just a cab ride to the water taxi terminal. Go outside and get a taxi, tell 'em you want to get to the water taxi terminal to get to San Pedro. They'll know.

A few more words on Budget accommodation. I'm talking to some one to whom a hostel is right up their alley. Pedro's is a perfectly fine well run establishment. But, it is about a 15 minute walk to "town". That doesn't sound like a lot and it isn't. But I would have a hard look at the cheaper places right in town on the beach, some of which have been mentioned...Ruby's, Lily's, The Spindrift. I would expect to get something within $25 of Pedro's. I would be able to walk right onto the beach, to a dive shop, to many restaurants and bars, the cheapest grocery store on the island, cheapest liquor store...etc. all close by. Much, much better...
December 15th is the typical low - high season price break. My wife and I have been to AC the past five years during the first 2 weeks of December (and the first week of February). Up until the 15th most everyone has a walk up rate which will be cheaper than the low season rate. It's always quite there between Thanksgiving and Xmas. Sometimes you can get this by email, other times you have to show up to get it. Try emailing if you are pre Dec 15th and ask what their walk up rate is.

Yes, its all good recommendations and i would gladly take up all the recommendations but with finances being tight for everyone, i have to watch my budget too as im on a student budget. cos when you add up the taxi fee, the water taxi fee and otehr charges along the way, its easy to get financially distracted.

But i do appreciate all the private emails from you and if you were running for talkboard, i would definitely vote for you. Your recommendations of Ruby's and others are all very good and your emails were so friendly that its unbelievable.

this hasn't been asked before but i heard you have to pay departure tax in usd upon leaving belize. How much is the tax?

As of Oct 1, 2008 the taxes are 78.50 $BZ / 39.25 $US...made up from the following:

1. Passenger Service Fee (PSF) - $30 BZE ($15 USD)
2. Airport Development Fee (ADF) - $36 BZE ($18 USD) – all passengers except those traveling on a Belize passport, or holding a Belize Naturalization Certificate, Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Stamp.
3. PACT Fee - $7.50 BZE ($3.75 USD) – all passengers over 11 years of age, except those traveling on a Belize passport, or holding a Belize Naturalization Certificate, Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Stamp.
4. Security Fee - $2.50 BZE ($1.25 USD) – all passengers
5. Luggage Screening Fee - $2.50 BZE ($1.25 USD) – all
passengers

ok, thank u

i got this reply from peter who quoted a higher than marketed charge for his rooms in december:

you are coming in super high season
we are very popular-you are taking the last room
changes and latitudes is across th rod from us-look wha they charge-with no swimming pool,no bar,no real food,no space
check their site www.ambergiscaye.com/lattudes/
I believe my prices are super cheap for the value our guests receive
chek www.tripadr.com for reviews
peter.

im still considering

I'm trying to decide between Ramon's, Banana Beach or Xanadu for our trip in May. I'll have 12 people in the group. Anyone have any experiences with these places? Recommendations? We're looking to be closer to town, but have no problem walking/taxi/riding into town either. Which one has the most to offer for different activities?

Those are three reasonable choices. In May, it will be very quite and you should be able to command a good rate, especially for 12 of you. I had written a bunch of things and then thought I could answer you best if I knew…

How long are you there for?
How are the accommodations to be configured?…people/rooms
What are you going to do while you are there?

We will be there for 3 nights.

2 people/room (6 couples) -- we wouldn't mind a 2-bedroom unit as long as they bedrooms are two separate rooms, but prefer separate rooms/cabanas.

Everyone wants options--snorkle/dive almost all of us, some want to do a fishing charter and a couple want to do day trips to the ruins, etc.

Have you considered a condo? Paradise Villas is centrally located, on the beach, and they have 2 bdrm units for very reasonable prices (and very nice pool and public area). Tradewinds manages many of the units (and have an office in the US), and VRBO also has some units. "Nellie" also has a couple; her name is in the webaddress.

We've considered condos. We'd like to be close to town, but in a resort-type, and I know Ramon's would be the perfect location, but it was either hit or miss on the reviews on Trip Advisor and others. To be honest, the other guys with in the group are pretty flexible, and the one real concern from the women is they want functioning air conditioning.

Paradise Villas back gate opens to town, front gate opens to ocean. Two groceries a few steps away, restaurants, etc. begin a block or so away. They have AC, cable, internet, and pool.

Do they have a restaurant and/or bar? Do they have their guides for diving, snorkeling, etc?

About half of our group likes the beach and half like pools. I'm looking for a mix of both, that's why Ramon's has seemed a best fit for beach/pool. Banana Beach sent me a really great deal on rooms, but not sure if it's worth being that far south.

Never stayed at Ramone's myself, but I've only heard good things about it. I don't think you'll be unsatisfied there. They maintain one of the best beaches in San Pedro too. Also, if you don't feel like chartering a boat to go snorkeling, you can just go out by their pier. One of the best places off the beach to just wade in and start snorkeling. One of my best days in Belize was doing just that... layingout on the beach in front of Ramone's, Belikin beer in hand, good book by my side, mp3 player, and snorkeling for a half hour or so, coming back to the beach, and starting the cycle all over again.

Me? No question.... I'd be at Ramone's. I place too high of a value on being in the town of San Pedro. I don't want to have to walk a long ways, catch a taxi, or ride a bike to get to town. I want it all right there for the taking. Not even a questin in my mind. If you want the convenience of experiencing night life, do Ramone's.

Ramon's. Having clarified your needs, I would agree with PSUhorty. It has all the services you mentioned including about a 4 minute walk along the beach to town. On a realistic note, they are overpriced for what you get. But, they offer everything you need and I can't think of a better place that meets all of your needs. Their dive/water sport shop is probably the 2nd best in terms of professional staff and quality of boats/equipment out of, I'm guessing, 40-50 plus establishments on AC. They have a quant little pool and bar, and the restaurant area is laid out nicely looking to the beach, and a staff more than ready to plan your side trips. As a side note, they are about 300 yards from the airport (noise of planes not really an issue). Ramon's also backs onto the main street heading South - Coconut Drive. This can be noisy at times but, their property is deep enough that I would be inclined to request a grouping of units toward the front/beach.
By the way, the plane from BZE to San Pedro Airstrip, whether Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, will be a Cessna Caravan which holds 13 passengers including one in the right hand seat plus the captain(for a total of 14). So, you may be able to get a special charter price from them for the whole plane, even though you will probably have it all to yourselves anyway. I personally prefer Tropic Air. They are very good at returning emails and their terminal on AC has AC...for when you are waiting to leave...

Paradise villas does not have an on-site restaurant or tour operator, but they work closely with Reef Adventures and Wet Willy's, both on the dock in front of the complex.

Thanks for the info, everyone! I wanted to ensure Ramon's is a respectable "upper-scale" resort before committing this early.

PSUhorty, did you just get back from a trip there?

Who would you say has the #1 dive/water sport shop?

The group as a whole wouldn't mind taking the 1.5 hr boat ride, but I'll write Tropic Air and see what they can offer for a charter. Thanks for idea, Alien!

Has anyone taken the boat ride to San Pedro?

A good hotel bar is a MUST for this group. I'm positive it will get good use at all times.

the Caye Caulker Company water taxi goes to San Pedro for $10 US each way ($17.50 round trip). Very nice smooth ride, enjoyed it; took about 70 minutes. Took Tropic Air back to Int. airport to avoid taxi and town (Northern Highway to airport was so flooded the first week in November that it took 1 1/2 hours to go 4 miles; a nightmare).

I just called the Belize embassy in DC and they quoted my $250 for the visa per person plus $30 for shipping. Cmon, seriously? Thats way more than my airfare+hotel+everything else per person.

We are not US citizens, so we need a Visa. But thats just outrageous it seems. This website clearly states it shouldbe $50 + $10/$30 for shipping. Also, this one.

Are they really trying to scam me or something here? I would rather cancel my trip than pay $280 for a visa for 2 days.

$250 is outrage.

From the embassy website -

"Please be advised that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 15 of
2005, entitled "IMMIGRATION (PERMITS AND FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2005, Visas to Belize now cost US $ 50.00, for a single entry, ninety day visa.

The above does not apply to nationals of the following countries, who are
requested to contact this Embassy or the nearest Belize Diplomatic or
Consular Representative for information on visa charges:

Bangladesh
India
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Pakistan
People's Republic of China (PRC)
Sri Lanka
Thailand"

Perhaps $250.00 is for the countries listed above? Is your nationality one of these?

Do you have the Visa forms yet? The actual price should be on there in the instructions.

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