There are many places to snorkel in San Pedro. Most outfitters will take you to Hol Chan, but you'll most likely be among other snorkelers and fighting for your space. Was kind of a pain, but I think we were on a bad boat w/a few overzealous snorkelers.

Here's what we also did:
1. Went up to Captain Morgan's and took one of their kayaks out to the reef. Just the two of us... no one else around. It was awesome. Regrettably, we did not know this at the time and we had to sit through a time share presentation to use the kayak. We were told they were free to use, and i guess techinically they were, but we had made the 20 min., bumpy golf cart ride up there, so we sat through it and used the kayak, had lunch by the pool, swam for a bit, then went back out snorkeling for another 1/2 hour. It was amazing.

For all I know, you may be able to rent a kayak from somewhere on the beach. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if you could. The reef is only about 1/4-1/2 mile from shore and you can paddle out there in 20 mins.

2. We also happened to befriend a boat captain. Small boat. We paid him for a few hours of grouper fishing and snorkeling. Also, great. He BBQ'ed us our grouper and snapper on the beach afterwards for dinner.

Another option, but not quite as nice as going out to the reef is to simply snorkel at Ramon's pier. You'll see plenty of fish there. You'll need your own snorkel gear though.

Definitely not good snorkeling @ the BH...it's a deep blue hole...some snorkeling around the edge but it's a heck of a grind and expense compared with, as mentioned above, many various options close by San Pedro.

I really enjoyed Mexico Rocks (even more than Hol Chan, which was a big let down for me, and a mob scene). The corals were great, nobody else was there, no extra park fee. Also, "Tres Cocos" was really interesting; that one would be an easy kayak out (but boat traffic is a little scary for kayaking, I think, unless you are pretty far north).

Thanks for all the great info and tips! Did you guys just book trips through the hotels/resorts, or do you know of/used any preferred travel agents or tour guides? Like any other tourist town, I'm sure there are cheaper and/or better options than just the hotels.

Merry Christmas!

We took several snorkel trips, using a different outfit each time: all of the docks have operators, price signs posted, schedules, etc. (many of the schedules are the same, e.g., Hol Chan two times per day, a.m., p.m.), and the prices were all within about $5 US of each other (booking through the hotels may take a little more, but I suspect not much; the commission is probably paid by the tour operators). We just walked up and booked ourselves, very easy. However, I'd like to recommend White Sands; they are a bit north, but they came to get us at our dock (though many do this, some act put out to be bothered) and took two people, snorkel only, when others insisted on a 4 person minimum, and didn't charge us extra, as others would have. We had a great guide, Carlos, and he was not only friendlier than other tour guides we encountered, he was also very accommodating and professional. So, they were a little farther afield than the "townie" operators, but we liked them the best of the four tour groups we used.

We used Amigos Del Mar. Me and the GF for snorkeling, and her for diving. I was pleased as was she... and she would know. You'll find them roughly in front of Fido's bar, right on the beach in the middle of San Pedro Town.

+1 for Amigos. I have dived with them probably 50 x's over the past 7 years and therefor obviously like them. Not to mention the fact that I got married at the end of their dock. However, you _may_ pay a bit more, but as long as you are staying at Ramon's, they have very good facilities/staff for snorkeling and diving and I wouldn't hesitate to use them. They will be more than happy to book everything themselves.

I just read this thread; the tips and info are very helpful. I am not sure if this was already asked before but if someone could post info on getting around the city like cost of taxi, that would be helpful. I will be flying into BZE just for a weekend with a 1 night stay to be exact. I am planning to stay within the city because of time constraint; I will be staying at Radisson. Thanks.

There are some interesting places to eat in BZE City, but basically it's a pit. Lots of "friends" hanging around trying to help you, and then wanting money. The more expensive the hotel, usually the more they taxi drivers will try and hit you up for. I found them quite expensive by Central American standards. (Say $5-8 for 2 miles) I think most hotels have their own contracted taxi's (or they get bribes, etc from the drivers).

I ate across the street from a nice hotel, and trying to get a taxi back to the Best Western was a nightmare. They wanted double the rate we had paid to come there.

There are reasons why travel guides and travel sites recommend getting in and out of BC as fast as possible.

I'vegone to CC twice and soon again. The Seaside Cabanas appear nice and are just by the ferry dock. I've gone to the Iguana Reef
Inn for sunset drinks. It seems to be th eonly thing on the islad I would bring a woman too - nice landscaping, pool, serene setting. I stay at the Caye Caulker Condos, which are quite close to my preferred dive shop - Frenchies.

I've also been to San Pedro, and greatly prefer Caye CAulker's atmosphere.

I've been reading how peak season in Belize lasts from December to April or so. I'm due to leave for Belize soon and I'm curious if it really is going to be crowded. Christmas, New Year's, spring break/Easter I can understand it getting crowded, but middle of January?

And does the crowd factor also hold true for other parts of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico's Yucatan)?

What part of Belize? I presume Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker?
Yes, it'll be peak season, but not crowded. No worries.
I was also there during peak season and NEVER once felt crowded or cluastrophobic.

I arrived here today on AA flight from DFW. The cost of the taxi to my hotel (Radisson Hotel) or to the city is US$25 or BZ$50 per trip for up to 4 passengers. If you are staying at Radisson, which I later found out from the taxi driver, the hotel has a van, in which guests are charged $US13 per person. Also, the taxi driver said that visitors needs to travel to the city by taxi to catch the water taxi not unless there is a pre-arranged transportation from the airport to the city. I am not sure if these info were already posted here but I find them helpful for future travelers.

For my hotel stay, as a Silver Elite of Radisson's PPS program, I was upgraded to a Junior Suite. Check my earlier post for info on how to become a Silver Elte of PPS.

I think the "crowded" thing has mostly to do with the availability of accomodations, which are limited. It's definitely a good idea to book ahead in peak season for the more desirable properties.