Belize

I'm considering going to Belize for a week in early Dec. Any recommendations any of you may have for dive operators, places to stay, etc. would be appreciated.

PADI has constructed such a maze of certifications for their operators that I'm confused as to which operators are best-qualified. There's Dive Centre, 5-Star Dive Centre, 5-Star IDC, Resort (PIRA), Gold Palm, Gold Palm IDC,... One resort's (Journey's End) website claims to have 5-Star Gold Palm but they aren't listed on the PADI site. Is there such a thing as 5-Star Gold Palm? All of the Gold Palm logos have five stars, but do they have any significance?

My initial assumption was that, as a novice OWD, any level of PADI dive centre certification would more than meet my needs. Since my limited experiences to date have been that more-qualified shops have done a better job in every respect I'm now inclined to seek an operator who is clearly over-qualified.

Thanks,
Wayne

"Wayne" <myranger17@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
news:EH30f.54972$1i.45245@pd7tw2no...
> I'm considering going to Belize for a week in early Dec.

Where in Belize?

>Any recommendations any of you may have for dive operators, places to stay,
etc. would be appreciated.

If you go to Ambergris Caye, then I recommend Amigos del Mar as the dive
operator. What kind of accommodations are you looking for? Do you want a
pool, kitchenette, budget place? Do you like to be in town or look for more
solitude?

(snip)

Wayne wrote:
> I'm considering going to Belize for a week in early Dec. Any recommendations any of you may have for dive operators, places to stay, etc. would be appreciated.
>
> PADI has constructed such a maze of certifications for their operators that I'm confused as to which operators are best-qualified. There's Dive Centre, 5-Star Dive Centre, 5-Star IDC, Resort (PIRA), Gold Palm, Gold Palm IDC,... One resort's (Journey's End) website claims to have 5-Star Gold Palm but they aren't listed on the PADI site. Is there such a thing as 5-Star Gold Palm? All of the Gold Palm logos have five stars, but do they have any significance?
>
> My initial assumption was that, as a novice OWD, any level of PADI dive centre certification would more than meet my needs. Since my limited experiences to date have been that more-qualified shops have done a better job in every respect I'm now inclined to seek an operator who is clearly over-qualified.
>
> Thanks,
> Wayne

While most of my diving in Belize has been south-central and research
in nature, I would not necessarily recommend any ops that far out for a
new diver. The areas around South Water Caye and Carrie Bow Caye offer
the most pristine diving I have ever seen. South Water Caye is my
favorite place on this earth, but the dive ops there are probably not
what you want. If you do choose to go there, stay with Pelican Beach
Resort and have a dive boat from Placencia come get you and take you
out.

I don't like Ambergris because it is too much like Coz anymore. I
would suggest Turneffe Island Lodge for a mix of comfort and a truly
first-rate dive op. Be clear and honest when you book about your needs
and I think you'll be delighted with the care they will take with you.

I truly love Belize. If you can, try to avoid Belize City and pop down
through Dangriga and Placencia or Belmopan, and perhaps take in a ruins
or two while offgassing before your flight home. The people there are
so happy and wonderfully friendly.
Enjoy.

*

"Star" <star@quarrycommando.com> wrote in message
news:1128335039.049475.248230@g14g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Wayne wrote:
> > I'm considering going to Belize for a week in early Dec. Any
recommendations any of you may have for dive operators, places to stay, etc.
would be appreciated.
> >
> > PADI has constructed such a maze of certifications for their operators
that I'm confused as to which operators are best-qualified. There's Dive
Centre, 5-Star Dive Centre, 5-Star IDC, Resort (PIRA), Gold Palm, Gold Palm
IDC,... One resort's (Journey's End) website claims to have 5-Star Gold
Palm but they aren't listed on the PADI site. Is there such a thing as
5-Star Gold Palm? All of the Gold Palm logos have five stars, but do they
have any significance?
>>>>>>>clip

I agree to stay away from Belize City if at all possible. If you are looking
at Ambergris ( a bit too touristy for me but much better than Cozumel /
Cancun) then I would highly suggest http://www.xanaduresort-belize.com/
simply because these folks have figured out how to be ecologically minded in
tourist-ville. Quite a cool place to go and hang out for a vacation. Best
diving is south towards Honduras but if you are a rookie diver then stick
closer to home with the established operators. The people at Xanadu will set
you up on a package which is pretty good for the novice diver in regards to
cost. The more veteran divers are always shocked at what the tourist seem
to pay but there at Xanadu the rates are fair and the hospitality is
unbelievable.

Try your local YMCA dive courses to get your feet wet BEFORE hitting open
water. You will appreciate the extra time getting comfortable breathing
underwater.

Have fun, the people of Belize are among the nicest, best educated and
welcoming people of Central America.

Pedroman

"Pedro" <pedro@electricsmart.com> wrote in message
news:%md0f.387376$_o.92948@attbi_s71...
>
> I agree to stay away from Belize City if at all possible. If you are
looking
> at Ambergris ( a bit too touristy for me but much better than Cozumel /
> Cancun) then I would highly suggest http://www.xanaduresort-belize.com/
> simply because these folks have figured out how to be ecologically minded
in
> tourist-ville.

Xanadu is a nice place that's true, but it's a bit expensive, depending on
the OP's budget.

>Quite a cool place to go and hang out for a vacation. Best
> diving is south towards Honduras but if you are a rookie diver then stick
> closer to home with the established operators. The people at Xanadu will
set
> you up on a package which is pretty good for the novice diver in regards
to
> cost. The more veteran divers are always shocked at what the tourist seem
> to pay but there at Xanadu the rates are fair and the hospitality is
> unbelievable.

Who does Xanadu use for their operator? And as for rates being fair, there
should be no difference between booking your own dives and those arranged
for you through Xanadu. Any of the operators on Ambergris will come and
pick up the diver(s) at the dock of their chosen hotel. Ergo, if the diver
books with Amigos, or any other op, they will still get picked up at Xanadu.

> Try your local YMCA dive courses to get your feet wet BEFORE hitting open
> water. You will appreciate the extra time getting comfortable breathing
> underwater.

I always recommend a refresher dive before going on vacation, to newer
divers (and/or those that haven't been in the water for a long time). I
don't know that they need to take a whole course.

(snip)

My one trip to Belize was to stay on Ambergris at Mayan Princess and
dive with Amigos del Mar. Mayan Princess is very basic...solid,
friendly staff, beach front, hammock, cable, no restaurant. There are
lots of places to eat on the beach on on the three north south streets
on the caye. Amigos is off the dock from Mayan Princess. Surface
intervals are back at the dock...that is how close the reefs are.

I read somewhere that if the waves are breaking over the reef, you won't
go out. I never would have gone out in my week if that was true.

A day trip to the outer reefs like the Blue Hole are worth the trip
because they are even better than those on shore. The Blue Hole is like
a cave dive with the top gone so it is easy enough to do. Its an easy
130 fsw.

For your last day, there are a lot of nice Mayan sites on the mainland.
They will give you some respect for the archaeologists trying to
preserve the pyramids with very little equipment.

"chilly" <slarson@shaw.canada> wrote in message news:O040f.55578$1i.43502@pd7tw2no...

>
> "Wayne" <myranger17@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
> news:EH30f.54972$1i.45245@pd7tw2no...

>> I'm considering going to Belize for a week in early Dec.

>
> Where in Belize?


Hi Chilly,
At this point I'm completely open. It doesn't appear to be a big enough country that it will make much difference in travel costs. Wherever the diving is good and life is pleasant will suit me just fine.
Ambergris Caye looks good on the travelogue video that I viewed this evening, for whatever that's worth.


>

>>Any recommendations any of you may have for dive operators, places to stay,

> etc. would be appreciated.
>
> If you go to Ambergris Caye, then I recommend Amigos del Mar as the dive
> operator. What kind of accommodations are you looking for? Do you want a
> pool, kitchenette, budget place? Do you like to be in town or look for more
> solitude?


Again, I'm flexible. Usually have to go 4-star to keep my bride happy but will be with two intrepid travellers this time so have plenty of latitude to be adventurous. As I'll be the only diver in the threesome it will be a priority to be close to the diving just to maximize the convenience and opportunities for diving.

Do you know anything about Ramon's Village? They are the only other operator in that area listed as offering the Advanced OWD, Night, and Deep courses. Of the three, is the Night course likely to be the most beneficial considering it will be such a short trip and I'll be lucky to get in 8 - 10 dives?

Thx,
Wayne

"Wayne" <myranger17@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
news:hMo0f.85700$tl2.64590@pd7tw3no...
>
> > would suggest Turneffe Island Lodge for a mix of comfort and a truly
> > first-rate dive op. Be clear and honest when you book about your needs
> > and I think you'll be delighted with the care they will take with you.
>
> Wow, thanks. That place looks great. Maybe too great; I'm supposed to be
roughing it somewhere my bride wouldn't want to go. <vbg>
> The location may be a bit of a problem insofar as my two compatriots are
non-divers and may find the island location limits their options for
land-based sight-seeing.

No question. Your non-diving compatriots would be very isolated at
Turneffe.

Thus spake "Wayne" <myranger17@yahoo.ca> :

>I'm considering going to Belize for a week in early Dec. Any recommendations any of you may have for dive operators, places to stay, etc. would be appreciated.
>
>PADI has constructed such a maze of certifications for their operators that I'm confused as to which operators are best-qualified. There's Dive Centre, 5-Star Dive Centre, 5-Star IDC, Resort (PIRA), Gold Palm, Gold Palm IDC,... One resort's (Journey's End) website claims to have 5-Star Gold Palm but they aren't listed on the PADI site. Is there such a thing as 5-Star Gold Palm? All of the Gold Palm logos have five stars, but do they have any significance?

It's all related to money. How much of your profit goes to PADI.
Basically, a 5-Star PADI shop teaches PADI exclusively. A 5-Star IDC
is the same, only they have one or more IDC (instructor development
course, another way to extract $1000 or so out of a person). The
others are just more money.

>
>My initial assumption was that, as a novice OWD, any level of PADI dive centre certification would more than meet my needs. Since my limited experiences to date have been that more-qualified shops have done a better job in every respect I'm now inclined to seek an operator who is clearly over-qualified.

Find an operator that suits your needs and ignore the labels. One of
these days PADI is going to cut my balls off for saying that.

>
>Thanks,
>Wayne
--
dillon

Anyone who says grown men don't cry has never
taken a differential equations final.

"Wayne" <myranger17@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
news:IkJ0f.89038$1i.17692@pd7tw2no...
>
> Hi again Chilly, thanks for your help.

It is my pleasure, so you are most welcome.

> A split trip is a reasonable compromise.

I don't remember you telling me how many days you would be there. In any
event, check out http://www.aguadahotel.com/hotel.html and the day trip hike
through Actun Tunichal Muknal (cave of the Crystal Sepulchre). This cave is
one of the most amazing things I've ever done.

>Unless, of course, I can talk them into going on their day trips while I
practice blowing bubbles. We'll work it out.

There are day trips from the island but I find them ridiculously expensive
and no doubt they'll be worse now with the price of gas there. Perhaps you
are already familiar with some of the trips?

>The thought of being so close to such great diving and not spending every
possible minute in the water is a bit hard to deal with.

I hear that!! :^) And as for this scenario, you can get up and dive two
dives every day, while your friends sleep late and lounge about. You can
then meet them for lunch and the balance of the day around 1 pm. There's
things you can do that will still be lots of fun without having to go back
to the mainland. ie: take a water taxi over to Caye Caulker, rent a
private boat and captain to take you up island to tour the more isolated
resorts (and have drinks) and hit the Palapa Bar on the way back, take the
catamaran, rent a golf cart and drive around town, south and north across
the pull ferry. Check out the gator feeding on the lagoon side, hang out at
Cholo's or one of the other sports bars . . . go and play horse shoes down
at Crazy Canuk's bar.

> Thanks for the warning about Ramon's. I did get easily distracted by the
glitzy website and didn't mean to mislead you. Now that I'm paying
attention, The Palms appears to be more than we need. Even the Blue Tang
appears to be a more formal setting than I had in mind.

How about The Tides?

As for the Blue Tang, there are some huge rooms with two queen beds and a
queen sofa bed (specifically suites 11 & 12), that are very comfortable and
the location is great.

> It's not so much a matter of trying to fit a budget as looking for that
nice balance between simple and comfortable. A grass shack on or near the
beach, with hot and cold running water (make that a nice large bathroom) and
three comfortable beds, ceiling fans and mosquito nets would be great.

I can't think of a place like that other than Hotel del Rio and I'm not so
sure about the comfort of the beds. There was a super resort, such as you
describe, but it has been torn down and muy expensivo condos are being
constructed in their place.

>High priority is that it must have, or be within reasonable crawling
distance of, great restaurants and watering holes. Evening entertainment
would be a bonus.

All of the places that I have mentioned are in a good location for what you
have in mind.

> OK, I'll skip taking a course. The conundrum is that any diving I do is
going to require travel so I'll have to do it sooner or later. I got so
much conflicting advice when I dove in Mexico this summer - so long as I had
a C-card they were willing to take me anywhere. 85' on your 5th-ever dive?
No problem. Night diving? No problem so long as we can find enough guys to
make the trip pay. And so it went.

That is not unusual in many places. First of all, you are a certified diver
and 60' is your *recommended* depth limit. Once you are certified, you can
go deeper if you feel comfortable doing so and you aren't dealing with anal
DM's. That said, you are wanting more experience and more comfort while you
get it. Talk to Robbie and Chuck, explain where you are coming from and I
know that Robbie will take good care of you. Awesome as a DM, lots of fun
and he's one of my favorite people in the world.

You should be aware that most of the dives off of San Pedro are a bit deeper
than 60', but you shouldn't worry about that. When I first dove there it
only took me two dives to get past my emotional 60' limit. :^)

>In fairness to them, it was a great way to learn a lot in a hurry but I'm
more of a by-the-book guy particularly now that I'm starting to understand
how many things can go wrong and can conceive that there are countless
others that I've yet to hear about.

Never get complacent.

> I got a charge out of Chuck & Robbie's website. What they lack in
sophistication they make up for with enthusiasm. Looks like it will be a
good fit.

In that case, I'm very glad I brought them up as an option.


> "chilly" <slarson@shaw.canada> wrote in message
news:lUx0f.92245$tl2.36972@pd7tw3no...
> >
> > "Wayne" <myranger17@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
> > news:Mho0f.72399$oW2.30160@pd7tw1no...
> >>
> >> >
> >> > Where in Belize?
> >>
> >> Hi Chilly,
> >> At this point I'm completely open. It doesn't appear to be a big
enough
> > country that it will make much difference in travel costs.
> >
> > Perhaps not costs but time.
> >
> >>Wherever the diving is good and life is pleasant will suit me just fine.
> >> Ambergris Caye looks good on the travelogue video that I viewed this
> > evening, for whatever that's worth.
> >
> > Then Ambergris Caye it is.
> >
> >> > pool, kitchenette, budget place? Do you like to be in town or look
for more
> >> > solitude?
> >>
> >> Again, I'm flexible. Usually have to go 4-star to keep my bride happy
but
> > will be with two intrepid travellers this time so have plenty of
latitude to
> > be adventurous. As I'll be the only diver in the threesome it will be a
> > priority to be close to the diving just to maximize the convenience and
> > opportunities for diving.
> >
> > Then you probably want to stay on Ambergris Caye. However, it is not
the
> > ideal place for jumping off to other adventures. Maybe you guys should
> > consider a split trip? Part inland and part on the island?
> >
> >> Do you know anything about Ramon's Village?
> >
> > Forget that place, way over priced for what you get. If you like the
> > location, then stay at The Palms. Large suites, that should be able to
> > sleep each of you in a different bed. But I must say, if you are saying
> > that your gang is intrepid, picking Ramon's would indicate an expected
level
> > of comfort that is well above intrepid. :^)
> >
> > Another place I'd recommend is The Blue Tang. Are all trying to stay in
one
> > room? If so, then there are a couple of very large rooms in the Blue
Tang.
> > Otherwise, try to get at least one oceanfront room on the 2 or 3rd
floor.
> >
> > However, if I know what you guys are budgeting, what your expectations
are
> > for room size, quality, etc. I can be quite a bit more helpful in this
> > regard.
> >
> >>other operator in that area listed as offering the Advanced OWD, Night,
and
> > Deep courses. Of the three, is the Night course likely to be the most
> > beneficial considering it will be such a short trip and I'll be lucky to
get
> > in 8 - 10 dives?
> >
> > You are wanting to take a course while you are on this holiday? That's
a
> > horse of another color. Why ruin a short trip that way? Just go dive
with
> > Amigos or with these guys http://www.ambergriscayediving.com/. Amigos
is a
> > large extremely well run operator, with many boats. Chuck & Robbie have
a
> > smaller outfit, well run, a bit less expensive and they are super guys.
> >
> > Forget Ramon's. Don't worry about what their website says. You can get
any
> > of those things at Amigos or with Chuck and Robbie (or most any other
> > operator for that matter). I don't like Ramon's dive op.
> >
> >
> >
> >