Had to overnight in Miami to get there and back. American Airlines schedule changes forced us to leave a day early as well, but it all worked out in the end.
First, Belize is a rustic country. The arrival area of the airport is reminiscent of the 1930's in design. Infrastructure is modern in places and dirt roads in others, including Belize City. Power interruptions are commonplace, but to be fair it rained a lot during our land stays and there were heavy winds and thunder at times. We stayed at the Radisson for a night as the Aggressor docks at their marina. The Radisson is in a resort area that is away from Belize City proper and patrolled by police. We were told not to go into Belize City after 6PM if we could avoid it and to travel in groups wherever possible. Prices are cheap and portions at the local restaurants are very reasonable. A family of four could have had one of the Chinese food entrees and had food left over.
The Radisson offers complimentary WiFi. Belize dollars are 2:1 to US dollar. Your money goes a long way there. After an overnight at the Radisson we boarded the Belize Aggressor III for a ten day trip. We got the upstairs Master cabin with private shower and head, although all the rooms on board had that I believe. The double bed was small, but comfy. Captain Mike and his crew made us feel at home and the paperwork and briefing were minimal. Plans were for four dives and a night dive daily, but because of transit, weather avoidance and other factors we only got in 39 dives total. Weather was invariably cloudy with a few hours of sun mixed in. There were thirteen divers (out of twenty possible on board) so turn around times were relaxed and we got to interact with the crew during SI's. Crew was great and the food incredible considering the tiny kitchen and facilities. Decent on board entertainment with large screen TV and lots of books, movies when not diving.
Wildlife seen: Blacktip, reef, and nurse sharks. Loggerhead, and green turtles. Spotted Eagle and Sting rays with the usual reef fish, Jacks, Blennies, Angelfish, etc. Tons of Lionfish. The crew can spear lionfish, but NOT in the Marine park which is overrun. I saw six lionfish in the first ten minutes of a marine park dive. If Belize does not start culling them in their parks, then they will not have any fish left in 5-10 years. I got nailed by a lionfish spine in the thumb and my hand swelled up to twice its normal size. Received excellent care from the crew. Dove the Blue Hole. It was our deepest dive at 130 feet. The instructors even convinced my wife Joanne to get in the water and she received her Open Water certification during the trip.
Spent some time on Half Moon Caye and while others walked around the island I spent the time in a hammock. Sea breezes, sun and swinging in the breeze. Nothing better.
After departing the Aggressor we went by Tropic Air to Ambergris Caye. Tropic Air is HIGHLY recommended. Complimentary curbside bag pickup and check in. Zero waiting, zero hassle and they even got us on an earlier flight. They called out "Buckle your seatbelts" before closing the doors and we were in the air seconds later. We might have been ten minutes in the terminal. Efficient and friendly staff. Thank you Tropic! We'll be back.
We were supposed to stay at Ramons Village but a fire gutted their restaurant (Pic below) and a few outbuildings the day before we left for the vacation. Half their rooms were open when we were there. We talked to their staff and they are determined to have everything back up and running by Dec 20th. Jo and I dove with the Ramon dive shop and their service (even without power to their shop or running compressors) was effortless. Local DM Filipe and boat driver Ricky were a hoot and knowledgeable guides.
Ambergris was quiet as it is the off season, but we ranged all over the caye exploring. Elvi's Friday night buffet in San Pedro and Delicio restaurant to the south are recommended if you are in the area. We stayed at the Sun Breeze Hotel and their Blue Water Grill has great eats.
Overall a decent trip and well worth the money. The extra four days on Ambergris were luxury. If you get a chance to go, I encourage you to do so.
