questions on Belize

[Clernix]

I am hoping to go to Belize next spring. I am heading to Coz on xmas so I was hoping someone could compare the two. According to the maps its the same barrier reef between Belize and Coz. One thing that worries me about Belize is the crime I am hearing about.

Is it worth the extra effort to get to Belize and cost and apparent risk?

[DevilDiver]

Most of this "crime" is on the mainland, usually you will not have these issues on the cayes. Not saying you should not keep your eyes open as a tourist but should not be a problem.

[Clernix]

how bout the diving compered to Coz? Coral formations and so. Since it is further south is it spared mor from the force of most hurricains damage?Would you see older formations?

[Damselfish]

I don't see Belize as a risk for tourists. I wouldn't go wandering around Belize City at night, or some of it during the daytime, but you are unlikely to even go there unless you're on a cruise ship or liveaboard. But something like that is true most places.

We spent a week last summer inland Belize, visited a variety of ruins and caves and all that stuff, wandered around San Ignacio, and never felt unsafe. Most dangerous thing around seemed like the potholes.

[rednose83]

I didn't feel unsafe in Belize City. I wouldn't go walking around at night or flashing money though.

Xcalek, Mexico (or Majahual) are close by by too perhaps you could stay there if you're trying to see the reef?

[Clernix]

what about the reef compared to Coz?

[Bill]

The corals on the walls at Cozumel are much larger and more dramatic. I feel they are similar in most other ways. Lots of fish, coral and sponges along with lobsters, sharks, turtles, etc... I have been both places many times and enjoy them both. My diving in Belize is limited to the outer atolls. I go Turneffe Island Resort when I want to get away and to Cozumel when I want to hang out, dive and drink beer around town.

Bill

[Travelnsj]

I was down in the Placencia area a couple of years ago to see the Whale Sharks at the Gladden Spit....I found the diving to be OK at best....Go to Coz.

[Damselfish]

Belize is a big place compared to Coz. I agree about the Placencia area diving - I wasn't all that impressed with what I saw - but it's not necessarily representative of all of Belize. Doing a liveaboard is much different, the diving out at Lighthouse reef is much better. I haven't done Ambergris or know how it compares to Placencia, but from everything I've heard Lighthouse tops that as well. The other atolls and perhaps some of the islands are probably also better bets.

[Desert_Diver]

My information is several years out of date but I dove Ambergris Caye (northern Belize almost to Mexico). It seemed to be typical Caribbean diving. Lots of bigger stuff (nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays out the wazoo, and your normal reef fish) and the coral was pretty good. The currents were not as strong as Coz and we didn't do any drift diving. If you stay in northern Bellize, they will try and sell you a day trip to Blue Hole. I did it. I got the T shirt, but I didn't think it was worth the money.

Security did not seem to be a problem on the caye. I have heard that Belize City is not a good place to wander around after dark but have no personal experience with it.

Coz and Belize are sort of a toss up in my mind. The diving is a little different but both were fun. I stayed in an all inclusive resort in Coz (Cozumel Scuba Club) so I didn't get out in the evening as much as I did in Belize. Belize had a lot of fun stuff to do in the evening and good places to eat. Coz may also have that stuff, I just didn't get a chance to do it.

Art