Belize and Rotan??

[oceanmarina]

Hi. We are sailing on the Paradise and going to these islands. I have some concerns because I have heard they are very poor. Do you get harassed (like in Jamaica?)

Also, we are big snorkel fans, and recommended sites for each island?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[zina]

I was on the Paradise this past May.

For both of these islands, it is best to have a plan, especially in Belize.

Outside of a very small shopping area where the tenders let you off in Belize, there's not much else unless you do a ship-sponsored excursion or book through a private operator. They will not harass you like in Jamaica there. We booked a full day wildlife sightseeing and snorkeling adventure through Sea Sports Belize, and they were EXCELLENT. I Highly recommend them. Snorkeling and diving are the big things to do in Belize. Also there are ruins and jungle river trips, which are nice. This is not the place to go shopping.

As for Roatan, yes, it is a very, very poor, but very beautiful island. When you dock, you will see a big anchor fence with lots of natives behind it. They are mostly private tour operators or taxi drivers, and they are all safe. I know, the fence looks intimidating, but they are decent people looking to earn a living in a poor place. If you opt on using a private operator in Roatan, do not pay the published prices that you will see at the dock. EVERYTHING is negotiable there.

If you walk around Coxen Hole (where dock is in Roatan) you will be approached by natives looking to sell their wares or braid your hair, but if you say no thank you they will not harass you there. We took a taxi to the West End in Roatan. Nice beaches and shops, great snorkeling. We felt perfectly safe.

The Paradise Western route is unique because all four ports are very, very different. You will see. What an adventure you will have!!!!

 

[Nanatravel]

Very good suggestions. Plan to take a tour either from the ship or booked on your own before you sail. Belize has a barrier reef. Ambergis Cay is often reported to be an excellent area for snorkeling.
Bon Voyage

 

[SHANNON & CATHY]

We did the Shark-Ray alley tour in Belize and it was amazing...if you like to snorkel you'll love it! I'm looking forward to trying the snorkel tour soon I've herad the snorkeling is great

 

[spoobs]

Shannon and Cathy,
Which Shark-Ray alley trip did you do? How long was the boat ride? How was the snorkeling?

 

[ralph&susan]

We did the Shark Ray alley near Caye Caulker with Coral Breeze. The Shark Ray from the ship tour was further away. I think people said it took about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there. Our boat ride was 30 minutes. We saw 2 snorkel locations and spent some time on Caye Caulker. This was a nice island with a beach and shopping available.
Belize is a poor country but we didn't see it on this tour. We saw the beauty of the snorkeling and the sea. We did not get harassed at all during our tour....even during the shopping.
Hope this helps. Have fun.

 

[abelcher]

Are there not taxie drivers when you get off the tenders in BELIZE or should we book before we get off the ship?

 

[jorene]

we loved roatan
vendors are pleasant not pushy
we went to the SANTE WELLNESS CENTER check ot tehe web sight that was such a great day, maybe our favorite of all our ports
good luck
jo-rene

 

[Nanatravel]

It would be best to book a tour before your sailing whether with the ship or through a private tour operator. (If you ship books on board, do so as soon as you board.) Although there are tour operators at the tender pier, who knows how reputable their vehicles will be, are they licensed, will they get you back in time, etc. I did not see any taxi's as we know them. There are many reputable independent operators. Keep researching and contact different vendors to get what you want and at a fair price. Reggie Trapp does a great job for Cave Tubing. He and his family can also plan a tour of your choice. Check out his web page and other destination forums on other cruise forums.
Bon Voyage