Roatan and Belize info please

robb · November 26, 2007

My family (wife and I and 2 girls, 7 &12) are going on NCL Sun the end of January. We've been on 4 other cruises, so pretty well know whats what about cruising. One thing we have learned is that you can save money (and often have a more 'real' experience) by getting local deals rather than the ship trips. We like 'exploring' and snorkeling.

This cruise has stops at Roatan and Belize, 2 places we've never been. So my questions are:

What should we see/do and avoid at these ports?

Know of any good/bad snorkeling spots at these stops?

Any tips an getting around at these ports- walking vs. tours vs. cabs. vs renting a car?

And any other tidbits that might be helpful?

Thanks for any help!

Robb

cruisetarp · November 27, 2007

Robb - Welcome to Cruise Crazies - it's great to see you posting already.

I have never been to Roatan so can't help you there but in Belize definately plan a tour (we went to the ruins - wonderful trip through the cruise line) but do not venture away from the port area on your own. There are a few shops where the tenders dock but beyone that - nothing you would want to walk around in.

Enjoy your trip

KeithnRita · November 27, 2007

Robb, welcome to cruiseCrazies! Great to have you aboard.

You mentioned you like to snorkel and near Belize is the second largest barrier reef in the world--Shark Ray Alley. We did a snorkel excursion there a few years ago and it was great. It's loaded with Nurse Sharks.

http://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/parksharkrayalley.html

We were in Roatan last Jan, however we did not book a tour. We just shopped. They have real nice wood carvings.

TheSkipper · November 27, 2007

Robb,

In Belize you might want to try Cave Tubing. Did it in June and it is fantastic!! And you get a trip that is twice as long for half the money through CaveTubing.com. These guys are great. Not to be missed.

robb · November 28, 2007

Robb - Welcome to Cruise Crazies - it's great to see you posting already.

I have never been to Roatan so can't help you there but in Belize definately plan a tour (we went to the ruins - wonderful trip through the cruise line) but do not venture away from the port area on your own. There are a few shops where the tenders dock but beyone that - nothing you would want to walk around in.

Enjoy your trip

Thanks. We've done ruins in Tulum and other places. The wife and I enjoy that, but the kids would prefer snorkeling, or a jungle tour.

robb · November 28, 2007

Robb, welcome to cruiseCrazies! Great to have you aboard.

You mentioned you like to snorkel and near Belize is the second largest barrier reef in the world--Shark Ray Alley. We did a snorkel excursion there a few years ago and it was great. It's loaded with Nurse Sharks.

http://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/parksharkrayalley.html

We were in Roatan last Jan, however we did not book a tour. We just shopped. They have real nice wood carvings.

Thanks for the tip. We've done Stingray City (b4 kids), and it was great. I'd be a little worried the 7 yo would freak at them sucking on her, and sharks swimming by though. But we gotta snorkel!

robb · November 28, 2007

Robb,

In Belize you might want to try Cave Tubing. Did it in June and it is fantastic!! And you get a trip that is twice as long for half the money through CaveTubing.com. These guys are great. Not to be missed.

Thanks. That sounds like a perfect thing for us. But I went to Cavetubing.com and it listed 3 Belize cavetubing links, and the cheapest was $264 for the 4 of us! I'm remembering why we 'did our own thing'.

I forgot to mention that we are spending a week in Orlando b4 the cruise, so will be trying to keep a lid on the shore trip costs. But I still appreciate knowing what's worth it and what's not. I remember on one cruise we actually walked to a great snorkeling site; another was just a $5 cab ride away. That doesn't mean all shore trips aren't worth the cost, but they gotta be exceptional. The tubing trip may be one of them.

Robb

Joanandjoe · November 30, 2007

We haven't been to Belize, but we have been to Roatan. What we did there probably won't help you: we went to the Sante day spa, and had a great day with massages, lunch, and would have had snorkeling if the sea hadn't been too rough. From what we understand, Roatan is the second best (after the great barrier reef in Australia) snorkeling spot in the wold, so plan on that. We can't recommend specific places, but suggest that you look at printed and online tour guidebooks/web sites or (if you are a member) the port of call portion of "the critical board". Raoatan has a good web site, which might be a start. Google it.

DebbieandJerry · December 5, 2007

Robb, we just got back from 16 days at sea (two 8 day back to back cruises). Belize was one of our stops. We absolutely loved Belize and would have loved to have spent more time there. We, too, did the cave tubing. I believe a big part of the cost was the expense to get there (at least a one hour drive from where the ship tenders). But it was worth the $93 adult cost that the ship offered. The excursion itself consisted of approx 30 min walk through the rainforst; one hour (or more) of tubing; lunch; and the tour guide (who was fabulous).

Enjoy your cruise. Debbie

JohnG · January 19, 2008

We took an excursion we booked through Shoretrips but you can find them on the pier. We took a 40 mnute boat ride to the reef, snorkeled and saw fish, manta rays, conch, hermit crabs, etc, and coral. Then they went to shallower water for the stingrays and even threw some bait to attract a large barracuda. Then we stopped for over an hour at Cay Caulker where we bought fish tacos for $3 per person, $3 for Belikan beer, and $3 for a rum punch. Reminded me of what Key West must have been like many years ago. Loved it!