Looking for Belize recommendations. Open to hotels or vrbos (I realize there aren't really any all inclusives). Would definitely like some beach/snorkel time, but want to see it all. Have any of you guys been and what would you recommend? Thanks!

Xanadu resort in Ambergris Caye is great. Caves Branch inland, in the jungle is great also. Both very different from the other. Highly recommend both the beach and jungle.

Thank you Deanne!

We spent most of our time on Ambergris Caye. The beaches aren't what you might expect and there is a lot of sea grass. The reef is further out so find a resort with sea kayaks. Then you can get out to the reef to snorkel. We stayed at XTan Ha which is further from the town. The only way to get back and forth is with a water taxi that adds up after awhile. But we were close to Mexico Rocks Reef where we could tie up our kayak and snorkel for free rather than paying for tours. This place also had a little kitchen so we made our own breakfasts.

Thank you Shannon!

Are you sure Xtan Ha is still open? I thought I'd heard that they'd closed. Do you have current information please?

We stayed there three years ago. Their website is up and still allows bookings.

I've spent so much time in Belize, it's ridiculous.
I'm familiar with almost every hotel and their rates. I'm not a travel agent, just Belize fanatic/addict.
If you'd like to pm me, I'll be able to advise you better because don't know your budget at this point.
That said, I'll definitely support Xanadu as a recommendation for Ambergris Caye.
Do you know if you want Ambergris Caye or Placencia?

Hi Sherryl. I will PM you! Thank you so much.

I'm really open to anywhere right now. Thinking of splitting trip between jungle and ocean.

P.S. The food is excellent in Belize!

Colinda Cabanas in Caye Caulker! No snorkelling but such a neat island!

Thanks Janine!

We stayed in Ambergris Caye with air bnb with
Jack Burnett. Very reasonable priced,and jack was a awesome host with a great knowledge of his Island

Thanks Sharon!

I love San Ignacio inland. The ruins around there are great. ATM cave fantastic

Thank you Sarah!

Avoid rainy season if you can. We have been twice - once during the dry season and once in wet season. Wet season limits what you can do, especially if you spend time in the jungle. One commenter mentioned the lack of true walk-in beach which is accurate. But that doesn't take away from how incredible the water is there. Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve for sure. You will love snorkelling in Belize! See the local Mayan ruins. We also took a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala which is doable if you stay in the jungle. While we haven't done it, I'd have no hesitation renting a car on the mainland. On Ambergris rent a golf cart or use bikes to get around. Personally I wouldn't stay on the north part of Ambergris. While they have built some beautiful places there, I'm not sure it's convenient to San Pedro where all the restaurants, etc are. We enjoyed the hum of this little town. Agree that Caye Caulker is great. We took a water taxi there and spent the day. Inland Belize is gorgeous, especially along the Hummingbird highway. Sleeping Giant is also a very nice jungle resort. Also agree about San Ignacio - great little town. I can go on and on but I'll stop! Good luck!

Deanne, I love it! I certainly don't mind if you go on and on. Please feel free to PM me is you think of anything else!!

Da Real Macaw on Caye Caulker is AWESOME. Decent prices ($99-$125) right on the water, close to the Split end. I know the bar at the Split had some substantial damage during the hurricane but not sure how much has been fixed up. The Aguada inland in San Ignacio too is great.

Thank you Tayla!

You bet, Lynn. If you end up planning a visit to Caye Caulker drop me a line. I've been there a couple times and have some recommendations on eating, drinking and stuff to do

When were you last at the Aquada? That's the place in St. Elena, isn't it?

I second Caye Cauker! One of our favorite vacations. It's nice and quiet, very relaxing, can walk everywhere, tons of great food and inexpensive. Lots of boat excursions to do. Not much for beaches though lots of docks to sit on. We loved Iguana Reef Inn! It's been 2 years and I still think about the place often. And I still remember the amazing fried chicken and bbqs on the beach.http://www.iguanareefinn.com/
IGUANAREEFINN.COM
Caye Caulker Belize Resort | Tours | Luxury Accommodations - Iguana Reef Inn

maya beach hotel near Placentia rocks!

Windy hill resort in San Ignacio ..
Beautiful place and close to so many of the Mayan ruins
ATM caves , Xunantunich etc
And can also get you in touch with a tour guide to save you $$ on ATM caves.... this area close to the Guatemala border I love the Rolling Hills beautiful lush green fields and the town of San Ignacio friendly and open to all vacationers at any time of the year

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM cave) is an inland adventure must do from my experience. One of the coolest experiences of my life overall.

Totally.agree ....

Thanks David!

If you go to ambergris caye you have to check out the Secret Beach ... a great spot for shallow snorkeling and just a beautiful place to spend the day doing absolutely nothing

Would you recommend staying a few days at Secret Beach? There's a really cute vrbo there next to restaurants.

Is a beautiful spot. Was sorry I only had the one day there. A vrbo there would be amazing

Pm'd you a video

From San Pedro you can go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding or snorkeling or diving along the reef.

Driving along the reef? What is this activity composed of please?

Lol fixed it lol

But best done on a jet ski LOL

No!! My worst nightmare. Jetskis, bleck . . But sigh, I know that is just me.

Go to Victoria house in San Pedro. And if you want to go inland check out
Avana Villa! My dad owns/operates avana villa

Thanks Chris!

Loved Las Terrazas in Ambergris Caye. Not as close to San Pedro but with our rented golf cart nothing is terribly far away. We are big scuba divers and the waters are amazing!

Thank you Nicole!

Chabil Mar in Placencia is a beautiful resort, top notch!! Suites have full kitchens and you can have breakfasts as part of your packaged, Delivered to your suite. They have amazing concierge on site that can book all tours, fishing, etc. Beautiful beach and fifteen minute walk to town. Placencia is a quant, super friendly fishing village with awesome restaurants and watering holes. It's pricey but well worth the $$ if in your budget. If not there is lots of budget hotels in town and some vrbos.

Thanks Jodi!