Dive ops in Ambergris Quay?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

bluNOboxSPAMthief - 07 Sep 2006 17:22 GMT

hi there,

I had originally asked about diving in belize a few months ago
(thanks to all who replied).

After some thinking, and having work decide on where we go
we finally are on the way to Ambergris Quay.

We are currently on our way through Guatemala, on the way to
Belize. We'll get there by the 10th.

We'll be there for about 2/3 day.

Does anyone have recommendations of dive ops in the area of
Ambergris Quay?

So far I have gotten information from Ian Anderson's
Adventures In Diving.

Anyone got any views on them?

We are looking for some easy dives, reef diving and then wreck dives.

One thing though, since we are there for only 2 days worth of diving,
might it be better try live aboards? To get most divetime there?

I have also contacted and Belize Diving Adventures and
Ecological Tours. What about them?

Recommendations on accommodation would be good too!
(from 4 star down to nice cottages would be good).

AID have recommended Xanadu Resort. We are looking for something
nice, quiet, with space (we need it!).

Any ideas on price of Xanadu? And where to try and get a room?

I know lots of question. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favour!

thanks
bernard

Reply to this Message

Scott - 07 Sep 2006 17:30 GMT

> We are currently on our way through Guatemala, on the way to
> Belize. We'll get there by the 10th.

What a great time you must be having.

Did you spend any time in Honduras?

The people there and Guatemala are just the best.

Many have little or nothing, but will eagerly share what they have.

Salt and soul of the Earth.

Reply to this Message

bluNOboxSPAMthief - 07 Sep 2006 17:37 GMT

>> We are currently on our way through Guatemala, on the way to
>> Belize. We'll get there by the 10th.
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Salt and soul of the Earth.

Hea Scott,

Yeah it is great. Guatemala City is nice, a little crazy, but nice.

Unfortunately we have not gone to Honduras. My girlfriend is here for work
and I am helping her out a little..most of the day, I am just out on my
own.

Antigua City is amazing. Fantastic sights. Beautiful (but tough!) people
there. I thought I was good at bargaining, but they are better!

The people are great. They are over helpful (you would NOT get the service
for even 3 times the price in Ireland!).

I speak bad Spanish (curse words too) and they really open up in
conversation.

Really salt of the earth.

I would love to get a chance to do some diving here, but I didn't get my
sh.t together for here.

Thats why we are going to Belize. Its one week of holidays there.
We chose Ambergris Quay because it seemed quieter and a little secluded.

bernard

Reply to this Message

Scott - 08 Sep 2006 12:21 GMT

> Hea Scott,
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> and I am helping her out a little..most of the day, I am just out on my
> own.

What a hoot. I am green with envy.

> Antigua City is amazing. Fantastic sights. Beautiful (but tough!) people
> there. I thought I was good at bargaining, but they are better!

Bartering, to them, is an art, and one they take great pride in.

> The people are great. They are over helpful (you would NOT get the service
> for even 3 times the price in Ireland!).

> I speak bad Spanish (curse words too) and they really open up in
> conversation.

> Really salt of the earth.

> I would love to get a chance to do some diving here, but I didn't get my
> sh.t together for here.

Ask around, there is more than likely someone local who doesnt advertise or
run a shop who has everything and would love to share with you.

> Thats why we are going to Belize. Its one week of holidays there.

> We chose Ambergris Quay because it seemed quieter and a little secluded.

Wish I could help, but I know nothing about that area.

Do you have a website, or are you going to put any pics up?

Reply to this Message

bluNOboxSPAMthief - 08 Sep 2006 20:49 GMT

>> and I am helping her out a little..most of the day, I am just out on my
>> own.
>
> What a hoot. I am green with envy.

Yeah, I kinda planned it well(ish). I finished with my previous job on the 1st Sept.
I was to start with my new company on the 4th Sept, but asked them could I start a few weeks
later, and they said yeah.

So I flew out on the 1st Sept at 6PM, I have until the 15th and then start in my new company
then. And I didn't loose one day holidays from either ;)

>> Antigua City is amazing. Fantastic sights. Beautiful (but tough!) people
>> there. I thought I was good at bargaining, but they are better!
>
> Bartering, to them, is an art, and one they take great pride in.

I have been in Thailand and travelled around. There you can bargain, tough
and get heated.

But here, damn they are as cool as..One woman I was trying to bargain with was
so nice, but she was tough..it was real tough!

>> The people are great. They are over helpful (you would NOT get the service
>> for even 3 times the price in Ireland!).
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
>> Really salt of the earth.

Yesterday I went to a gun shop, just for the fun as (that I know of) we don't
have gun shops in Ireland (like, on the street).

The guy invited me in, and was showing me all these crazy looking guns. I
think he was happy to show me!

>> I would love to get a chance to do some diving here, but I didn't get my
>> sh.t together for here.
>
> Ask around, there is more than likely someone local who doesnt advertise or
> run a shop who has everything and would love to share with you.

I may actually ask at the hotel desk. So far they have been really helpful.

> Photos or website address?

Yeah, I will be putting photos up on www DOT RunningWithBulls DOT com
(I'll leave it to you to fill in the blanks!)

I don't have a casing for my camera, so I dont think I'll be getting underwater shots.

thanks anyway,
b

Reply to this Message

SpringDiver - 07 Sep 2006 17:39 GMT

>hi there,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>We are currently on our way through Guatemala, on the way to
>Belize. We'll get there by the 10th.

Did you stop at Tikal? Very cool. > >We'll be there for about 2/3 day.

> >Does anyone have recommendations of dive ops in the area of
>Ambergris Quay? >
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>thanks
>bernard

Bernard;

Why did you spell Caye, Quay. A quay is a wharf. Both are pronounced
like key. Are you going to a wharf on the island? Just curious.

SD

Reply to this Message

bluNOboxSPAMthief - 07 Sep 2006 17:44 GMT

> Did you stop at Tikal? Very cool. > >We'll be there for about 2/3 day.

We will be going to Tikal after Belize. We figured we would fly to Belize,
and then return by bis to Flores and so would not have to forgo a day of
diving due to no-fly time.

> Bernard;
>
> Why did you spell Caye, Quay. A quay is a wharf. Both are pronounced
> like key. Are you going to a wharf on the island? Just curious.

Probably coz I am kinda stupid!

We don't have lots of Cayes in Ireland. We have lots of Quays in Ireland.

I just just habit. Point noted, and recorded!

b

Reply to this Message

chilly - 08 Sep 2006 14:47 GMT

> Does anyone have recommendations of dive ops in the area of
> Ambergris Quay?

Amigos del Mar or Chuck and Robbie's.

> So far I have gotten information from Ian Anderson's
> Adventures In Diving.

> Anyone got any views on them?

Ian Anderson's isn't on Ambergris Caye. Maybe he just books for his guests
that stay at Ian Anderson's Cave's Branch (on the mainland). Ian Anderson's
has a pretty good reputation . . as long as he didn't advise that you go
with AquaDivers. ;^) Just so's I'm clear, don't go with AquaDivers.

> We are looking for some easy dives, reef diving and then wreck dives.

Lots of both of the first two. The only dive-site wreck that I am aware of
is Amigos wreck and while it is a pretty nice dive on its own merit, the
wreck ain't much and I mean really, really isn't. Lots of nurse sharks
though and usually a big moray or two.

> One thing though, since we are there for only 2 days worth of diving,
> might it be better try live aboards? To get most divetime there?

If that's what you want maybe you should go to a different caye. Go to one
of the dedicated dive resort islands. Turneffe, Tobacco Caye, etc.

> I have also contacted and Belize Diving Adventures and
> Ecological Tours. What about them?

Newest kid on the block.

> Recommendations on accommodation would be good too!
> (from 4 star down to nice cottages would be good).
>
> AID have recommended Xanadu Resort. We are looking for something
> nice, quiet, with space (we need it!).

That would be the right place then.

> Any ideas on price of Xanadu? And where to try and get a room?

Spendy. :^)

How much space do you need? How quiet do you need it to be? When you say
quiet, what are you meaning exactly? Not on mainstreet or no other people?

Help me out with a bit more info and I might be able to help you out some
more too.

> I know lots of question. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favour!

I just look forward to your trip reports.

Reply to this Message

bluNOboxSPAMthief - 08 Sep 2006 21:02 GMT

> Amigos del Mar or Chuck and Robbie's.

Yeah I have e-mailed them but no response yet.

>> So far I have gotten information from Ian Anderson's
>> Adventures In Diving.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> has a pretty good reputation . . as long as he didn't advise that you go
> with AquaDivers. ;^) Just so's I'm clear, don't go with AquaDivers.

Hmm, interesting, as on this page: http://www.adventuresinbelize.com/packages/ambergriscaye.html
while it doesn't say they are based there, they say they recommend xanadu accommodation.

However they do not mention the dive op they work with.

> Lots of both of the first two. The only dive-site wreck that I am aware of
> is Amigos wreck and while it is a pretty nice dive on its own merit, the
> wreck ain't much and I mean really, really isn't. Lots of nurse sharks
> though and usually a big moray or two.

Ok, well the wreck dive is more for me :) Also I'd like to try a night dive..
but for the moment I would be quite happy with reefs.

I do not think I am ready for any technical wreck stuff. This would be the first.

>> One thing though, since we are there for only 2 days worth of diving,
>> might it be better try live aboards? To get most divetime there?
>
> If that's what you want maybe you should go to a different caye. Go to one
> of the dedicated dive resort islands. Turneffe, Tobacco Caye, etc.

After thinking more about this we have decided against a liveaboard.

>> I have also contacted and Belize Diving Adventures and
>> Ecological Tours. What about them?
>
> Newest kid on the block.

Eco Tours recommended aquadives. So thats bad, I guess :)

> How much space do you need? How quiet do you need it to be? When you say
> quiet, what are you meaning exactly? Not on mainstreet or no other people?

I mean not on mainstreet, not with lots of people. Spacious in terms of room to
walk around.

> Help me out with a bit more info and I might be able to help you out some
> more too.

In the end, from spending about 5 hours looking around, ringing and e-mailing,
we have decided on Blue Tang Inn. I think we decided on room 11. It looked really nice,
and from searching thru the archives here on rec.scuba alot of people seemed to like it
(in fact, if memory serves right..I think you liked it too)

I hope it will be good. The people I have e-mailed there have been really helpful.

They have offered to organise the dive op. I am not sure who they dive with.

I am waiting back to hear from Amigos Del Mar.

>> I know lots of question. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favour!
>
> I just look forward to your trip reports.

Well, I am expecting it will read like a schoolkids report after being to the zoo.
I will try to include the necessaries..it'll be a first for me!

Thanks for all the help,

b

Reply to this Message

chilly - 10 Sep 2006 02:22 GMT

> > Amigos del Mar or Chuck and Robbie's.
>
> Yeah I have e-mailed them but no response yet.

I don't know why you haven't heard back yet. Amigos is usually particularly
responsive. However, September is the lowest season month and many places
shut right down. Now, I don't for a minute believe that Amigos is shut
down, but Gilmar may be on vacation.

All that said, you don't need to email anyone about diving. Trust me. The
day you arrive, go around to Amigos (or Chuck and Robbie's or any other dive
op you see) pick one and arrange your upcoming dives with them. It's that
easy. Also, Chuck and Robbie's is probably just as close to Blue Tang to
the north as Amigos is to the south of it. Hustler's is right out front of
the hotel. I don't use them and have my reasons, but you might be happy
enough with them.

> > with AquaDivers. ;^) Just so's I'm clear, don't go with AquaDivers.
>
> Hmm, interesting, as on this page: http://www.adventuresinbelize.com/packages/ambergriscaye.html
> while it doesn't say they are based there, they say they recommend xanadu accommodation.

Ian Anderson is a guy who started up an eco/caving resort on the mainland
years ago. It has evolved into quite a great business. Part of that
business is booking people for places and tours other than those at the
original Ian Anderson's Caves Branch.

> However they do not mention the dive op they work with.

Doesn't matter. Xanadu is a great place to stay, quiet as you desired,
large units and they do dive with Amigos I believe. But no matter where you
stay, you can choose any operator you want (unless you book a package
through Ian Anderson's, then you'll dive with whoever Andersons' books
with). Sure, some hotels are hooked up with one op and some other hotels
and dive ops have the same ownership, but it doesn't matter . . you can stay
where you want and dive with whoever you want . . unless you are at an
isolated location up north on the island (or as I said, have booked a
package).

> > though and usually a big moray or two.
>
> Ok, well the wreck dive is more for me :) Also I'd like to try a night dive..
> but for the moment I would be quite happy with reefs.

Night dives are at Hol Chan. You'll love it.

> > If that's what you want maybe you should go to a different caye. Go to one
> > of the dedicated dive resort islands. Turneffe, Tobacco Caye, etc.
>
> After thinking more about this we have decided against a liveaboard.

Just as well.

> >> I have also contacted and Belize Diving Adventures and
> >> Ecological Tours. What about them?
> >
> > Newest kid on the block.
>
> Eco Tours recommended aquadives. So thats bad, I guess :)

I don't get it. Also, I'm sorry, I thought you were talking about the dive
op called "ecological DIVERS".

Regardless, yeah, in my opinion anyone that recommends Aquadives . . well .
. .

> > How much space do you need? How quiet do you need it to be? When you say
> > quiet, what are you meaning exactly? Not on mainstreet or no other people?
>
> I mean not on mainstreet, not with lots of people. Spacious in terms of room to
> walk around.

Xanadu would have been a great choice for you then.

> > Help me out with a bit more info and I might be able to help you out some
> > more too.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> and from searching thru the archives here on rec.scuba alot of people seemed to like it
> (in fact, if memory serves right..I think you liked it too)

I do like it, but then I like being near the action. Room 11 is a very good
choice if you want lots of room, uh, in your room. If you've checked out
the website, note that Room 11 opens onto the side street and not the beach.
If you want to see what I mean, go to the picture of the person in the
hammock, out front of Room 6. You can see up the street. If you look at
the beach picture attached to the pics for Room 11, it is merely a shot
taken looking in the opposite direction and one floor up. I've had friends
stay in Room 11 and we all thought it grand, even if it didn't look out over
the beach. Also, the bed(s) being in the back of the room are farther from
the street and beach and so don't suffer so much from noise from street and
beach traffic. At this time of the year, that shouldn't be much of an issue
anyway.

> I hope it will be good. The people I have e-mailed there have been really helpful.

It will be good, don't worry . . just don't expect to be doing laps in that
dipping pool of theirs. ;^)

> They have offered to organise the dive op. I am not sure who they dive with.

I'm not sure either. Why not ask them?

> I am waiting back to hear from Amigos Del Mar.

Like I said, I don't know why you haven't heard back, but it doesn't matter.

> >> I know lots of question. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favour!
> >
> > I just look forward to your trip reports.
>
> Well, I am expecting it will read like a schoolkids report after being to the zoo.
> I will try to include the necessaries..it'll be a first for me!

hee hee, I'm sure it will be great!!

> Thanks for all the help,

No worries, I love it and I look forward to hearing that you had a great
time.

> b

Reply to this Message

chilly - 31 Oct 2006 07:17 GMT

(snip)> easy. Also, Chuck and Robbie's is probably just as close to Blue
Tang to

> the north as Amigos is to the south of it. Hustler's is right out front of
> the hotel. I don't use them and have my reasons, but you might be happy
> enough with them.

Just to update. Hustler's dive op is no more but their location has been
taken over by Reef Adventures. A good small shop, so if you are staying at
Blue Tang and decide to go with the shop out front, I believe you will be
happy with Ched and his crew.

Reply to this Message