AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Newbie's questions about shore/beach snorkeling

We've stayed at Belizean Shores and used their kayaks to get to the reef. It's an easy paddle and there are buoys to tie up the kayak while you snorkel. You just have to be mindful of boats since you'll be crossing traffic.

You also could stay at somewhere like South Water Caye, where there is walk in snorkeling. Or, the cheaper Tobacco Caye.

Becky, in re-reading your original question, you state you have a "problem with boats". In that case I would stay South of the bridge, because to far North and easy access to Town is by water taxi. Here is a link to aerial photos of all resorts on AC, divide in sections. It gives you a great view of the places you are considering:
http://pelicanproperties.com/airshotsindex.html

Becky- Tranquility Bay is an excellent choice. We just stayed there for a week last month. Our priorities were identical to yours and we couldn't have dreamed up a better place. You can be a snorkeling maniac any time of the day or night right from the resort beach - kayaks are included in the price - so is breakfast, and the restaurant food is excellent and fairly priced. The reef is very, very close - you can just snorkel out there without a kayak as well, which you would want to do at some point, as there are lots and lots of coral heads all over the place between the shore and reef. We stopped in town on the way to the resort and picked up some groceries for light meals in our cabana. Did you mean you have trouble with motion sickness on boats? If so, that was also my concern and did not end up being a problem at all. Because the snorkeling is so excellent right from the resort, we only took one tour (about 8 people on the boat), which was led by the very handsome and most excellent guide "Oscar". We went to Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley and Caye Caulker - don't miss any of these places! No trouble with the wave action, although I did take a Dramamine just to be on the safe side. Don't be scared off by the distance from town - the resort boats go back and forth frequently and you can hitch a ride on them - it takes about 30 mintues and is a beautiful, very calm water ride within the reef. TB is a small resort where you get very personal service and a beautiful environment. Whatever you decide, have an excellent vacation in paradise!

Tranquility Bay looks like our kind of spot! But how do you get there when you fly into Belize City? We usually book vacation packages where the ground travel is included but this trip will be ala carte so I need as much info as possible to make this trip work.

there is no ground travel per se to ambergris caye (its an island) or to TB. you can either fly or boat to AC from belize city - i suggest fly. TB would most likely arrange this for you at your request. i am sure they will also happily arrange to meet you at the airport and take you by boat to TB, which is about 12 miles north of san pedro town.

Becky, Tranquility Bay is one of the prettiest spots on the island and has a very nice beach in addition to great snorkeling.

After researching Tranquility Bay, I'm calling tomorrow to book for 8 days in mid May, WOOHOO!
Thanks to everyone on this site for all the great info. I am a big fan of another forum for the Riveria Maya/ Akumal area and didn't think there could be another forum with such great people!

Now the next step is to replace a defective HD camera for my underwater housing....will post links to the videos when we get back.

Thanks again everyone.

Thanks everyone for the info, we just booked 7 nights at Tranquility Bay Resort. Since it only going to be the two of us be booked the budget travler's room. Can't wait, counting the days.....

Becky
Your going to love it up there. While your there, order a pizza from Rosemary. She delivers, best pizza on AC.