BELIZE: "Private Island Beach Break" REPORT - Page 4 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Annieeee · 12-17-2007, 11:12 AM

Really nice pictures Bill. I went back for a second look. Our tour is (per the ship) about 3 7/2 hours. Was that about the ame as yours? And when you took the tender into Belize ow long was the ride to own? And what was in town? Was it worth it? I will be there next week and again in January. So if I miss something the first time around, due to timeing, I will hopefully be able to catch it in January.

And one last question. What type camera did you use? Really nice clear pics. I have an Olympus that I bought specifically because I could order the special made underwater housing for it. It is ok, but those dam buttons are a bit akward underwater. At least I found it to be that way. I may have been better just to buy a cheapie underwater throwaway.

Annieeee

zydecocruiser · 12-17-2007, 12:08 PM

Thank you - sooooo many questions.

I'm not the best person to critique Bannister Island, because I am not a beach person, so the Bannister Island portion was not very interesting to me after the initial time it took to explore the island. I thought I would be able to snorkel from the island, but the swimming area is limited to a roped off area and there is nothing to see within the boundaries and they told me not to go outside of it. I probably should have anyway, but there was occasional boat traffic and I have no idea if there were any currents.

If you want to lounge around a lot of people like it. It is perfectly safe. Obviosuly bar/restaurant, hair braiding, bathrooms, showers, volley ball, the usually kind of stuff.

I really liked the snorkeling portion.

I think 3 1/2 hours sounds about right for the duration.

I've never really timed the tendering process, but it is a ways. Much farther than Grand Cayman, for example. I'd say more than 5 minutes and less than 45 ? Sorry.

The tender area in Belize City is a tourist compound, so you are perfectly safe there, also. Lots of shops and bars and tourist areas. Big fences between you and the city. Outside the fence is a different world. Much of Belize is poor but I found the people to be nice. Usually when I go to Belize I spend my time snorkeling the outlying islands and reefs.

I used Canon cameras with the waterproof housings. I don't really fiddle with all of the controls while underwater, but at least I can and sometimes do. Typically will let Photoshop elements auto correct the colors, etc.

One of the things I like best about digital for underwater is that I can shoot hundreds of pictures without running out of film. Can also shoot film clips. With digital, you should take the camera off of automatic white balance.

Some more pictures from Belize:

Belize: Belize Nov 16, 2006 Sep 7, 2006 - Belize
Dec 27, 2005 - Belize Pharmacy@BelizeTouristVillage
Belize Nov 16, 2005 (Snorkel and Bannister Island)

zydecocruiser · 12-18-2007, 02:10 AM

more info...

being picked up at the ship and the snorkel alone was worth the price - Bannister was a bonus to me.

Cocktails (limited selection - but no lack of rum punch) were included on the boat with the tour, so when I needed a refill, I returned to the docked boat instead of purchasing. No big deal.

There is shade available (plalapa style or at the bar style and/or more). Also on the boat that brought you there.

LuLu · 12-18-2007, 05:53 PM

ZY .... How nice of you to post those great photos!

No less than expected .... You always take the BEST pictures!