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View Full Version : Honeymoon Planning...Amergris, Belize Info Sought


pschwart00
06-03-2009, 08:56 AM
All,

I’m in the process of planning a week long honeymoon – most likely early June of 2010. I’m a die-hard fisherman…the other so half not so much. But she does like “doing stuff” (i.e. a week on the beach won’t cut it for either of us).

Initially I was kinda’ thinking about some of the nicer resorts on Long Island, Bahamas (Stella Maris or Cape Santa Maria), but after snorkeling, fishing & beaches it seems options get somewhat limited, the plus for me would have been the DIY bonefishing.

So I’ve turned my attention to Amergris Caye, Belize. I’ve been down to Placencia a couple times now for fishing only, & I think that town will be a little small for a week’s stay. The other plus about Amergris is the number of one day excursion options (Mayan ruins, trips to jungle, sailing trip, river rafting, etc.)

In terms of fishing I’m thinking one day of flats fishing, if the new wife comes, great…otherwise she can chill at the spa. The second day of fishing I’m thinking either off shore trolling or reef fishing – which she would come. She enjoys the fishing, she’s just not technically competent (or has the patience) at this point to stalk flats fish.

The options for staying on Amergris are somewhat overwhelming. I don’t want to say budget isn’t a concern (it always is); but it is the honeymoon so I’d rather spend the extra coin to get what we want versus trying to save a buck or two. Neither of us want to stay at a big hotel (not huge fans of crowds), don’t want to have to dress up for dinner, want kayaks and “stuff” available at the lodge for no extra charge (who knows might be able to get some more fishing in with one). Rooms need to be very nice, but not posh. A/C a must. Small kitchen, or at least a frig & sink would be highly preferred.

I still haven’t decided if I want to stay closer to San Pedro or further away.

After pretty extensive searching here and on the web (Trip Advisor, etc.), I’ve narrowed down the final contestants to as follows (still kind of a long list):
- El Pesacador
- Tranquility Resort
- Victoria House
- Matachica

So my questions to you, fellow RTers, are as follows:

A) After reading the above would you agree that Amergris probably fits the bill best in what we are trying to achieve? (if no, please pass on your recommendations)
B) Any personal experience with the above mentioned resorts?
C) San Pedro – good little town to go into for a beer and food or stay away?

Thanks & Tight Lines!
Pete

Tarpon41
06-03-2009, 07:31 PM
PW:
Honeymoon in context described...Key West in one of the quaint B&B or small hotels...while early June is hot tarpon time you can find a good guide and there is plenty for her to do and you to do with her when not fishing...

edsly42
06-08-2009, 10:47 AM
My fiance and I just decided on El Pescador in late Aug of this year. one big positive that helped w/ the decision is they offer a 2-for-1 deal, pay for the single occupancy price for one person and other is free. think they are running it june-dec 15 of '09, would think they'd due similar deal next year.
I've never been but I have two buddies out here in WY who have done fishing trips down there in the last year and both loved it. I'm still looking into what the town of SP is like for trips away from the lodge but will let you know how our trip goes.
Rainy and in the high 30s/low 40s in JHole right now, Belize sunshine sounds pretty good.

surfingfireman
06-15-2009, 10:38 PM
I actually got married in San Pedro and spent a week there before traveling throughout Belize and a bit of Guatemala. Loved San Pedro and it is great spot for a beer, not to mention some great restaurants. We stayed at Xanadu Resort and found it perfect. Not too big, nice rooms with A/C and kitchen like you requested. Free use of bikes and kayaks. It's a little south of SP, but that is where the bikes came in handy, only about 5 minutes biking. All kinds of excursions can be made from the hotel or in SP. Ruins, rainforest, snorkeling, diving, manatees, etc.

Unfortunately, I did not become a fly fishing addict, until later in my trip when I hooked my first bonefish (that's it on in my profile pic) on Caye Caulker. Which is also a nice place. I like it even better then San Pedro, but is REALLY laid back. You can pretty much do any excursion you could have done from SP, from CC. But, I think the DIY fishing is easier on CC.

There were some other "experience" fly fishers staying at Xanadu when I was there. One of them got a grand slam. Plus there were some BIG jacks swimming around the Xanadu dock daily.

Had a great time in Belize and so did my wife. Enjoy.

FLGator
06-26-2009, 01:34 PM
Pete,
Really interested to learn more about what you've discovered regarding your options in Belize. You're criteria are virtually identical to mine for an upcoming family vacation. Please keep us posted on your adventure.
Take care,
Chris

kayalove
07-10-2009, 07:34 PM
Pete, I am taking my family tp Placencia in Aug...staying at Roberts Grove for a cpl days and also at Ranguana Caye..you can wade right from the caye for bonefish.I have heard the other Caye (Roberts Caye ) is a great place for a Honeym:)oon for a cpl days(like Bora Bora Tahiti) Thats where I went for my Honeymoon....splurge hopefully you only have one Honeymoon....I think you can do a cpl days there...bonefish,Tarpon,Permit go offshore or reef fishing....and still keep the Bride Happy. Then go to the Cayo district Jungle ....I have been to many islands in the caribbean and love to fish...My wife likes to reef fish offshore,but not into wading the flats like I am....Another choice is Harbor Island in the Bahamas(awesome) woke up every morning early and watched the tide and bonefish come in while the wife was sleeping......ANDROS Kamalea cay (expensive )but beautiful...know some great guides down there.....Let me know if I can help and will post you about Belize when I get back...Tight lines :)