Belize or Roatan

[marnie2005]

We will be sailing on the NCL Star in October!! Which port would be the best to book an excursioin Belize or Roatan?? We do enjoy just exploring on our own, right off the ship, but not sure which port would be best for doing this. Any suggestions??ps...like to shop, which port is best for shopping:),,,thanks

[crewsweeper]

Belize is probably your excrusion port. Not a lot to do on your own. No nearby easy cab ride places. You can do a walking tour of the area around the port and two main streets across the swing bridge. But Belize excrusions to Maya ruins or cave-tubing are very good. As is off the boat snorkeling. Shopping bargians of local goods can be found in the crafts market just outside the Tourist Village.

 

Roatan, you can book a tour of the island with two or three diferent vendors you can find on this board--Victor Bodden, Rhony, (and Chris?, I believe) are names to look for. You'll be dockiing in Coxen Hole, the prot area has the typical cruiser/tourist items for sale, but there are local shops in the town a short walk away. Other than walking aroundthe town a bit, you'll need a taxi or excursion to get to great beaches on th eWest Bay or West End. South Shore Canopy zip line is also toward the Western beaches.

[mystone99]

We will be sailing on the NCL Star in October!! Which port would be the best to book an excursioin Belize or Roatan?? We do enjoy just exploring on our own, right off the ship, but not sure which port would be best for doing this. Any suggestions??ps...like to shop, which port is best for shopping:),,,thanks

 

Just our opinion, but you're better off going with an excursion in Belize. We just felt safer. DW and I have used Rony's Tours when in Roatan and go all over the island.

[STARFISH*4]

Belize, check out the excursions to Altun Ha or Lamani...did both with NCL and they were GOOD tours!!

 

also did a city tour in Roatan with NCL and ended up at a secluded beach which was very enjoyable.

[marnie2005]

Thanks for the tips!!

[doublej]

Just our opinion, but you're better off going with an excursion in Belize. We just felt safer. DW and I have used Rony's Tours when in Roatan and go all over the island.

We've got a "free-style" tour booked with Romy in November. We hope to zip-line, visit iguana farm, shop & maybe get some beach time. How was your experience? Any suggestions?

[jimswims]

Thank you for all the info here. I will be on the NCL Star in Feb. and these are new ports of call for me. I will be doing a lot of reading in the next few months.

[kgraham56]

From past experiences, book a tour in Belize. One of the last times we were there, a group of 4 passengers were mugged at gunpoint in broad daylight while coming out of a shop right across the street from the port authority. When they got into the safety of the port, one of the men asked if the port police could see that they were in trouble. To which the officer said "Yes, but that is outside the port and we have no authority there". This is not an urban legend. We had dinner with them that night and all four were still shaking hours later. Another clue as to the tone of the area is to look at the pictures people post about Belize City. The houses are colorful and almost all have bars over the windows and razor wire along the top of their fences. If we do anything in Belize this trip, it will be on a tour.

 

Roatan, unless it has changed in the last 2 years was just the opposite. The people were extremely friendly and helpful. It is very easy to walk off the ship (or tender off) and catch a cab down to Tabayana (sp?) beach. The cabbie gave us a running commentary the whole way and was delightful. Make sure if you take a tour that it includes a stop at the beach. It was one of the nicest pure white sandy beaches I have ever been on.

 

If you are a diver or snorkeller, either island is an excellent choice. The reefs are pristine and full of wildlife. I am a diver and both of these islands stand out as among the best in the world.

 

ken