Frequently Asked Questions

How good is the diving, snorkeling and fishing in Belize?

In short, world class!  The Belize Barrier Reef stretches 185 miles along the Belize mainland -- basically one very long quality dive site.  The atolls also have many excellent dive sites including the Blue Hole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970's when he explored it with his research ship, Calypso.

Inside the barrier reef are excellent snorkeling spots such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.  Some of the best fishing in the Caribbean can be found in the blue waters offshore from Belize. Around Ambergris Caye, you can fish for bonefish, tarpon, yellow snapper, crevelle jacks and much more.

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Is your dive gear any good?

The best we have ever seen in any dive center!  Mares Dragon BCDs with integrated weights, Atomic regulators, and wrist dive computers, all in excellent condition.

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Isn't Belize a long way from the United States?

Belize is a short two hour flight from Houston or Miami, and is closer than the Virgin Islands or other islands in the Eastern Caribbean.

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How do I get to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye?

You will need to fly into Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) outside Belize City, Belize.  Major airlines including Continental, Delta and American have daily flights from the United States.

The easiest way to get to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is to take a commuter flight on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.  They have hourly flights out of Goldson, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach San Pedro.

You may also taxi to the water taxi terminal in Belize City.  Once there you can take a ferry to San Pedro, about a one and a half hour ride.  Because of the time and hassle taking a ferry, your best bet is to take a commuter flight.

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Where in San Pedro is Ecologic Divers?

Our dive center is located on our pier about 200 yards north of the water taxi terminal which is on the beach in the center of town.  Look for our blue building with green trim perched on our 300 foot pier.

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What is the official language of Belize?

Belize is the only country in Central America whose official language is English.   Because of the British influence when Belize was called British Honduras, most Belizians speak excellent English, much easier to understand than the English spoken in the Eastern Caribbean.  Spanish is the next most frequently used language, and many Belizians are bilingual.  We have found Belizians to be friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.

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What about using cash and credit cards?

Your credit cards will be accepted at most establishments, and you will be able to get cash through ATM's, although they do dispense in Belizian dollars.

Belize has its own currency, and one U.S. dollar is equivalent to two Belizian dollars.  Establishments in San Pedro will accept either Belize or U.S. currency.

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Are your boats and yachts clean and well maintained?

We take great pride in the condition of our dive boats and our yachts.  We have a maintenance program that keeps our boats in tip top shape.  We also have associates assigned to clean our boats on a full time, continuous basis.  When you arrive on board, we strive to make everything as perfect as possible for you.

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What can I expect on my live aboard charter?

The main attractions are the islands, atolls and reefs offshore from the Belize mainland.  Belize has three of only four atolls in the Caribbean.   The main attractions here are diving, snorkeling, fishing and other water based activities.  As such, we plan your charter to meet your specific interests.  We will likely sail first to the Turneffe Reef Atoll, and explore the many islands within the atoll.  We will then likely sail to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and home of the world famous Blue Hole where you can dive, fish, snorkel, take an afternoon siesta, curl up with a good book, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Our yachts have a large hard top cover for all day protection from the sun, and most all our meals will be served around a large table under this cover.

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What do I need to bring on my live aboard charter?

Basically, not much...  Pack as lightly as possible as storage space is very limited in your cabin.  We recommend you pack your belongings in soft sided, collapsible luggage or duffel bags -- no hard sided luggage.  Life aboard is very casual with everyone wearing swimming suits, shorts, t-shirts, and cover-ups.  Unless your shoes are brand new with light colored soft soles, no shoes are worn on board in order to keep the boat cleaner and to minimize scratching the decks.  When going ashore, sandals or flip-flops are generally worn.  Some like to wear a light weight jacket or windbreaker in the evenings.

Beyond this, bring the usual assortment of hats, sun glasses, sun screen, toiletry items including soap and shampoo, prescription medicines and so forth that you would normally take on a vacation to the beach.  We do provide soap and shampoo if you are not picky.  If you are prone to motion or sea sickness, bring medicines that alleviate this problem for you.  Do not bring towels as they are provided on board.  Make sure you bring your camera!

Hair dryers are provided on board; however, inform the crew when you get ready to use one so we can turn on the generator or inverter -- a 115 VAC socket is available beside each berth.

If you snorkel or scuba dive, masks, snorkels, fins, and complete dive gear is provided.  If you bring your own dive gear, dive weights, weight belts and tanks will be provided.

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Will I be safe aboard your yachts?

There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our guests, and being aboard our yachts is generally very safe.  However, being careful and using common sense will go a long way in making it even safer for you.

Before departing, the crew will have a safety session.  They will inform you of the location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, what to do in case of a man overboard, and so forth.

Sometimes when under way there can be considerable wave action and subsequent deck pitching, so it is very important to always have at least one hand on the yacht.  Hand rails can be found throughout the yacht, both inside and out.

The cabin berths are about four feet above the floor with three steep steps up.  There is a hand rail on the ceiling which makes it much easier to navigate the steps, especially when getting out of the berth at night.

When under way, make absolutely sure your cabin's hatches are latched shut; otherwise your cabin and your belongings may get soaked.

Because smoking can be dangerous aboard, there is no smoking allowed except on the "sugar scoops", the steps on the stern of the yacht.

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