Us 5 middle-aged gals (think Madonna ) are trying to decide between a Belize/Costa Maya or Nassau/Coco Cay cruise in Feb. The goal is beaches and snorkeling, over excursions. Any advice appreciated....I've looked over past chats and only see excursion advice.

If the goal is beaches, you will find more of them at Nassau and Coco Cay (which is just one huge beach). However, the snorkeling is better in Belize and in February it will be warmer in Belize than in the Bahamas. I guess it depends on how serious you are about the snorkeling, and how tolerant you about ocean temperature.

Thanks- I look forward to more responses- especially where to go in Belize for good snorkeling! Warmth is surely important in February.....

You'll have to take a boat to the reef in Belize, and the snorkeling is great there. My co-worker was there last year, and the pictures he brought back were beautiful. Also, if he recommends something, it has to be good. There is good snorkeling in the Bahamas, too, but as Dave said it will be warmer in Belize.

Conundrum 1 - In Nassau you have the adventure of Atlantis on Paradise Island, in Belize you have the interest of the Mayan ruins and the Jungle. No matter what Belize will be hotter and more humid!

BillbyBuzzy

I think this is a no brainer. Coco cay is a nice beach with a big cookout and great snorkeling. Nassau is a town of banks with one beautiful resort (Atlantis) that everyone should see at some point in their life. Belize is beautiful and Belikin Beer is the best!. Costa Maya is a waste and isn't worth the time there. So there you go...make up your mind.

We have snorkeled in both and BElize hands down is MUCH better. We booked a snorkel trip from RCCL and it was wonderful. The company was fantastic and they took us to a little cruise ship only type island for anout an hour afterwards. We regret we didn't get the time to go into Belize itself but maybe next time. We snorkeled in Nassau and at Coco Cay and while it was interesting it was nothing like Belize. It seemed much more authentic.

We have Costa Maya on the itinerary for a possible Nov cruise and may change the cruise b./c I haven't heard much good about it.But if the rest of your trip is exciting you could go browse and spend the day on the ship.

I prefer Belize. There is something about not constantly looking over your shoulder that gives me comfort.

I vote for Belize too......Great Mayan ruins if you are into Mayan culture....Have a great time no matter where you sail too.....

Bob E

Costa Maya and Belize. Snorkeling in Belize is better than anything you will see in the Bahamas. Having been to Nassau a few times we now stay on the ship. To each there own, but I don't feel any need to go back there.

i agree with staying on the ship in nassau. been there and there just is not much there. the water is beautiful tho.
If you choose to go to nassau. please stay off of the water taxi. I expect any day now to hear that one got over loaded and ended up in trouble.

We took the water taxi just a few months ago in Nassau and it was great. Only a few dollors per person, never felt over-crouded, and a great view as you enter the port. Great opportunity for pictures. Whatever you do, if you go to Nassau you must go to the Atlantis resore..WOW

We took the water taxi last yr to go to the atlantis. it was 20 minutes of sheer terror. the boat was so overloaded. even when it was full the operators were yelling we have room for more. and had us squeezed in there. I will never do it again. and dont want anyone else to experience the terror we felt.
I dont think they are regulated like they would be here in America. so the more they pack in there the more money for them.