Caymans or Belize?

[Anonymous]

We have been to CR and love, but time for a new destination for Spring break.. Late March with 2 teens. Have loved DR, PR, St. Lucia and Grace Bay but never seen Caymans. Technically we have up to 10 free spring break days for travel but considering 5-7 in terms of budget (we can spend but I just don't want to break the bank LOL) - a mix of R&R with pretty scenery and a couple adventures.. so - Belize or Caymans???

We're not divers so not sure we're really going to enjoy going to the Great Blue Hole in Belize Growing up, the kids have done a lot of interactions in different locations with marine and wildlife so we're prob passing on nature preserves this time around. More focused on unique activities to do in either destination..

So -
1. CAVES - any experience with Crystal Cave Caymans or St. Herman's or Blue Creek Cave in Belize? I read about the National Geo caves in Belize but that involves a lot of hiking which my kids could do, but sadly I think DH and I would crumble) - we seek less hiking, more tubing or rafting adventures The idea of cave floats seem cool. Older kid loves history (Mayans in Belize), alas, younger does not.

2. SAILING - Is Starfish Point pretty cool in Caymans? We would prob seek to combine opportunity to see this with a private sail to avoid crowds. I assume Caymans sailing is amazing but I can't imagine Belize would suck or is that not as popular?

3. BEACHES - How is 7 mile Beach in Caymans these days? We love casual easy small Manuel Antonio beaches to epic Flamenco Beach PR/Sugar Beach St. Lucia. How do Belize beaches in Placencia or Ambergris Caye in compare? Again, not seeking epic white sand as much as cute and comfortable with warm waters and not crazy crowded.

Thanks for any suggestions of accommodations - resorts/airbnbs.

[Anonymous]

I have not been to Belize, but I have been to Grand Cayman multiple times.

Seven Mile Beach is lovely---very similar to Grace Bay. Whether it's crowded depends on if you stay at a large resort (yes) or a condo or boutique hotel (no).

Starfish Point is okay. You'll maybe see some stingrays and, obviously, lots of starfish. There were very few people there the times we went. Rum Point nearby has concessions and gets crowded, but Starfish Point is off of a public park that's pretty quiet.

The caves in Cayman are interesting, although not particularly expansive or breathtaking. There isn't much hiking involved. They're worth an afternoon excursion if you get tired of the beach.

[Anonymous]

Belize has a couple of advantages —
Option to go see incredible Mayan ruins if you don’t mind a road trip
Tube caving
Option to add some jungle time

I think both have good snorkeling but Belize might be slightly better due to the reef.

Caymans has starfish city which is fun. We’ve only been to caymans as a cruise ship stop….last time there our guide was really complaining about one reclusive rich guy having bought yo most of the island. I can’t remember what he said were the negative effects of that but he seemed really concerned. Maybe someone else knows if that’s actually had any effect on the experience for a tourist.

[Anonymous]

Grand Cayman will be more of a relaxing beach trip and Belize more like CR.


Please take this nicely. Do not call it Caymans. The country is called The Cayman Islands. There are 3. Each island has its own name. Most likely, you will be going to Grand Cayman.

[Anonymous]

Belize was low key, more rustic, and lots of sargassum about 10 years ago when we went. We still enjoyed it, go snorkeling or boating outside the seaweed. I think its a different vibe than Cayman Islands.

[Anonymous]

The thing to see in Cayman is stingray city. Starfish point is cool and both are usually part of snorkel tours. You can also just drive to starfish point but there is not much to do there. I have never found starfish point to be that crowded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have been to CR and love, but time for a new destination for Spring break.. Late March with 2 teens. Have loved DR, PR, St. Lucia and Grace Bay but never seen Caymans. Technically we have up to 10 free spring break days for travel but considering 5-7 in terms of budget (we can spend but I just don't want to break the bank LOL) - a mix of R&R with pretty scenery and a couple adventures.. so - Belize or Caymans???

We're not divers so not sure we're really going to enjoy going to the Great Blue Hole in Belize Growing up, the kids have done a lot of interactions in different locations with marine and wildlife so we're prob passing on nature preserves this time around. More focused on unique activities to do in either destination..

So -
1. CAVES - any experience with Crystal Cave Caymans or St. Herman's or Blue Creek Cave in Belize? I read about the National Geo caves in Belize but that involves a lot of hiking which my kids could do, but sadly I think DH and I would crumble) - we seek less hiking, more tubing or rafting adventures The idea of cave floats seem cool. Older kid loves history (Mayans in Belize), alas, younger does not.

2. SAILING - Is Starfish Point pretty cool in Caymans? We would prob seek to combine opportunity to see this with a private sail to avoid crowds. I assume Caymans sailing is amazing but I can't imagine Belize would suck or is that not as popular?

3. BEACHES - How is 7 mile Beach in Caymans these days? We love casual easy small Manuel Antonio beaches to epic Flamenco Beach PR/Sugar Beach St. Lucia. How do Belize beaches in Placencia or Ambergris Caye in compare? Again, not seeking epic white sand as much as cute and comfortable with warm waters and not crazy crowded.

Thanks for any suggestions of accommodations - resorts/airbnbs.

I haven't been to Belize so I may be wrong, but I suspect your money will go further there than Cayman Islands. The exchange rate is not in our favor and Caymans are EXPENSIVE. It's not St. Barths but it definitely feels higher end than a lot of other islands, at least where we were around 7 mile beach.

[Anonymous]

We did a week spring break in Belize a few years ago, and I found it very manageable and nice and not pricey. We spent the first few days doing jungle tour/ruins (definitely do the caving tour--was super fun) and then second half at Ambergris caye, where we snorkeled, sailed, and rented a golf cart and explored beaches. I think its more low key than the Cayman islands. I dont think we have any desire to go back but we were happy we went.

[Anonymous]

Our family have covered both islands. Each has a different vibe. Belize may be similar to PR and Cayman Island is similar to St. Thomas.

Belize- easier on the pocket as every dollar was 2. To cover the ruins and the island you would need to book separate stays. We started in the jungle for 3 nites then headed back to the airport to fly to amberylis caye for the rest to cover island time and water activities like caye caulkner and blue hole. Three nites in the jungle you can cover the caves and ruins. Ramons village is a good place on amberylis caye. It is literally across the street from the tiny airport. Rent a golf cart and explore and visit secret beach. there are water activity booking onsite. Recommend a trio activity that will take you to shark alley, snorkeling at the reef and a trip to caye caulker. We booked a catermaran for 675 and had boat to ourselves. There was sargassum when we were there and that was not pleasant. There is no traditional walk into the beach and swim on amberylis caye. There are piers you can walk out to and jump off to swim. I beleive Placencia area does have traditional beach but we did not have time to get there.

Cayman- Everything is expensive. we stayed on the east side near rum point and it was lovely. A townhouse with plenty of room and ocean front. Less crowded. Less expensive than a stay directly on 7 mile. We had a car and explored every beach. Spent a day on 7 mile and it was great. Plenty of easy parking at every beach. You should do stingray city and snorkeling. Star beach was nice and relaxing. Book a tour or just drive up to the park and enter near rum point and enjoy the restaurants. We covered almost all the beaches and all are very nice.

[Anonymous]

Please stop calling at the Caymans, especially if you’re talking about 7 mile beach. That is on Grand Cayman.

[Anonymous]

Everyone I know who has visited Belize has commented on the sargassum (everywhere) and needing to jump off a pier if you want to swim. They don’t rave about the beach. And none of them have gone back for a second visit. My takeaway is that it’s like DR and CR: one and done.

By contrast, I know people who have traveled to Grand Cayman many times (myself included). I know multiple families who go every year (or every two or three years).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our family have covered both islands. Each has a different vibe. Belize may be similar to PR and Cayman Island is similar to St. Thomas.

Belize- easier on the pocket as every dollar was 2. To cover the ruins and the island you would need to book separate stays. We started in the jungle for 3 nites then headed back to the airport to fly to amberylis caye for the rest to cover island time and water activities like caye caulkner and blue hole. Three nites in the jungle you can cover the caves and ruins. Ramons village is a good place on amberylis caye. It is literally across the street from the tiny airport. Rent a golf cart and explore and visit secret beach. there are water activity booking onsite. Recommend a trio activity that will take you to shark alley, snorkeling at the reef and a trip to caye caulker. We booked a catermaran for 675 and had boat to ourselves. There was sargassum when we were there and that was not pleasant. There is no traditional walk into the beach and swim on amberylis caye. There are piers you can walk out to and jump off to swim. I beleive Placencia area does have traditional beach but we did not have time to get there.

Cayman- Everything is expensive. we stayed on the east side near rum point and it was lovely. A townhouse with plenty of room and ocean front. Less crowded. Less expensive than a stay directly on 7 mile. We had a car and explored every beach. Spent a day on 7 mile and it was great. Plenty of easy parking at every beach. You should do stingray city and snorkeling. Star beach was nice and relaxing. Book a tour or just drive up to the park and enter near rum point and enjoy the restaurants. We covered almost all the beaches and all are very nice.

You “covered” both islands? Do you mean you visited them? You make it sounds like you’re a family of sportscasters.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone!

We decided on going to PR. DH and I know it well but not our teens. CR is actually not a place we are ever one and done with PP - but thanks to everyone who replied!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone I know who has visited Belize has commented on the sargassum (everywhere) and needing to jump off a pier if you want to swim. They don’t rave about the beach. And none of them have gone back for a second visit. My takeaway is that it’s like DR and CR: one and done.

By contrast, I know people who have traveled to Grand Cayman many times (myself included). I know multiple families who go every year (or every two or three years).

I think that is right but that doesn’t make Belize bad. Belize is more about doing things and having certain amazing experiences that you don’t necessarily need to repeat (caving, seeing ruins, snorkeling). The beaches there are not particularly nice so it’s not a place you’d go to again and again to escape winter and chill in the sand.

OP if you do go to Belize, consider Caye Caulker for your beach time. It is tiny and very chill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone I know who has visited Belize has commented on the sargassum (everywhere) and needing to jump off a pier if you want to swim. They don’t rave about the beach. And none of them have gone back for a second visit. My takeaway is that it’s like DR and CR: one and done.

By contrast, I know people who have traveled to Grand Cayman many times (myself included). I know multiple families who go every year (or every two or three years).

NP here. We are going to Grand Cayman with teens for spring break. First timers, staying at a hotel on seven mile beach. Any dining tips or can’t miss places to visit? Planning to have a rental car and do a 1/2 boat tour one day of stingray city and starfish point.