Wow, a tough one there! I have been to both and will try to help the best I can.

1-Belize:

Most area's of Belize do not have the typical beach you might associate island locations. There is a reef that extends the length of Central America in the Caribbean Sea.

The most popular destination in Belize is San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The reef is approx. 1 mile off shore, and the water from the reef to the coast is relativly calm (no large breaking waves). There are some properties on Ambergris Caye that have beautiful tropical beach settings, i.e. palm trees, palpas, lots of sand (vs rock) in the water, don't get me wrong they are beautiful, but they don't have the surf most people associate with the beach.

Getting to Ambergris Caye requires an additional flight from the mainland, or a lengthy boat taxi. I always fly, it's worth the $100 US R/T, the boats take way to long.

Belize is far superior when it comes to diving/snorkeling, I have dove both Belize and St. Lucia, Belize gets my vote on that one.

Belize (San Pedro) really captures the "away from it all" atmosphere. It is a relativly small town and you do not have the crowds you most other places. I like it for that very reason.

2. St. Lucia

If beaches are high on your list, then St. Lucia has some great ones. They are the typical caribbean beach, lots of sand, crystal clear, warm waters and vary from ferocious waves to gentle waves depending where you go (windward or leeward side).

Diving/Snorkeling are very good, but cannot compare to Belize.

The island itself is awsome, lots to do and see. I would say you will find more things to do here than in Belize.

The Island is very populated so you will have to endure all that comes with that. Traffic can be frustrating at times, since the roads are very narrow, winding, and hilly.

I am partial to Belize when I want to go diving or want to get away from it all, but for an all around vacation or a romantic get away, I tend to lean more towards St. Lucia.

Both places are beautiful and what ever you decide, you won't be disappointed.

If you have any specific questions, let me know I will try to help. You have a tough decision to make.

Mike in Tulsa

That was my first reaction upon reading just the topice area, WOW!

Only been to Belize via a cruise stop, will not do that again, but stayed on land in St Lucia. I think that if you are open to Grenada then that should be your choice over the other two. There are no cookie cutter chains, yet, many beautiful beaches and better snorkeling than St Lucia. Most friendly people of any island thus far. Stay away March/April because of the World Cricket in the Caribbean.

http://community.webshots.com/user/kagjjg

Hi, Marqeaa: My husband and I had scuba diving vacations in Belize in 1992 & 94 and decided on St. Lucia for a dive vacation for 3 weeks in 1995. That is where our Caribbean diving holidays ended...... we returned 3 times for 3 weeks each time and, in late 1997 decided this was "THEE" place, so bought a plot of late on which we built in 1998. We rented to vacationers until our retirement in 2002 and now spent 6 months of relative blish here in St. Lucia and from late April till early November in the temperate climes of Saskatchewan, Canada. Having been to Belize (Ambregis Caye once for three weeks and Caye Chaulker for 3 weeks) I would take St. Lucia, hands down.... we almost bought property on Ambregis Caye.... thank the Good Lord we came to our sense. In St. Lucia, you can drink the water from the tap (no fear of coloara as on Ambregis) ..... I'm a bit bias as the Canadian Government engineered the water works here..... no language barrier... all St. Lucians speak English from day 1 in school and the local "creole patoit" also. The economy is good here so crime is, tough wood, only as bad as in our home country and anywhere in the world.... you can't get away from petty theft. Every island has its horror stories but St. Lucia is as safe as home in Canada as long as you keep your nose where it belongs... I'm sure you know what I mean. Belize or St. Lucia...... St. Lucia for sure. Let me know if you want info. We have been coming well over 25 times since 1995 and I am a wealth of info. I love to help out vacationers as I wishes I had the option for so many years ago. I'm pleased to assist.

Vicki

My husband and I have been to both Belize (Ambergris Caye) & St. Lucia in the last year. We had a wonderful time at both places. It all depends on what you want. The reply posted by N737AA (Mike) really has good points for both.

Belize is more casual, very relaxing (I think I wore a dress once to go out to eat), great scuba/snorkeling, fishing, & food but lacks the beaches.

St. Lucia has the great beaches, food (need to dress for dinner for the most part - more romantic places), & fishing (didn't snorkel - I had a cold) but I didn't get the island culture as much as I did in Belize.

My husband & I perfer Belize over St. Lucia. While we had a great time in St. Lucia, we probably won't be going back. I would rather try a neighboring island for something new. As for Belize, we have been three times in the last ten years & plan to go back next year. It was just so relaxing for us. I feel sorry for the people who visit Belize on a cruise because they don't get the real feel of it. If you do decide to go to Belize, you must stay on Ambergris Caye. They have day trips to the inland that are fun & allows you a chance to see the rest of the Belize - cave tubing, Maya ruins, spa trip, etc.

Having said my choice either place will be great because you will be on vacation!

I've been to Belize on a cruise stop, one day in a private key, 2nd day in Belize city, the small key was beautiful but it was the cruise line who provided all kind of service. On visite to Belize city I was not impresed at all, I would not go again, very small city , very poor, the colonial architecture is minimal, and the beaches I saw do not compare to the ones in the Caribbean Islands, good only for a cruise stop, but again I have not been to the other sites of Belize.

Hope this help!

The best diving in the Caribbean is in the Caymans. Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman is one of the top three dives in the world. Snorkeling, too, is superb in many areas of all three of the islands. Also good food, beautiful beaches, no crime, no poverty.

As for Belize and St. Lucia...everyone else has made all the points: St. Lucia has the prettier beaches; Belize the best snorkeling/diving. St. Lucia offers the more traditional Caribbean vacation; Belize offers the jungle. Both places have their share of crime though St. Lucia as of late has been coming up on the radar more often...something to be aware of.

I would say if you want a purely Caribbean beach vacation with the restaurants, shopping, etc., go to St. Lucia. But don't miss out on visiting the rainforests of Central America at some point. If not Belize, try Costa Rica. There's a new Four Seasons on Costa Rica's west coast on its own peninsula. And here you have the option of the beach and very well organized trips into the rainforest. Just an option.