Instant Reader Report
on Blackbird Caye Resort / [same] in
Belize / Turneffe Atoll on
2002/09
by
Chuck and Nancy Anson , CA, USA
Report Number 030205142526553

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 Bonaire, Roatan, Cozumel, San Salvador, St Croix,
Fiji, St Vincent, Caymans, Grand Turk 

Dive Conditions

Depth limits 130', 500 psi, 50 minute max dive time.  

Large boats had separate rinse for cameras; small boats did not unless you
asked.   Crew handled equipment professionally.  No separate camera
tables.  Film was available but no camara shop and no spare parts for
cameras.    

Overall Rating

Blackbird Caye offers value for the diving dollar that is hard to match in
Belize.  If your idea of the perfect dive vacation is dive, eat, and
sleep, with a good book thrown in for variety, then this is the place for
you.  The hour and a half boat ride out to Turneffe Atoll from Belize City
(drinks included) was very scenic and more enjoyable than expected.  The
sand spit called Blackbird is 166 acres and houses cabanas and a dining
area for a maximum of 25 guests and the staff.  The food was delicious. 
We stayed for two weeks and never ate the same meal twice, unless we
wanted to.  Fresh fish, conch, shrimp and lobster were prepared daily in a
variety of ways.  Pork and chicken dishes were also offered at each meal. 
The accommodations were comfortable, spacious, single cabanas that were
cleaned daily.  Each cabana had air conditioning, hard wood floors, and a
large closet with more than adequate drawer space.  There was a good sized
bathroom with a large tiled shower and plenty of hot water.  There was also
a CD player in each cabana so you can bring your own music if listening to
the local radio station is not your bag.  No phones or TV and Yes
Virginia, there are bugs.  Mangroves are the natural habitat for a variety
of insects, but a good healthy breeze and assiduous use of bug spray
provided adequate protection even for this sweet blooded diver.  The dive
boats are large, spacious, and well maintained.  They leave on time, three
times a day and surface intervals are spent on shore.  This leaves plenty
of time to off gas before the second dive and allows for two deep dives
(50ft plus for 50 minutes) each morning.  The dive staff is very helpful. 
They set up and maintain your gear for each dive unless you prefer to do
that for yourself.  The reefs close to the resort remain healthy for the
most part.  We enjoyed Chinaman’s Reef the best, a ten minute boat ride
south.  Although we saw only two sharks, we did see several large turtles,
and stingrays and eagle rays on many of our dives.  What really adds value
to your diving dollar are the Tuesday all day trip to Lighthouse Reef and
Half Moon Caye and the famous "Blue Hole"; and the Friday half
day trip to “The Elbow”. These reefs offer world class diving and are
included in the price of your package.  There is no shore diving but daily
snorkeling trips can be arranged.  We enjoyed sharing meals with the resort
manager, Mr. David.  He will do everything he can to make sure his guests
are well taken care of.  All you have to do is ask, that is, if you can
get a word in edgewise! In the Flordia office Rebecca is very helpful,
toll free at @ 888-271-3483 or via email at blkbrd@bellsouth.net, or their
website at www.blackbirdresort.com  

 

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