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Dive Review of Isla Marisol Resort in
Belize/Glover's Reef Atoll

Isla Marisol Resort, Aug, 2004,

by John Murray, PA, USA . Report 1300.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 2 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments This small resort is on a little island, part of an atoll 40 miles off the coast of Belize, surrounded by 50 miles of pristine reefs in a National Marine Park. Diving is from open boats, 5-10 min from the resort, on the nearly vertical wall that rings the atoll. Currents were light to non-existent on most days, though they can be strong.
Although some poaching activity was observed, overall this area has the best preserved flora and fauna that I've seen in the Caribbean since I started diving 35 years ago. Huge groupers are abundant. Large turtles and enormous green morays are seen on every dive. At night, the reefs are crawling with crab and lobster, as well as the occasional octopus. Dolphins are frequently seen, and we swam in the middle of a playful school of > 20 for half an hour. Inside the atoll, numerous coral patches make for great shallow water snorkeling, from the beach or from ocean kayaks provided free for the guests.
The island has been in the owner-operator's (Eddie Usher) family for generations. Eddie is an avid diver, knows every nook and cranny of the atoll, and has recruited superbly competent staff all of whom love to show off their beautiful dive sites to visitors. Dive groups are small (4 divers max while we were there) and there was never another dive boat in sight.
Accomodation is in 10 simple but well equipped and spacious cabanas, just a few yards from the water. Even with a blazing August sun, the constant ocean breeze kept the rooms comfortable. Mosquitoes were not seen, but the sand-fleas can be a nuisance during the heat of the day if you forget your DEET.
The guests are pampered. Lunch and dinner feature fresh fish or lobster caught by the resort staff. Seasonal fresh fruit served with every meal. A bar over the water provides a great place for after-dive relaxing and watching the sunset.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving world-wide, including multiple Caribbean sites
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas choppy
Water Temp 82-85°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 0
Water Visibility 60-150 Ft/ 18-46 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions begin ascent at 700 psi
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 3 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities 2 stars
UW Photo Comments rinse tank on the boat
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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