Belize Or Turks And Caicos: Which Destination Offers A More Secure Vacation?

Belize and Turks and Caicos are two popular tourist destinations in Central America/the Caribbean. Both have their pros and cons when it comes to security. Some sources claim that Belize is an unsafe place for tourists, particularly white Americans, due to racism and threats of violence. However, others argue that Belize is safer than most American cities and that the people are very friendly. On the other hand, Turks and Caicos is known for its pristine beaches and family-friendly atmosphere, with less crime reported compared to Belize. When it comes to diving, both destinations offer wall diving and the presence of marine animals such as sharks and stingrays, but long boat rides might be necessary to reach the best dive spots in both locations.

Crime and safety

Belize has been described as "not safe" by a user on the SailNet forum, who mentions an incident where a friend's house was burned down by villagers, and the friend was threatened to be burned out again. The forum user also mentions experiencing threats to their life after reading and commenting on local news stories. They also mention a story about an American lady who was arrested for a crime she did not commit, according to witnesses, and was not allowed to leave the country.

However, other forum users have disagreed with this assessment, with one saying that Belize is "far safer than most American cities", and that there are "some bad people there but [...] there are bad people everywhere". Another user mentions feeling "very safe" in Ambergris Caye, but that Belize City is "pretty grim".

Belize has also been described as having "a lot of poverty" by a user on the ScubaBoard forum, and that "the faster you can get out of Belize City the better".

Turks and Caicos, on the other hand, has been described as "super friendly" and "very laid back" by a user on the SailNet forum. Another user mentions that they "didn't see any bugs" in Turks and Caicos, and that it is "just very pleasant [...] and the people are very nice".

However, it is worth noting that crime does exist in Turks and Caicos, with a user on the ScubaBoard forum mentioning that there are "some sketchy areas" in Belize that their friend has told them to stay out of.

Overall, while both destinations have their pros and cons in terms of crime and safety, Turks and Caicos may be considered slightly more secure due to the lack of recent reports of serious crimes or incidents.

Diving and family

Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands are both popular diving destinations, with their own unique attractions.

Belize

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, just a five-minute boat ride from the shore. The country boasts over 100 dive sites to explore, with the opportunity to see marine life such as dolphins, sharks, and Caribbean colourful fish. One of the most popular dive spots is the Blue Hole, an incredible natural phenomenon. Belize also offers a range of scuba diving courses, from beginner to advanced levels, making it a great place for families to learn and dive together.

Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands feature the third-largest barrier reef in the world and impressive sheer walls, making it a diver's paradise. The islands are situated on an underwater plateau, creating a unique underwater landscape with vertical walls and sandy ocean bottoms. The reefs support a diverse range of Caribbean reef fish, small sea creatures, vibrant corals, and sponges. It is also possible to spot various species of sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, especially during their migration season from January to April.

Safety Considerations

When considering the safety aspect, both destinations have their advantages and concerns.

Belize has been described by some travellers as unsafe due to incidents of racism and threats towards foreigners, particularly those who are white. However, others have contradicted these claims, stating that Belize is safer than most American cities and that the water is wonderful for diving.

On the other hand, the Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere. However, it is important to consider the impact of cruise ship tourism on the islands, which can lead to drastic changes in island activities and a significant increase in visitors.

In conclusion, both Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands offer exceptional diving experiences. Belize may be a better option for families who want to learn together, while the Turks and Caicos Islands provide a wider variety of dive sites and marine life. When considering safety, it is essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and take necessary precautions, as both destinations have reported incidents, albeit from different sources.

Liveaboard experiences

Liveaboard.com is a legitimate business that offers liveaboard diving trips in 24 countries, including Indonesia, the Maldives, and Egypt. The website provides a search engine that allows users to look up a variety of liveaboards and their reviews in one place. Liveaboard.com acts as an intermediary agent between customers and liveaboard operators, offering 24/7 customer support and assistance with bookings and queries.

Reviews for Liveaboard.com are generally positive, with many customers praising the company's responsiveness, organisation, and helpful staff. Some customers also appreciated the convenience of having a central site to book liveaboards and the assurance of booking with a reputable company. However, there are also negative reviews, with some customers reporting issues with additional fees and complications with flights and refunds.

When booking a liveaboard trip, it is essential to do your research and be aware of any potential issues or complications that may arise. Reading reviews and booking directly with operators can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

"Liveaboard.com organized a fantastic trip for me on the iceberg in Egypt. They were so attentive to all my questions, and I also had visa complications, and the team were so understanding and gracious with the changes."

"I've always found the staff extremely polite. I'll be back."

"I booked the trip at Liveaboard.com and it has been a very pleasant experience. I have been in touch with several service agents, and I felt that everyone knew my case and was able to help me answer my questions."

"I booked Maldives Princess Sara - Liveaboard answered all questions & sent all information - they were good."

"I would not book with this company. I booked a trip to the Galapagos through them, and I had a very negative experience... They stopped replying to my emails altogether and did not answer my phone calls."

Overall, Liveaboard.com can be a convenient option for booking liveaboard diving trips, but it is always important to do your research and be aware of any potential issues that may arise.

Cost of living and quality of life

Belize has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from February to May. The country offers a range of lifestyles, from tranquil beach living in Placencia to a non-stop party vibe on Ambergris Caye. The country is known for its welcoming attitude towards expats, who make up a significant portion of the population. Expats in Belize can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle centred around nature and the outdoors, with an abundance of beaches and water activities.

The cost of living in Belize can vary depending on one's lifestyle choices. While real estate prices are generally higher compared to other Central American countries, they can be more affordable than coastal areas in the US. Utilities such as electricity, heating, and water are important considerations, as occasional outages may occur. Imported goods and fuel can be expensive, but expats can save money by shopping at local farmer's markets and adopting a less materialistic lifestyle. Healthcare costs are relatively low, with doctor visits ranging from $25 to $50, and dental care also being more affordable than in the US.

For a single person, the estimated monthly cost of living in Belize is $1,500, while a family of four can expect to spend around $3,500. Expats can save on transportation costs by opting for a bike or golf cart instead of a car, as the country's size makes it easy to get around without long commutes.

Turks and Caicos, on the other hand, is a more expensive option. For a single person, the estimated monthly cost of living is $4,279, while a family of four can expect to spend approximately $8,375. The cost of living in Providenciales, one of the main islands, is significantly higher than in Belize City, making it an even pricier choice.

Overall, Belize offers a more affordable option for those seeking a tropical lifestyle, with a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.

Healthcare and Zika

Medical care in Belize has been described as poor but steadily improving. The country has dedicated and caring doctors, but lacks sufficient healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and advanced equipment. Most of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, with smaller towns offering more limited 24-hour care hospitals. In the case of more complicated medical treatments, many expats leave Belize to receive care elsewhere.

Belize's neighbour, Mexico, is often a popular choice for expats to receive medical treatment, with some opting to go to Chetumal and Merida in the Mexican state of Yucatán. The quality of dental care in Belize is excellent and reasonably priced.

Pharmacies in Belize are also affordable, and in larger towns, they are generally well-stocked, except for specialised medications. Drugstores in Belize sell many medicines over the counter that would require a prescription in the U.S., and they will sell large quantities at once.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, on the other hand, are considered a safe travel destination with no unique health concerns or endemic diseases. The environment is generally free of industrial pollution, and there are no drinking water concerns. No vaccinations are required for entry, and no other vaccinations are recommended by major health organisations.

Providenciales and Grand Turk each have a large hospital, and there are several private health practices and dental clinics. Local medical facilities are equipped to handle most situations, and in the event of a medical emergency that cannot be handled on the islands, patients are stabilised and flown by air ambulance to Miami, Nassau, or other regional cities.

Both the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk operate dialysis centres, but these services are not provided to tourists and non-residents. Local pharmacies are well-stocked, but it is still advisable to bring extra medication for your trip, as pharmacies may not have all pharmaceuticals in stock.

Zika was confirmed in the Turks and Caicos Islands in July 2016, with five initial cases. The virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is found in the region. The last confirmed case of Zika was on 3 January 2017, and the CDC has listed the Turks and Caicos Islands as 'Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions'.

Frequently asked questions