NCL- Belize snorkeling

[ggraphix]

I need an opinion on weather to book NCL's Shark Ray Alley and Ambergis Caye 6.5 hour trip for $104 or whether to book Coral Breeze tour's trip for $75 that goes to Shark Ray Alley and Caye Caulker. I don't know what type of boat NCL's trip uses, or what the lunch is like, so I'd like to hear from somebody who has been. I like the idea of not having any small children on the boat, but I also like the idea of spending less money. Are you able to get off of the ship sooner by booking a NCL excursion?

[lawton54]

DW and I did the Shark Ray/Caulker trip last time to Belize and had a very good time. Tender to port was no big deal, actually we had to wait a while for all booked parties to arrive. Comfortable ride, first to Caulker to make lunch reservations, then on to the reef for snorkeling. After looking at the beautiful reef for a while it was back to the boat for a short run to the shark/ray area. We swam while the guides baited and played with the rays and sharks. You could even touch them yourself if you were so inclined. After this it was back to Caulker for a late lunch and time to relax. We rented a golf cart and toured the island, which was a super experience. We had local kids ask us for a ride to the beach and talk to us about island things. We really enjoyed the laid back feeling of the island. The tour got us back to the port in plenty of time to catch a tender back to the ship. I can't speak to what it is like with a ship sponsored tour, but from my experience I wouldn't hesitate to do this private excursion.