1

I've pasted my favorite Belize links below - haven't been tempted to head to CR so can't help you there. Happy planning!
______________________________________

My photo collections with blog, travelogue, and review links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

My travel blog starting in 2012 (earlier ones linked with the photo collections):
http://hopefulistinlatinamerica.blogspot.com/

My descriptions and reviews on Trip Advisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/hopefulist

Guidebooks I like: Moon Handbook, Fodor’s Guide, and Explorer’s Guide.

Laminated wildlife identification cards: http://rainforestpublications.com/belizeFieldGuides/index.html

A very cool checklist book for Belize for the young or young-at-heart: http://www.amazon.com/Play-Belize-Mesa-Somer/dp/0615198546/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330549187&sr=8-2

• - -

Budget to midrange lodging site: http://www.belizeexplorer.com
Great island and lodging downloads: http://www.belizefirst.com
Informative transportation blog: http://www.belizebus.wordpress.com

• - -

Shuttle recommendation: http://www.parrot-nest.com/belize-shuttle.html
Zoo: http://www.belizezoo.org
Great jungle camp in Cayo: http://www.belizecamp.com
Great budget lodging in Cayo: http://www.thetrekstop.com
Great value hotel with pool in Cayo: http://www.aguadahotel.com
Don't miss cave trip: http://pacztours.net/actun-tunichil-muknal/
Another, less-visited amazing cave option in Cayo: http://www.actunchapatadventure.blogspot.com/
Lodge with lots of adventures: http://www.cavesbranch.com

• - -

Roxy Ortiz - fabulous, fun tour guide: http://www.tikalroxy.blogspot.com
My favorite hotel at Tikal: http://www.tikalinnsunrise.com
Good choice in El Remate, Guatemala: http://www.30minutesfromtikal.com/
Favorite midrange places in Flores: http://www.corpetur.com
Good value budget option in Flores: La Mesa de los Mayas, mesamayas@hotmail.com

• - -

Great inn in coastal Garifuna town: http://www.hopkinsinn.com
Garifuna drumming center: http://www.lebeha.com

• - -

Apartment on the beach on Caye Caulker: http://www.staycayecaulker.com/sailwinds.html
Another Caye Caulker option: http://www.gocayecaulker.com/accommodations/maxhapan-cabanas
Great day snorkeling trip: http://raggamuffintours.com/hol-chan-snorkel/

• - -

Very rustic atoll experience, cheap if you have a week: http://www.glovers.com.bz/

• - -

A few more for good measure (2012 trip):

Great jungly place near Punta Gorda: http://www.hickatee.com
Off the beaten track diving and snorkeling, Sapodilla Cayes: http://www.reefci.com
(haven’t stayed there yet thanks to Hurricane Ernesto in August 2012)
Rental apartments in the heart of Placencia: http://www.oneworldplacencia.com
Secluded resort on N. Ambergris Caye with snorkeling from shore: http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com

2

If the choice is only between those two countries, I'd choose Belize for the snorkelling. Ambergris Caye is probably the number one tourist destination, but I prefer Caye Caulker -- quieter, fewer people. You might also consider one of the southern cayes for fewer tourists.

If I can suggest another destination, consider Roatan, Honduras.

3

Not much snorkelling in CR..and Jan is High season...good luck with that...

4

I second the recommendation of Caye Caulker for snorkeling - but you might also want to look into the Corn Islands in Nicaragua. Great snorkeling, even more laid-back than Caulker.

5

I fly in and out of San Jose (need to be in Costa for first ten days of jan but free after for three weeks). Looking for nearby get aways with outstanding beaches and sort of that "hidden gem" feel. All suggestions welcome :). Just have to be back in San Jose again by jan 28...