An interesting fact. Spanish isn’t spoken very often in Belize. You’re more likely to hear English…. the official language of Belize, or Creole, Garifuna, and Mayan. You can find Spanish speakers, but I didn’t hear it alot till I got to Guatemala.

That said, I loved Belize. It sounds like you might be a good match for Placencia. We stayed at the Maya Beach Hotel, which warns on its website that they are not a luxury spot, but read my entry, and you will see why it is a fantastic place. Also the monkey river is there for birdwatching and kayaking. And the caribbean sea. There was even a boat trip (we went scuba diving), where you have lunch on a island that is also a bird reserve. Check out this link as well.

Good luck in planning your trip. I know Costa Rica is wonderful, but Belize will always be special to me. One of my favorite trips. Avoid Belize City altogether, and if you have any questions let me know. I stayed on Ambergris Caye, in Placencia, and San Ignacio. I also went to Jaguar Paw, and many places in between. We used a car to get around as well. I took the picture while in a boat on the monkey river.

I “third” that about belize city!

Ive also been to both and would vote for Costa Rica. Belize was amazing, but I would go back to Costa in a heart beat!

Oh and in Belize I went with a college group and stayed in the rainforst for a week, then at an island. Both were beautiful, but because of that I cant recommend a place to stay.

In Costa Rica, we came in San Jose and went all the way to Mal Pais. We stayed at the surf camp there which was A-mazing!!! Great food, great people, nice housing….but the trip takes a while (from PA to Mal Pais it took about 18 hours – Plane, driving, ferry)

I’ve been to both, lived in Costa Rica, visited Belize for a couple weeks. I would choose Costa Rica if you are wanting to see a lot. If you don’t want to do a ton of traveling, Belize. It’s beautiful, small, gorgeous beeches but definitely a lot smaller. In Costa Rica you will have a lot more options but then maybe two many options for only a two week stay? I love both so I’m sure that you will find them both lovely. Although, and maybe depending on when you go, Belize was extremely hot! Costa Rica has MUCH milder weather, pretty much year around. They have their hot areas though so you need to check into what the weather is like in the area you are going, well hope that helps! Have a blast!

Have you considered Bermuda? You could kayak and snorkel there. I am not sure about the bird watching. It might be easier to get around there if you have 2 grandparents and 4 kids with you.

Where do the grandparents want to go?