Anthony's Key Resort, Sandy Bay

So glad we were able to take this Dive trip. Best reefs, swim-throughs, highest coral heads we have seen (120 dives). The marine life in the Florida Keys was much more abundant, but the reefs at AKR were awesome. Loved the short rides to the dive sites. We stayed on the key with A/C. Would not have it any other way, especially since there is no place to get out of the heat except for the SCUBA classroom. No A/C in the restaurant. The Dive Master (Frank) took his time, so we had ample time for taking photos/videos. The walk (climb) to the restaurant three times a day wasn't too bad. By the end of the week, you get used to it. There were plenty of bugs. We used "skin-so-soft" on our lower legs and deet over all. Worked fine. We were in cabin 32, just about the furthest cabin from the boat dock, so the bug repellent was a necessity. Food was really good. We both had minor stomach problems near the end of the week. I had major problems by the time I arrived home. Glad it waited. We only did the diving - did not leave the resort. The only extra we did was the shark dive, which we were really glad we did. We got to swim with the sharks prior to the feeding instead of just watching a feeding frenzy.

I have traveled to many places in Central America and as far as resorts go this is the place to beat. Food was first class and the cottage over the coral reef in the small island (at sunset) was awesome. Took a private fishing boat out (old 1961 Hatteras) with a Capt. and rode the horses up the beach. I have made 20 trips to all of the countries in Central America and still dream about my next trip (this year 09).

My diver husband and I (snorkeler) loved it. We've traveled extensively, but I believe AK is the best Caribbean vacation we've had. The fact that there's a dedicated snorkel boat is great; snorkelers aren't excess baggage tagging along on dive boats. And the horseback riding!! What a treat to ride on the beach. The horses are well trained, spirited, and also well kept, which is the exception in the Caribbean. The food was tasty and plentiful. The one thing I'd do next time is get an air conditioned room. We were comfortable sleeping in our standard room, but things felt damp-ish.

We just got back from a 1 week snorkling vacation at AKR. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. The food was delicious. And both the snorkling and horseback riding were fantastic! The trip included my 7 year old and I found the resort very family friendly.

Anthony's Key is a truly spectacular place. We visited in February of 2007 and will be going back in 2008. After having traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean (Mexico, Belize, Bermuda, Hispanola, Florida, etc.) I can honestly say I have never seen a more ruggedly beautiful resort. It is not the Intercontinental and you aren't going to have a guy in a cute little uniform deliver your eggs benedict to your room in the morning but if you want a romantic experience next to nature at its full glory, this is it. The bungalow we stayed in was brand new but their were several levels of accomadation. There are no phones or televisions in the rooms which sounds sort of funky but results in you really relaxing. The hammocks were a nice touch. Great outdoor activities included horseback riding, kayaking, volleyball, swimming pool, and BBQ'S on the private island. My wife and I went alone but I will bring my kids next time. If only to interact with the dolphins. They have several levels of interaction from a private swim to group dives off their private reef. I have never seen anything like it anywhere in the world. The dolphins are obviously trained but not in a cheesy Sea World type of way. Really cool. The service was extraordinary, food was on par with most resorts and very fresh. Diving is amazing, the dolphins are almost indescribable, the views are one of a kind and at a cost that is pretty attainable for most people.

Although it's a bit on the expensive side compared to other resorts on the island, it is hands down the best resort on the island. It's a prime example of " you get what you pay for". The staff across the board is fantastic; and the dive shop staff specifically is highly knowledgable. They go to great legnths to make sure you are safe, enjoy your dives, and ensure mimimal impact on the reefs.

This has to be one of the most wonderful, romantic SCUBA destinations in the known universe. The staff are great and the atmosphere is about the best that the Carribbean has to offer. This is also one of the few SCUBA vacation destinations that has lots for the kids to do so you can go off and explore the reefs with your S.O. And don't forget to visit the Mayan ruins at Copan while visiting Honduras. If I could make any suggestions for improvements I would tell them to add some all-American junk food options to the dinner menu. There are times I would have killed for a burger, a burrito or a Pizza! I would have gladly paid extra! I have now been to AKR three times and am looking forward to my fourth visit. -Christopher Erickson

I took my l8 year old daughter last summer (2005) for her h.s. graduation gift (and gift to me). It was incredible. We took a week long course called Dolphin 101 with Terri Bolton at the Marine Center at Anthony's Key and it was a fantastic experience in every way. Terri is devoted to the dolphins and this isn't just one of those swim with the dolphin courses. We did everything with the trainers and had lessons (there were only 4 of us, two young twentyish girls who were studying marine biology, my daughter, and me. We stayed two weeks, which I recommend and the second week focused more on diving and snorkeling--both amazing with great divemasters. My daughter got her advanced open water training and some Emergency medical training and I got retrained in regular scuba...as I had done it many years before but had been a little scared to do it again....the guy who trained me was great and helped me to really love scuba again. I also had amazing snorkeling adventures, often the only person or one of two or three to go out snorkeling (on a boat) as most people dive there. The food was good, the special parties great, staff were open and friendly and I loved walking into the nearby town and taking a tour myself of the island one day. I would love to go back. I recommend getting a cabin with air conditioning (we went in summer and the weather was beautiful) as people complained of mosquitos in non-air conditioned cabins (I never saw a mosquito or any bug). We also had a gorgeous cabin facing the ocean and I'd ask of the ones on the ocean end of the small island you live on. An experience of a lifetime.

Had just a fantastic time. Diving was great. The service we received from our divemaster, boat captain, and resort staff was outstanding. Accomodations are simple, but clean and adequate. This is a great dive getaway for those who want the value of an all inclusive resort, but prefer a small island non-commercialized atmosphere. We will definetely be back some time in the future!

i like every single inche and tree and life around this place that its sometimes to good to be true. trust me u will love it here, even more if ou dive.