Zip Line and Cave Tubing in Belize Port

[supmargo]

We were on the Carnival Cruise to the Western Caribbean. When we got to the Belize Port we were still undecided about what to do. It was 7 of us.This includes my 84 year old dad. When we got to the terminal my dad spoke to some of the taxi tour guides and he found the CAVE TUBING AND ZIP LINE TOUR INTERESTING. So we decided that we will book the tour with the taxi tour guide. His name was Sonny. He mentioned that he cannot do the tour with us because dad was too old for such adventure. We were very disappointed. We went from one tour guide to another and they all refused to do the tour because dad is too old. We were then thinking of going back to the ship. A security officer approached and asked what was the problem? I didn't know if I should give him an attitude or to just walk off. I faked a smile and told him it was O'K. He said," are you sure? He was very kind and I was being rude. I told him of the situation with dad. He told us that he will try to help. He mentioned a tour guide by the name of Donald ( of Action Boys Belize ). He said that Donald might have left on a tour, but he will call his cell phone. He called the number and gave me the phone to talk to Donald. Donald made it clear that he never intended to work that day. I explained the situation and pleaded to him. He told me that he will get to the terminal in a few minutes and we must be ready. He gave us instructions on where to meet him on the out side.

When Donald arrived he introduced himself. He was neatly dressed, and spoke perfect English. He asked for a moment alone with dad. I have no idea what they were speaking of, but dad was laughing. He turned around and said " it is time to get moving." We went to the van, it was clean, smelled good, and was air conditioned as well. The drive was about an hour. When we got the place to do the zip line the line was very long. Donald said, ' don't make the line be your problem, I will take care of that-please just follow me." As we were walking pass the very long line every one was watching my dad. He was the attraction of the day. Donald walked to one of the tour guides and spoke to him. So we were assisted with our gears and hiked to the first platform. It was the best experience on the entire cruise. We then headed to the jungle resort to have lunch. I was surprised that all who booked the zip line and the cave tubing through the cruise line were having lunch under a roughly built shed, and we who booked with a private operator were in the comfortable restaurant. The waitresses were very nice and the lunch was rice and beans. Well put together.

Well, after lunch we headed to the cave. As we hiked through the rain forest Donald did presentations on medicinal plants, Maya history, and the significance of the cave to the Mayas. The caves were very dark, but Donald issued us with head lamps. There were several large groups in the cave, and Donald had us together while the larger groups looked disorganized. Donald kept a very close eye on dad. He is old, but has a big heart. My dad survived the adventure. Thanks to Donald. There is no way I can thank you enough for giving my dad a great tour of the zip line and the caves.

W Highly Recommend Donald for his GREAT services.
His Email: zipbelize@yahoo.com

 

[Mbandy]

Ahoy supmargo and =welcome to Cruise @ddicts

Thanks for the great review. Glad you enjoyed your trip :thumb

 

[topcruisers]

My husband and I just got back from our cruise on the Carnival Glory. We wanted to do both the zip line and the cave tubing in Belize. I couldn't find an excursion that offered both with Carnival so after reading/researching the posts on this discussion board, I booked an excursion with actionboysbelize.com (You can Google them.) I asked the Glory's excursion desk about getting off the ship as early as possible. Carnival wants to get their excursions off first before they open the tenders (20 minute boat ride to the port) to people without excursions. They told us to go to a location on the ship to wait in the morning and they got us off on one of the first few tenders.
We asked where to find gate #1 where Donald Ramirez told us to meet him. We found Melanie and Donald outside with a sign with our name. We were partnered with another couple so there were only 4 of us which provided us individualized attention. (My husband and I like smaller groups so we are not herded like sheep on an excursion.) Melanie provided great historical and cultural information on the 45 minute van ride to the zip line. Melanie was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor so the time passed quickly. We arrived at the zip line before any other groups which was great! I was a bit concerned about doing the zip line since I have a slight fear of heights. However, the 2 guys that were assigned to the 4 of us were helpful and kind. They reassured us, put on our gear, and told us exactly what to do. (The hardest part was the hike up to the first platform but we were told to take our time.) Make sure to put on bug spray before you arrive since the mosquitoes are hungry! Our bug spray worked great but we would have been miserable if we hadn't put it on. Anyway, the zip line was so much fun and we are so glad we did it! They do take photos of you that you can buy at the end of the zip line tour if you want.
Melanie met us at the bottom and took us to bathrooms where we could change clothes for the cave tubing. We left our other change of clothes and valuables in the van and felt very safe since someone stayed with the van. Melanie walked us through the rain forest (about a 30 minute easy, flat hike in the shade) pointing out interesting plants. We got in our tubes and linked together by our feet. The water is refreshingly cool and clear! Melanie did a great job of leading us through the caves and around the other large groups. I appreciated being in a small group of 4 since she could keep up with us and tell us where to go. The cave tubing was a relaxing, wonderful experience.
Afterwards, we changed into dry clothes and got into the van for the ride back. We had the opportunity to ask more questions about the country and culture. Donald and Melanie took us to a local air conditioned restaurant where we had chicken, rice and beans. The restaurant was clean and the food tasted so good after an active day in the rain forest! I appreciated the excellent service from Donald and Melanie. The zip line and cave tubing was an experience we will never forget and I'd highly recommend it.

 

[haffB]

My family will be on the Western Caribbean cruise in March 2009. There are 11 of us together. This includes my brother, his family, and two sister- inlaw. I just booked the zip line and the Belize zoo with this company. Our 7 and 9 year old kids are allowed to participate in the zip line tour. Carnival doesn't allow kids with such age to do the zip line tour. We are excited and can't wait!

Belize, here we come!!

 

[FloridaD]

Hi, Topcruisers. Nice to hear that you had a great time on your excursion. I am a part of a group of a retired police officers from Miami, Florida. I was made to understand that the owner of Action Boys Belize is a former drug enforcement officer. It will nice to meet former police officers from other countries. We are excited about that. I have just one question. At any point did you worry about missing your tender back to the boat? We really want to use their services, but just need to be on the safe side.

I am asking this question because Carnival's cave tubing tour last 6 to 7 hours and these guys are doing a double adventure in 5.5 hours.

Thank you in advance.