What an experience, snorkeling in Belize. Though I've snorkeled in the BVIs and both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Costa Rica, Belize tops my list of favorites. Hol Can Marine Reserve seemed to have a little bit of everything, schools of fish, moray eels, nurse sharks, rays, and an abundance of coral in all different shapes and sizes. The protected area is vast, but the region were pretty much everyone goes to snorkel is small. We were there with at least a dozen other boats which immediately made me a little weary. Once we were in the water through none of that really seemed to matter. We did come across a few other groups, but our guide was skilled at guiding us and I hardly noticed as I swam past humans because of just how much there was to see below.
If you've never snorkeled before, no problem, the guides instructed us in all the details of keeping our masks clear and sealed. We had the option to take life jackets or not and for those who like to dive down they gave a quick refresher on regulating your air. It was easy and fun and even Tim, an experienced diver, said he's never seen such a high concentration of species in one outing.
Our second and last stop was Shark Ray Alley where the nurse sharks immediately surround the boats knowing the a meal is coming. A bucket of chum is dumped off the back of the boat in the water and guests are invited to jump in and swim around with the sharks. The experience was thrilling and a little terrifying but petting a shark is definitely something I'll never forget.
Pro tip: Don't forget your GoPro! I was super envious of the guy who captured an underwater shot of himself holding a 3 foot nurse shark. That is one of a kind!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.