We had booked our tours with Tanisha Tours a few months before and they were very disappointing. We had booked the cave tubing and zip line for one day and the ruins of lamanai for the other day. It was only 5 of us in our group and they told us the night before the first tour that they can’t do the tour with us because it was only 5 of us in our group and they need to have atleast 8 persons to do the tour. We didn’t know what to do. We went to the receptionist and they recommended us to a company from the mainland (
www.actionboysbelize.com ). We got their phone number and called. A male by the name of Donald Ramirez answered, I explained the situation to Donald and he was very understanding. He told me that we will need to board the first ferry that leaves Ambergris Caye at 7:00am and he will be at the Marine Terminal with a sign that says my name.
When we got off the ferry I spotted Donald holding the sign with my name. Donald introduced himself and told us about the day’s activities. We boarded the van and off we went. As we drove to the zip line site Donald narrated the history of the people and pointed out some interesting sites.
When we arrived at the site there was a very long line because there were three cruise ships in port. Donald told us, as I quote: “ don’t make the line be your problem. I will take care of that.” Donald spoke to one of the guides at the zip line and he then asked us to go to the head of the line. We went to the front of the line and were assisted with our gears. We then hiked about 3 minutes to the first platform. The zipping was the best experience I had on this vacation. We zipped 8 platforms and it was worth the loud shout!
After the zip line we were issued with our tubes, life vests, and head lamps. We then started our hike through the rain forest. As we hiked Donald did presentations on Indian History, Medicinal Plants, and Belize Cave Systems. The cave tubing was very refreshing and relaxing. We didn’t need to paddle as I noticed the other groups. Donald formed a chain and towed us.
The following Day we boarded the first ferry again for the lamanai ruins and river cruise. Donald was there once again waiting. The drive to Orange Walk Town was an hour drive. Donald told us to just relax and enjoy the ride because the river cruise and ruins is a very educational tour. When we arrive at Orange Walk Javier was there with freshly cooked food for lunch, sodas, and bottled water. The cruise was very interesting. As Javier captained the boat he stopped and pointed out birds, howler monkeys, and crocs. When we arrived at lamanai we were asked to use the restroom and gather for lunch. Lunch for the day was rice, bean, and chicken. It was also the best rice I have tasted.
After lunch we started the tour of the site. We hiked in the rain forest from one temple to another. We were allowed time to climb the High Temple. It is a great view from the top.
My family had a great time on both excursions. Thanks to Donald Ramirez of
www.actionboysbelize.com who accommodated us and went out of his way to give us a great time on both tours.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Tanisha Tours were charging us $230.00 per/ person for the cave tubing and zip line tour and $150.00 per/ person for lamanai ruins and river cruise.
www.actionboysbelize.com charged us only $125.00 per/ person for the zip line and cave tubing, and $100.00 per/ person.
At end of the day I think that we were about to get ripped off by Tanisha Tours.
I highly recommend the services of Action Boys Belize. This is top of the line services at very low rates.