Cave Tubing/Action Belize

[SD-OHIO]

We arrived in Belize on the NCL Dream - on February 1, 2006 - and tendered in to shore about 7:45 AM. We were greeted by a representative from Action Belize near "Terminal # 1" and then we were escorted outside the gates where we were picked up by the most wonderful guide we have ever used - a local character who like to be called "Vitamin." Well - Vitamin grew up in Belize - in fact - he lived less than a mile from the cave tubing enterance and used to play in the cave system as a child. After paying for our party of six - we were off - first stop was an in-town gas station where we fueled up and Vitamin purchased six bottles of water. We then headed for the caves - which took about an hour by van; however, Vitamin passed the time by pointing out landmarks and telling us the history of his country. He made sure that he pointed out all the places of interest and told us about each landmark. Vitamin was able to pass a few other vans also headed to the caves - so that our group would be ahead of the massive hoards of people that partake of the cave tubing. We reached the parking lot, parked the van, changed into bathing suits, grabbed some tubes, headlights, and life vests and we were off. As the other posters have indicated there is a small - but fast moving river that has to crossed in order to gain access to the trail that parallels the cave system. The river was running high and fast but fording the river on the raft utilizing the overhead hand rope was not at all difficult and we all made it without any problems (we're all around fifty years old). Once on the trail Vitamin stopped and pointed out each tree - and bush that had medicinal value - and explained the use for each. He stopped and pointed out other landmarks as well as convoys of leaf-cutter ants, tucan birds, and fruit trees. While other groups seemed to make a b-line for the cave enterance - we took our time and enjoyed learning about the local fauna and flora. We arrived at the "farther end" of the cave system in about an hour of easy and very pleasurable walking - and - we actually entered the cave system much farther upstream because Vitamin wanted us to experience more of the cave system - and have several caves to ourselves. We entered the river near a quiet eddy and all hooked legs to form a chain of six tubers - and then we were off. Vitamin floated around - sometimes in front and sometimes in back - using his flashlight to identify landmarks in the caves. He knew every obsticle in the water - every current - and every place where we needed to head his command of "butts up!" His was really amazing! We had a great time - avoided the crowds - learned more than every other group about the local fauna, flora, and legends. After exiting the river - we dried off and changed - and then Vitamin took us to a local restaurant named "Cheers" where we had an amazing lunch! And is if - Vitamin had not done enough - one of the members of our small group wanted to go to a fabric store in Belize City - so of course - Vitamin took us there - and waited while we shopped. I have been all over the world - and have employed many many local guides - but this guy is the BEST I have ever seen - he answered every question - and when he didn't know the answer (which was not very often) - he told us he didn't know. He was funny, informative, helpful and he made us feel very safe. We felt like he was value-added to a wonderful trip - because we got to hear about his childhood, his family, and the country he loved ----> THIS GUY IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL!