Please compare these two cave tubing excursions

[dividedsky319]

Will be booked through RCL:

 

Depart from the seashore of Belize City on your motor coach and head west, where the landscape becomes mountainous and tiny villages dot the roadside. Following a 1hr. and 30 min. scenic drive, you arrive at Roaring River Adventure Tours, where your Safari, Jungle and Mayan adventure awaits. After a brief orientation, board an exciting safari ride and travel down a rainforest trail on your way to the Roaring River, whose head waters are the acclaimed 1000ft. falls.

 

Lie back on your tube and let the gentle current take you down the river. Imagine being encompassed by gigantic trees and vibrant foliage, including numerous species of orchids that thrive on the waters edge. Stop for a refreshing dip in one of the rivers crystal clear swimming holes. Emerge in the midst of an ancient Mayan tomb site, Hubelna, perched on a hill over-looking the river. Top off this amazing journey with a delicious tropical feast served in the heart of the jungle. ($78)

 

OR

 

Board an air-conditioned motor coach for a one-hour drive surrounded by beautiful lush tropical forests. At the Caves of the Branch River, which winds through the Mayan Mountains, you will hike with your tube for about 45 minutes down a jungle trail. Your guide will point out plants, roots and herbs used by the ancient Mayan for medicinal purposes. When you reach the area where the river meanders through an underground cave system, the guide will provide you a headlight. Hop in and let the slow current take you along past incredible stalactites and stalagmites. On several occasions you will emerge into the sunlight, then re-enter the underground river system. After over an hour of tubing, you'll be ready to enjoy a picnic lunch of freshly prepared chicken or beef, rice, beans and fresh juice. There will be time after to swim, explore or just relax. ($98)

 

 

Anyone have any experience with either of these? Is the more expensive one worth the extra 40 bucks (for 2)? Thanks!

[supernanny]

I may be wrong but I believe the first one is just tubing on the river and not through the caves. We are also looking at the cave tubing in Feb. When will you be there?

[dividedsky319]

Oh right, you're right, the first one isn't cave tubing, just "Jungle River Tubing & Mayan Tombs"

 

Decisions decisions...

[fireboat]

Are you committed to going through the cruise line?

 

If you read this board long enough, you'll realize that there are some really good independent tours out there.

 

As a comparison, for $125 pp we get cave tubing AND the zip line. For $98, both of you could almost go with an independent.

 

There was a Sticky thread that has a lot of good information and details. I don't see it now.

[dividedsky319]

I worry about going through the independent tours... I'm a pretty anxious person so I'd constantly be looking at my watch to make sure we have enough time to make it back to the ship in time. So I think we'd like to stick to the tours through the cruise line.

[dividedsky319]

After reading a bit more, it sounds like the independent places like through major tom are quite safe... I think we may go through him instead, save some money and it sounds like it might be a better experience anyway.

 

Thanks!