Belize Group Tours

Thoroughly enjoyable trip that encompassed Mayan temples, jungles, wildlife, and culminating with a snorkeling trip on the final day on three individual reefs that provided everything that you never expect to see in such a short 2-week holiday. It is difficult to explain how so much was achieved in such a short time. Each hotel room is basic and has its own character except for the Sea Spray Hotel [which resembled a jail cell in a military guard room], something you must bear in mind if you are expecting a little more luxury. The food was surprisingly good and got better the more adventurous you got when trying out new menus in different locations. Transport was not amazing. Given that there was more that a dozen of us in the group, I was not expecting a luxurious coach. However, the vehicles provided were relatively uncomfortable considering the back seat had all the luggage crammed onto them and then it was a case of sitting in the remaining seats. Even more impressive was the exceptional tour guide assigned to us. Tarique was phenomenal and nothing was too much for this guy. EXPLORE is in this man’s DNA. His enthusiasm and knowledge know no bounds. He went above and beyond what was expected of him given that there was an incident that required medical attention. This was sorted out post-haste with little and no fuss and with no impact to the trip that day. With Tarique as our tour guide, I genuinely feel we were in safe hands. Tarique, Sir, you are a LEGEND. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that is going to remain with me for quite some time and one that I would highly recommend to those adventurous among you. Belize & Guatemala are places you should see for yourself, if not more than once.

On this Explore trip, a friend and I travelled around Belize and popped into Guatemala. My friend had never done an organized tour like this before but had been curious to try one. She loved the way that the group quickly melded into a large family-type gathering of like minded people. I found Belize to be a small but interesting country, with its British roots and Caribbean influences. Most people know it for the scuba or snorkeling, but we ventured inland to hike and swim in a cooling waterfall, and to visit a 'baboon sanctuary' where howler monkeys let their voices be heard. We were able to explore and climb Mayan ruins and learn about the different cultures ... and how the winner was killed at the culmination of pok ta pok games!. Some of our group were avid bird watchers and a dawn boat ride at Crooked Tree was filled with wildlife, including sightings of a manatee and male green iguanas (who are actually orange during mating season). We did have a few days of very heavy rain at San Ignacio, but usually the rain fell while we were in the van moving from one place to another. Guatamala is Spanish speaking, with a more Latin American feel. We enjoyed being in the jungle at Tikal and on the lake at Flores, where the houses have decorative doors just asking to be photographed. We saw a toucan enjoying a breakfast of dates at the hotel, just outside the open air restaurant. Our final day together was spent on Caye Caulker. It was magical to be out on a boat, snorkeling with nurse sharks and watching the captain's "pet" jack fish follow him closely as he pointed out eels, lobster and colorful fish. It was a day that will stay in my memory as a perfect day. Our guide Tarik was informative and well organized. But most of all - Tarik was a lot of fun and could make the dullest drives a pleasure, as he read from his junior school book in the local dialect. Our group had people of varying ages and physical abilities, but Tarik managed to keep everybody in mind as we toured the Mayan sites. He had great recommendations and spent time getting to know each person a bit more over meals and during walks, or evening drinks.

A fantastic trip with a great mix of history, wildlife and beaches. Our tour leader Tarique was fantastic, he was very patient with the group and passionate about his county and the wildlife. Making for an all round fun trip.

I recently returned from the Belize Reef & Ruins trip, and it was an unforgettable experience. The incredible wildlife and the rich local history truly blew me away. Visiting the Mayan temples was a highlight, especially Lamanai, which felt very special. All of the sites being less crowded than expected, you could really immerse yourself and imagine how life might have been centuries ago. I also want to commend our excellent guide, George. His deep knowledge and engaging storytelling brought the history and culture to life for our group, making the entire journey even more meaningful. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and would highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a mix of nature, history, and adventure.

An excellent trip. The tour leader, Tarik, was exceptional. He ensured that everyone in the group bonded well and enjoyed themselves. The itinerary is diverse with plenty of optional activities. Highlights for me were the several Mayan sites, spotting manatees, sunrise at Tikal with the birdsong and howler monkeys, and the wonderful snorkeling from Caye Caulker.

My husband and I have now done several tours with Exodus and there are many reasons why we keep returning to Exodus, not the least of which include: the staff are helpful and available from beginning to end; the group size is small which makes the logistics more manageable; they put together itineraries in various locations that maximize the most interesting places to see and things to do; their trip notes accurately reflect what to expect and how to prepare for your trip; their guides have incredible knowledge about the various areas;  and they listen and respond to reviews. Although some days seemed longer than others, "Belize Reef and Ruins" is one of the most interesting tours I have ever done, and the only tour I have ever done twice (in one year).  There was no shortage of opportunity to further my learning about the history of the Mayan civilization, the flora and fauna of Belize, and the present-day life of the Belizean people.  Wherever we went, we were greeted with "Belizean warmth and kindness".  As I shared with a few of my friends, in spite of the heat, the unrelenting humidity, and the mosquitoes, I wish there were two of me - one to stay in Belize and one to return home.