JP-Cruise

Any one do the Hol Chan and Shark Ray alley tour with this vendor ?

http://www.seasportsbelize.com/snorkeling.html

I was looking for the Belize port link. Couldn’t find it. Thank you so much 

Anyone ever go with this vendor on a snorkelling excursion while in Belize? If so, please share your experiences 

46 minutes ago, crewsweeper said:

I'll let you know the answers.  But neither don't post here.  so I'll be giving a brief rundown.   Last time we did hold the sharks. 

You got to hold the sharks?! Ok that is exactly what I was wondering and excited for. You just confirmed 100% I have to stick with this vendor. Thank you!

I got to hold a nurse shark on a snorkel excursion at Grand Turk. It was an amazing experience. Wanted the opportunity to do it again 😄

1 hour ago, crewsweeper said:

DW and SIL are doing that one in 3 weeks.

Oh great! If possible I would like them to post a review about it :).

when you went do you remember if the guides allowed people to hold or feel some of the nurse sharks?  Also did they take professional photos for purchase ?

16 minutes ago, crewsweeper said:

If leaving from a Florida port, your port times are 6AM to 3PM Belize.  Belize does not observe daylight savings and is on Central Standard Time (UTC-6) If leaving from a Gulf Coast port, your port times are 7AM-4PM Most likely your ship's last tender is 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before departure time.  So a 10 AM Belize would not be viable except between November and March departures. I think on certain days CB has tours departing at 8AM Belize (10 AM East Coast ship time). 

 

Got it. Thanks. Ya I was reading about all that on the Coral breeze website. I am departing from Miami Florida. So I’ll choose an 8AM start time for the tour? 

On 3/25/2019 at 3:41 PM, crewsweeper said:

Not sure about SeaSport, but we've done Coral breeze in the past and DW is going with them next month.  Last time lots of nurse sharks and some rays, but good time and great lunch on shore at Rosie's, but hearing it's gone now.  Kareems up by the split is a good outdoor venue for seafood, and jerk chicken.

Also Maggies kitchen.

Ok great! Based on all the great reviews on tripadvisor I am definitely leaning towards this vendor. One question about the Belize time and cruise ship time zone. So according to the cruise ship I will be in port from 8am - 5. So does this mean I have to choose a 10am start time for the excursion?

sea sport Belize or coral Breeze? Which vendor is better for snorkelling and going to shark ray alley? I will be in Belize from 8am - 5pm

For sure. But just wondering if it is doable? He hasn’t replied to my email yet and I’m getting anxious haha 

On 6/11/2017 at 3:20 PM, Spraygun said:

So we booked with Caveman.Just use Caveman's website. They will give you all the links for the water taxis.You gain an hour while you are in their timezone.This helps tremendously.

Tell them you want to do the 5-Hour tour. And they will make sure that you get back on time. Even if it's 4 hours and 10 minutes or 4 hours and 30 minutes. They will make sure you see everything in your allotted time.

You are going from the ship by tender.Get onshore,and walk about 7to 8 minutes to the water taxis. Bring your prepaid printed receipt. Then you will sign for it and get on the taxi. Then you got a 45 minute boat ride to key Caulker.The ferry runs at 25mph.You will appreciate the breeze.It is incredibly hot there.

Once you get off the water taxi on Key Caulker. You are going to walk about 5 minutes up to Caveman Snorkeling. Caveman's name is Harrison. For the most part part he handles all the transactions online and plus you'll probably meet him while you're there.He is very polite.So don't hesitate to ask questions.

Whatever you do.Try to schedule with Skipper Ronnie and his first mate Allwin.These are a couple of very knowledgeable,polite and patient folks.We did a private tour.There was just 4 of us.So we avoided all the tourist boats with 30 people on-board. These guys are naturals in the water.Incredible free divers.If you have a Go Pro. Ronnie will take it and get great footage for you.They took us to swim with manatees,sharks,rays,sea turtles and reef fish.I recorded all of our tracks that day,on marine navigation software.We ran over 70 miles from the time we got off the ship and back on.I recommend get plenty of rest the night before.Its going to be a big day.

I have more info,if you have more questions.

 

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Hi Spraygun,

im going to Belize on the carnival Conquest this July and discovered caveman’s website. This is something I really want to do since it seems provide everything I want to do and see snorkelling in Belize. 

I am in port from 8am - 5pm. Can I make the full day tour?

Not strenuous at all! :) It totally depends on your state of mind and attitude, attitude is everything! You will be so filled with emotion by viewing the beautiful “other worldly” scenery that you won’t even be thinking about how the level of difficult of the hike because you will be so full of adrenaline ;). The guides were very good with helping people cross the streams and hike up to the top of the glacier. Everyone stayed together and we all helped each other. My personal favourite was crossing the streams wearing the high rubber boots. It was so epic I felt like I was on a nature expedition;). Crossing the stream wasn’t bad, it wasn’t rough at all. You just take your time and focus on your footing. And you will be totally safe and have the time of your life. I also suggest getting a go pro. When I went I requested a helmet with a go pro mount on it. And they reserved one for me. I recorded the whole entire excursion. Best footage ever!

We were just on the Golden in Glacier Bay in mid-September and did not see any whales or other wildlife. It was still a gorgeous, not-to-be missed experience. The most amazing, and devastating, part of the day was comparing what the glacier looks like now compared to our last visit in 2005 - it's barely half the size it was then, and the 'icebergs' floating in the bay were tiny compared to what we saw then. If you want to see glaciers, go soon!

 

We did see plenty of whales on a tour in Juneau - a beautiful day with a half-full tour boat and lots of close-up encounters.[/quote

 

Excellent advice! Agree with 100%

Just to give you guidance, I was out on deck at 515am and immediately started seeing otters as we neared the entrance. I did not see whales at all in the Bay. Saw many otters, seals and pups. We sailed mid August.

I’m sorry to hear you didn’t see whales at all in the bay. That’s your excuse to go back again ;). I saw a pod of orcas near the entrance. And humpback whale in the bay. You have to keep in mind that this is wildlife, you can’t predict where a whale will be at any given time. It’s just being at the right place place at the right time. You can’t predict what you will see on any wildlife tour. It’s a lot like going to the casino lol. I think this is one of the reasons why people keep going back to Alaska. The landscapes and wildlife keep calling people back :).

Like John Miur the famous naturalist said “the mountains are calling, and I must go” :)

Has anyone done this excursion? It’s called whale shark encounter. Snorkeling with whale sharks

Hi! You have returned from your cruise and I wondered what you could share with us trying to plan our Alaskan cruise?

 

Thoughts on the different Glacier experiences- Glacier NP, Hubbard, Tracy Arm. Having seen them all which are must on itineraries in your opinion?

 

And what are your thoughts on the Golden?

 

Thanks!

Hi there! I would be more than happy to share my experience with you and give you VITAL Pointers for you to get the most out of this experience :)

So in short, having seen GB, Hubbard and Tracy Arm. glacier bay turned out to be the most life changing, spectacular experience and day out of the whole entire cruise. Yes I loved Tracy Arm, going through the fjords, seeing the cascading waterfalls was very beautiful, and I cherished that moment. But in my opinion, that day just doesn’t even compare to Glacier Bay. There is a ton more wildlife in GB, whales, seals, tons of sea birds etc. In Tracy Arm there are no whales. In GB you go by the same beautiful cascading waterfalls, beautiful cliffs, as well as seeing spectacular landscapes that look like heaven! I swear that’s how I felt like. I was in a heavenly paradise, it was almost otherworldly at places. What makes GB also unique is the morning of, the rangers climb aboard the cruise ship which is super cool. In the morning they give a presentation on the route the cruise will go through as well as other amazing info. This takes place in the main theatre. THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED. I was deeply moved by this presentation because the ranger was so passionate about the park( you can feel her enthusiasm, excitement and passion. Another suggestion I highly highly recommend going up on deck in the morning, about 8am to spot whales. I dunno if I just got lucky but I woke up early at 6am (yes i was just way too excited for this day as I was looking forward to it for a long time) has breakfast. Went out on deck at around 8am. And I saw a pod of 12 Orcas!! Right after I spotted them immediately after the captain made an announcement there is a pod of orcas at the front of the ship. And of course if you’re inside on a different level by the time you get up on deck they’re gone. It was truly a mesmerizing sight. This is why I highly recommend spending the time being patient just looking out there

The golden princess. It was the most beautiful ship I’ve been on so far out of all the ships I’ve been on. With regards to Hubbard glacier. Choose an itinerary that offer both glacier bay and Hubbard glacier. I think a lot of itineraries offer both.

Anyone else feel free to add to my comments and suggestions:)

Sorry that the rep gave you bad info, but the tour is definately seasonal. You can look up private companies that offer the excursion. It looks like the season around Cozumel is mid-May to mid-September, so your cruise should be perfect! Make sure your ship gets into cozumel in the morning, as morning tours seem to have a better success rate of finding the whale sharks. I too would be very excited to snorkel with them.

Just so you know though, whale sharks are not the largest marine mammal in the world. A whale shark is indeed a shark, so it is a fish, not a mammal. They are typically 30-40 feet in length. The largest marine mammal is a blue whale which averages 80-100 feet. I hope this doesn't dampen your excitement to snorkel with them! One thought though, have you researched the success rate of finding the whale sharks off cozumel? Is it like humpbacks in Juneau where vendors will guarantee sightings, or are they much harder to find? If they are harder to find, and this is your whole reason for the trip, a land vacation may be better so you could go multiple days in a row if necessary.

 

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Thank you very much for all the information. It is greatly appreciated! I will definitely look more into the multiple day trips that offer swimming with them.

 

Thanks again :)

 

Ya I did a whale watch in Juneau last summer. Didn’t seen many whales that day, maybe like 3. But it is wildlife, you just never know what the whales will be doing and how many you’ll see. It’s like going to the casino haha

I'm pretty sure Princess had it as one of their excursions on our last cruise last week. I would assume it's a seasonal offering since the whales typically head further south in the winter. I have considered snorkeling with the whale sharks but it was 6 hours of transportation time and only less than 2 hours in the water with a chance of finding a whale shark.

Hello, I just booked a cruise which includes Cozumel for next July just so I can do this excursion to say that I have swam with whale sharks (the biggest marine animal on the world) I think that alone is definitely worth the travel time :D

I called princess last week to book this excursion though, and they said that it’s is cancelled because the vendor has renewed their contract. They told me to call them back when they have finalized all their excursions for this cruise, which is on February 27, 2019. If this excursion is still not offered, then I’ll be cancelling my whole cruise. No point in me going if I can’t do this. This is on the top of my bucket list. But I can’t see why they would just cancel it indefinitely. I also asked if it’s a seasonal tour, if it’s only a certain time of the year and the representative said no it isn’t. It’s offered throughout the year

Prior to the actual entry into the bay. The area around the entrance is a prime whale area. So I would say 7 or 8.

Thanks so much! I’ll probably Be up at like 5am because I’ll be so excited! :D

Don’t you get their provided footwear? Using Northstar? Level3?

Right Budget queen level 3. I had forgotten when I booked this trip the operations manager asked for my shoe size lol. I guess they will be providing their heavy duty ice climbing footwear :)

Hi there,

For anyone who has done this excursion, for the ice climbing portion of it I’m just wondering what are the best shoes to have for this. Hiking trail shoes or boots?

Hello.

My Ruth glacier landing with fly Denali inc is fast approaching. I can’t believe it it gives me the shivers just thinking about what I’m about to experience here! Just a couple questions about clothing.

I know we are suppose to wear layers and a light jacket. I’m going July 29. Just wondering if anyone can tell me what the temperature ranges? I am thinking a flannel shirt paired with this Patagonia nano puff jacket

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5047-243/Nano-Puff-Jacket?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp5iB66C12wIVEp7ACh056A8rEAQYASABEgIgPfD_BwE

Will I be too warm with this jacket?

The flight path into Fairbanks generaly takes you over Delta Junction (approximately 100 miles SE of Fairbanks) and then over the Tanana Flats before turning in a more northerly direction into Fairbanks. The approach is most frequently from the south. Denali can periodically been seen just prior to the landing (assuming you are approaching from the south). It would be on the left side of the aircraft and forward.

Excellent, thanks for the info. I’m sitting on the left side of the plane :)

Hello,

I am flying from Minneapolis to Fairbanks on delta airlines this summer. I was just wondering, which side of the plane is the more scenic side and offers more views?

Last summer flying into Alaska for the first time I didn’t really care about where I was sitting on the plane, got stuck with a nice view of the plane wing lol. While other people got better views of the glaciers etc. I kind of regretted that, but you live you learn right ?

We have just taken this tour last week when visiting Haines. They not only allow you to pet animals and take pictures , but encourage you to do so. It was a great tour, a lot of very informative talk, great encounter with animals. I think if in Haines, definitely must do. However, we have been to Skagway as well on previous cruise. I wouldn't skeep Skagway to go on this tour.

Ya I canceled this tour a while ago. I agree. It’s too much travel time, plus more expensive because of the travel time. I’d rather do it while in Haines where it’s closer

Thanks :)

Excellent! We did a connoisseur tour and it was so easy having everything taken care of for us. As noted above, you will get a packet at your hotel with luggage tags and info. Some tags will go on the luggage that is to follow you on your land tour and different tags will go on the luggage that is to meet you on the ship. They have done this so very many times that they have it down pat. They will issue you tickets for your included meals at the lodges. My wife enjoyed ordering the (probably most expensive item on the menu) 3 kinds of crab in the nice restaurant without caring what it cost. Of course you end up paying for your meals due to the extra cost of the connoisseur tour but it's nice not to worry about it. Things in Alaska are expensive anyway. Enjoy your land tour and have a relaxing cruise after. We are looking to do another cruise tour. We'd like to get to Copper River and Kenai lodges next time.

That’s wonderful! Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ll probably be doing the same, ordering the most expensive foods on the menu :). So how do the meal vouchers work? Does it say the amount you can spend up to on the voucher?