barb272

I know the other group with the biologist found a bunch of turtles, but not sure how many. I don't know what the other 2 groups found, but they came back happy, and when everyone lined up to release the turtles, everyone seemed very happy.

My son and I did this via Royal Caribbean last week.

There were 49 people on the bus (with a/c). We met at 8:15 and left at approx 8:35. We were handed cold water when we got on the bus. We drove approx 25-30 min to a "look out" area. This had a bathroom and was very pretty. Sadly, we spent approx 40 min there to shop (I don't know if anyone bought anything, but almost everyone went back to the bus within 20 min); it was a long time.

We were given more cold water and drove approx 15 minutes further to where the nests were. We were split into 4 groups: 2 groups went with the tour guide and 2 groups went with the biologist. We went with the biologist and got some good information. We had lovely, cooperative people in our group. Our group found 4 turtles and many hatched eggs. The biologist kept track of all of them. The entire group came back together to release the turtles together. It seemed that everyone who wanted a turtle had one, certainly all families did.

Then the guide took some group photos on the beach with people's cameras (which I thought was a bit odd, but ok). We bought turtle t-shirts for $15 each (Hoping part of this actually did go to the biologists' efforts). We were offered more cold water.

From there we traveled another 15-20 min to see a Mayan ceremony. It was interesting but somewhat odd. We did some tasting of chocolate and honey and saw some crafts. My son really liked this. Then there was taquilla tasting and more shopping.

We really liked the turtle part and my son really liked the Mayan portion. We both thought there was too much time spent shopping (especially since people were on the bus and ready to go on). On the way back to port, the guide talked about tipping him and the driver multiple times, which was a bit off-putting.

I did not see anyone in the water during the excursion. Everyone was much more interested in digging and the turtles.

Did you go to Daniel's on your own or part of a private tour? If a tour, wondering which company? (We'd like to go in August, as well as a few other places, but not sure which companies go there). Thanks!

I know there is quite a bit of talk about Rony and Victor Bodden. Has anyone used Channin Bodden for a private tour? How is it? Safe? Easy to work with? etc

Thinking of booking this. Is it 30 min or an hour? Is it crowded (like you can't move)?

It looks like it may be Mayan Edan?

Just curious, do teens who are Gold C&A have deals on their Seapass, too? If so, does anyone know what the deals are?

Very interested if someone has done this, where it is, how much touring involved, and how it is as an excursion.... looking forward to hearing!

I found something called Black River Plantation approx 10-15 min from port with a similar description. Not sure if this is it. Would love to hear how it is and how much of a tour of the island is included! Please share!!

RC offers an excursion called Xocolati - The Chocolate Experience. I posted on the port thread but didn't hear anything. Has anyone done this or know how it is? Would hope it does include a bit of touring, but unsure.

The description reads: Make chocolate the way the Mayans did centuries ago. Your adventure begins with a guided island tour and sightseeing highlights on your drive to a cacao plantation. There, you’ll have a chance to learn how cacao trees are planted and cared for as well as how cacao pods are harvested. Get a close look at the complete lifecycle of this amazing tree. See how cacao seeds are fermented and dried by natural sunlight. Then roast, grind and make your own exquisite chocolate bars to take home.

While waiting for your chocolate bars to set, join your guide for a tour through the botanical gardens, where you will see the famous Honduran mahogany, plus coffee trees, orchids, a variety of herbs and spices, tropical plants and fruit trees. After, enjoy a tropical fruit tasting in the garden in a palapa, a thatched shelter made from palm tree leaves. Plus savor a delicious traditional lunch featuring chicken, rice beans and fried plantains.

The RC description is: Make chocolate the way the Mayans did centuries ago. Your adventure begins with a guided island tour and sightseeing highlights on your drive to a cacao plantation. There, you’ll have a chance to learn how cacao trees are planted and cared for as well as how cacao pods are harvested. Get a close look at the complete lifecycle of this amazing tree. See how cacao seeds are fermented and dried by natural sunlight. Then roast, grind and make your own exquisite chocolate bars to take home.

While waiting for your chocolate bars to set, join your guide for a tour through the botanical gardens, where you will see the famous Honduran mahogany, plus coffee trees, orchids, a variety of herbs and spices, tropical plants and fruit trees. After, enjoy a tropical fruit tasting in the garden in a palapa, a thatched shelter made from palm tree leaves. Plus savor a delicious traditional lunch featuring chicken, rice beans and fried plantains.

???

Cruising this summer on Royal Caribbean. I haven't been able to find any reviews about this excursion. Does anyone have any info, pros/cons?