Eli's Eco Tour

[erniesband]

We took Eli's EcoTour about 2 weeks ago, and had a great time. It's not the first time we've done it, and there one or two differences from our previous trips. Crew this time included Captain JD, who was terrific, reminded us a lot of Eli himself, Lewis, and Tony. The three of them take great care of you all day, and the three of them help make the day truly enjoyable.

 

In the morning, after passing by several off-shore islands, and getting plenty of info from Captain JD, we spent some time cruising slowly through the mangroves, where we saw some of the little critters who make the mangroves their home.

 

The snorkeling has actually improved from the last time we did the EcoTour (probably 3 years ago - last year we did the Xtreme Circumnav, and enjoyed that as well). The reef is in better shape than it was last time, and we saw a greater variety of fish and sea life. It helped that the day was picture perfect for snorkeling - sunny, the water was warm and calm.

 

The walk on Bird Island was interesting - we've been looking for Antiguan Racers, a small harmless snake that lives only on Bird Island, every time we've done this (and this was the 4th time). This time, someone in our group actually saw a couple, but we, unfortunately, missed them again. Maybe next year! One side of Bird Island faces the Caribbean and Antigua, the other side faces the Atlantic. People have been known to spot migrating whales from Bird island. We've never been that lucky, either, since we're there too early in January, usually. Although other tours take you to Bird Island, there was only one catamaran there at the same time we were. Eli's tours never take you to crowded locations, or snorkeling or climbing where there are tons of other people. They had their picnic lunch on one of the beaches there - ours was served comfortably onboard Arawak Oddysey, the Adventure Antigua boat used for the Eco Tour. Yummy barbecued chicken, pasta and green salads, fried plantains, and banana bread for dessert. Drinks during the day included pop, water, tamarind and passion fruit juices. The tamarind juice tastes a lot like iced tea. Very good. Oh, and before I forget, Eli's special rum punch is served in the afternoon.

 

The Hell's Gate portion of the tour is where there were a couple of additional options - you could climb, snorkel, or just relax in the "jacuzzi" pool at Hell's Gate. Hell's Gate is a limestone formation, including caves, tidal pools, and a natural bridge, off shore of Antigua, in the North Sound area. Or, you could spend the whole day relaxing on the boat. There were several people on board who chose to do just that, and enjoyed the day every bit as much as the rest of us.

 

Had a great day, and we'll be back next year!

 

Jodi

[wrp96]

Thanks for the great review. I'll be doing Eli's tour in 2 weeks!:D

[RoofingPrincess]

Me too! I can't wait!

[EMTgoneNUTZ]

Me three!! I can't wait either!!!:) (Hey, haven't I seen you ladies somewhere before?):D :p

This was a very nice review! Thanks so much!

[erniesband]

Have a great time, guys, and please tell Tony, JD and Lewis (esp Tony :D) that Jodi and Ernie say hi, wish we were there!

 

Jodi

[marie&rick]

Thanks for the review. We will be doing this tour on Valentine's day. Can't wait!!

[wrp96]

Thanks for the review. We will be doing this tour on Valentine's day. Can't wait!!

 

 

Marie and Rick, I just want to warn you that you will be onboard Eli's with a large group of us from the Jewel of the Seas!! We're a pretty fun loving, go with the flow kind of group. You might come over and talk to us on our Roll Call since we will be face to face in 2 weeks!

[marie&rick]

Hi wrp96, nice to know we are going to be in the company of a great group of people. We are fun loving too and are looking forward to meeting all of you soon.

[Ashala]

Hello all-

 

I've been on Eli's Eco Tour twice, but it was quite a few years ago before he was "famous." [My father was actually the one who helped him name the Adventure Antigua boat.]

 

In any case, we are doing one of Eli's tours on our 3/3/07 cruise on Serenade of the Seas, but we are having difficulty determining which one to take.

 

Does one have certain aspects that make it more enjoyable? Or are they both wonderful for different reasons?

 

Does anyone know which tour Eli runs?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ashley

[PinaColadaMama]

Hi all-

 

Just wondering how long in took to hear from Adventure Antigua from when you sent in the reservation request? It has only been a few days, but from seeing how popular his excursion is, I don't want to miss out!

 

Thanks!

[erniesband]

Ashala, did your dad help name Isis, the original Eco Tour boat, or Arawak Odyssey, the newer one? We've been doing Eli's tours since "before he was famous," too. In fact, we're one of his original cruise visitors, and wrote the first CC review of him about 5 years ago. We've done the Eco Tour 4 times now, and Xtreme once. We actually plan our trips around getting back to Antigua to see Eli and his gang.

 

Anyhow, you asked if there was something that made one tour more enjoyable than the other. I don't think so, they're quite different from each other and it depends on what kind of experience you want. The reef snorkeling on the Eco Tour was very good this year - the reef looks like it's recovering somewhat from what we've seen in the past. I think there's actually more physical activity on the Eco Tour, what with the snorkeling, climbing Hell's Gate, and the walk on Bird Island. Because you're staying in a more limited area, you have the opportunity for a little more "off the boat" activity. You don't go as fast, don't go out into the Atlantic so there's usually a smoother boat ride. On Xtreme, part of the attraction is you're in a go fast boat - it's a blast. And the swells in the Atlantic, plus the high speed runs, give you a very different boating experience. You get to swim with the sting rays. The focus isn't on the eco system, so while Eli gives you good stories and interesting info during the day, it's more about what you're seeing as you circumnavigate the island, it's not the eco tour. You get to see English Harbor, which is very interesting, and and the snorkeling is at the Pillars of Hercules, outside of English Harbor.

 

Jodi

[erniesband]

Lielkarl, it can be a couple of days, but make sure to check your spam folder, and make sure the response doesn't end up in there - that sometimes happens.

 

Jodi

[Ashala]

Thanks erniesband for all the input and information.

 

He helped name the Arawak Odyssey. In any case, I am very excited to go and counting down the days!

[erniesband]

Ashala - I forgot, you asked which tour Eli captained. He's usually on the Xtreme. I like the name Arawak Odyssey, and it's a great boat! We were in Isis twice, before he got the new one. And now we've been on Arawak Odyssey twice. Quite a different experience. Have you read his blog entries about bringing both that one and Xtreme back to Antigua? They read like an adventure serial!

 

Jodi