Island Safari reviews?

[Kallen]

We have a large group of approximately 20 adults who are interested in booking two vehicles for the tailor-made tour of the island. Has anyone else done this and, if so, how was it?

[coplanddogs]

BEWARE!!!!!!!! Me and my family were excited to go on this tour. After booking sent many e-mails with questions that got no reply so had to call from the US and it cost $15 dollars to speak with them due to them not replying to e-mails. Paid 25% deposit by credit card and was told to pay IN CASH after tour. They also charged my credit card for the TOTAL amount and refused to credit the card the stolen amount. I guess the tour guide pocketed our money. VERY DISHONEST PEOPLE OPERATE THIS TOUR.

The tour was also not very good. The driver wanted to do what was on his mind instead of what we paid (apparently double) for. I would NEVER use them again and caution you if you choose to book them.

[bandtaxi]

We have used Island Safari in the past and have been very happy! I can't believe we are talking about the same company the previous poster used. We did a ship sponsored tour several years ago and just last year did a private island tour. They took us to spots we really enjoyed the first time - Bathsheba beach - and other places they thought we would like. It was terrific.

[Kallen]

Okay, I'm prepared in case they try anything funny with the credit card. We have a four hour tailor made tour planned with 2 jeeps, so we shall see!

[MisterBill99]

BEWARE!!!!!!!! Me and my family were excited to go on this tour. After booking sent many e-mails with questions that got no reply so had to call from the US and it cost $15 dollars to speak with them due to them not replying to e-mails. Paid 25% deposit by credit card and was told to pay IN CASH after tour. They also charged my credit card for the TOTAL amount and refused to credit the card the stolen amount. I guess the tour guide pocketed our money. VERY DISHONEST PEOPLE OPERATE THIS TOUR.

What did your credit card issuer say when you disputed the charge???

[coplanddogs]

That we were SOL due to not having a recepit for paying in cash. We are experenced travelers and never had had problems before this... I did not think to ask for ones due to having the e mail that we were paying in cash...

[Kallen]

Had a bit of a problem when we showed up at the pickup point. Seems there was a screwup at the office and they had no jeeps for our group of 16. The guy in charge contacted the office and agreed that it was indeed their error and was most apologetic. He arranged for a friend of his named Ricardo to come in on his day off with his tour bus from Johnson Tours and give us a 4 hour tour of the island at no charge. We had a blast! We had several spots we wanted to visit and Ricardo had some suggestions as well. Totally unplanned, it worked out very well. He took us to a beach for a few minutes, to a local potter who still uses a foot wheel and arranged for us to tour the cane fields and get sugar cane chunks to chew on, etc. He arranged for us to have a stop at a rum shop for a bathroom/refreshment break with spectacular views of the island. Checked the credit card statement today and there is indeed the deposit charge on there so will have to make sure that it is refunded ASAP. It seemed that everyone who booked the ships tours had a great time and it was worth the money.

[rohan]

I haven't done an Island safari review yet, but it's coming soon. I'll be going in the next few weeks. I did a full review on Adventureland though.

Here:

 

http://www.barbados-travel-secrets.com/Barbados-shore-excursions.html

 

Let me know if it was helpful.