10 independent reviews for Marine conservation in Belize
Reviews for Marine conservation in Belize
Andrea Taylor review 14 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The remarkable part of this trip was the fact that there is a non-profit that is set up to systematically eliminate the Lionfish in the ocean around Belize.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is a no-frills vacation, in terms of beds, showers, food and comfort. Be prepared to remember all your dive instructions and go diving for lionfish everyday, three times a day. Bring books and games for the in-between times.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This is not going to be a positive review, so before I go into detail about why, I will say that the project provider is better than nothing when it comes to killing the lionfish, and for that I am grateful and would recommend the effort to do this program. It is nice that at least some effort is being made to benefit the reefs. However, in the world of 2023, intersectionality of environmental justice and practices are transforming the way we do business, and the project provider needs to step up it's game. I feel like the staff is way underpaid, so the local people are not really benefitted by the project's effort. It is just another low-paying job that has not manifested a more powerful vision of the future of the organization for them. This is a missed opportunity, as the crew could be much more of a voice for change on the mainland community. There is a very low bar this non-profit is under, where the accomodations, guests, and employees are operating at the lowest level of poverty. This doesn't mean the operation is low-impact. It means it does not have the capacity to bring in and pay for talent to create a stronger program. The organisation's vision is good enough, and again, could be SOOOO much more powerful and effective, in it's networking value, it's publicity on the mainland, it's educational efforts in all the dive shops and local community. No one knows about them in the restaurants and guesthouses I went to. Another missed opportunity. They do make an effort to encourage visitors to do the Right Thing with products like shampoo and sunscreen, only to find once we arrive that the place is being cleaned with toxic cleaners like Febreeze and bleach, fed Fruit Loops and basic ramen and pasta and rice, and generators roar on the tiny island when pumps and tanks are being used. There are better ways, with batteries, more solar, educating the employees to use vinegar, baking soda, lemon, etc. Sustainabilility practices are not congruent with mission, in other words, and they could really do so much better.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
So the actual dives and lionfish hunting was fun, excellent stuff. The crew could stand to elevate their work to be more in line with how pro dive operations inform the guests about the reefs, diving hand signals, and creating an environment of communicating about the dives, the things seen, etc. There was little help in getting the dive stuff set up properly, and a bit of impatience and attitude from staff about us being less than together with weights and straps and tanks and spearguns. This reflects the above critique. The bar is set low, and we operate from there. Do Better. As a business owner I am going to give you 5 stars because I know that star rating system can kill your business. These reviews are for the project provider to benefit from and I hope they do.Read the operator's response here:
This whole paragraph is BS and blatantly untrue and should not be printed. Does Andrea know the ins and outs of the labor market in Belize?? Is she an economics expert regarding wage distribution among all industries in Belize! The obvious answer is no - she is way out of her depth here. This is pure speculation. The truth is that all our 14 employees are local Belizeans (expect 1 American). Our employees are paid extremely well and on par if not a bit better than the industry standard. The proof is in the retention rate. Almost all of our employees have been with us for years!! We are a non-profit and work on a shoestring budget. We would love to take the island off of generators and make it run on solar. It is not a lack of care or want - we strive for sustainability - but we simply cannot afford solar! As she stated "So the actual dives and lionfish hunting was fun, excellent stuff." The bottom line... some people are never happy and will find something to complain about.
Patrick Corrigan review 25 Dec 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Becoming a PADI certified Open Water Diver.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t over pack.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - all the staff told us they enjoyed their work (they’re entirely dependent on us for income), we killed a lot of Lion fish (invasive species), and also had a beach cleanup.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. The tour operator could update some of their online materials (e.g, we ate meat on the island), but good material overall.Jayne Webb review 10 Dec 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
At the age of 56 I learnt to scuba dive and got my Open Water Certificate. My instructor, Luis, was brilliant.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Accommodation is basic but the food is amazing. Bring plenty of swimwear and a sweater for the evenings3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Spearing Lionfish is currently the only way to effectively reduce the numbers of the evasive species4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a 10/10. Stunning, memorable and rewarding.Emily Manker review 18 Nov 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This trip was unforgettable. The dive sites are all unique and beautiful for different reasons. The variety of wildlife you'll see under the water and from the island made this trip memorable. The staff are fantastic, the meals were so delicious, and hunting lionfish is a must if you're up for it! It's deeply satisfying to capture these invasive fish, learn about them, dissect and fillet them, and most of all - eat them!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for all types of weather! Bring towels, waterproof bag, bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen, you'll need it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. The staff are locals and have an abundance of knowledge about what's going on in their environments. We cleaned up trash on a neighboring island, learned a lot about the local culture, conservation efforts, about the marine park, and about how Belize treats it's local ecosystems.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 stars!Georgina Stevens review 22 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I loved the beach clean up on a nearby island.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you take reef friendly sun screen.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes this trip supported local people, and raised awareness about the impacts of climate change on our coral reefs. I did think that they could have given some ideas about what we could all do to reduce our own impacts however.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really great, especially for younger divers.Brian Benner review 31 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Diving in a downpour. Not scary, just interesting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy the time away from your phone.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, plus I learned to be a better steward of the planet.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentIrina Tyshkevich review 30 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it was pretty amazing. I didn't realize how small the island was and I loved it. Being able to dive 3 times a day and get to know the local marine life, while learning about it was my favorite.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come prepared to relax and learn. Pack minimally as you basically will be living in your dive gear, and lounging around the island (which was perfect!). Bring a book or two.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yep! I'm sure the money went to help with the instruments and maintenance which is definitely doing good for the environment. It also helped raise awareness in our group for the work that is being done. We got to participate in some of the work that they were doing as well.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect, The tour operator did an amazing job of combining vacation with conservation and learning.Sanya Ozic review 9 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being on the tropical island, 28miles from the land, with only 25 people, immersed i nature and conservation project. Didn't miss civilization at all.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely check for a special dietary needs. Though they advertise that their chef is taking care of everything, my vegan diet, main meals were not balanced in terms of nutrients. Two main meals made of two vegetables are not sufficient vegan meal. Bring some extra energy bars or snacks as there is NOTHING on the island but three set meals a day. Very limited internet use for only brief messages.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that it was more about learning for me. The date and we gathered and activities themselves were more symbolical part of the project and very small contribution to the data they are gathering. Local people who taught scuba diving and provided service on the island could have been paid more.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a great experience, beautiful location, escape from civilization, if the organizers work on some improvements, it would have been ideal type of eco vacation.Lucy Keech review 15 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The diving was fabulous. The instructors are brilliant, very patient and informative!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan the weekends , especially if you are traveling alone.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!Michelle Lamarca review 3 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Diving with like minded staff and guests who love and appreciate the ocean and contributing to research and conservation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay a day or two on each end of your week for local sites. The Hicketee Cottages and the Coral House were lovely places to stay. Heard Howler monkeys every morning. The island is small, but doesnt feel cramped. Be open to new people and appreciate the beauty and remoteness of it and the waters around it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, to all. Very much so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent opportunity and experience.Holiday Reviews
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