4 independent reviews for Lionfish spearing marine conservation in Belize
Reviews for Lionfish spearing marine conservation in Belize
Ryan Small review 14 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying on the island in the middle of nowhere was cool. Staff were pleasant and good banter back and forth...they had a sense of humour.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Accommodations were definitely hostel like. The beds were crap and they really need to invest in new beds. Also if they didn't feed you enough you were able to ask for more which they always had extra.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I brought my own spear and zookeeper...I was the only one so I always had my spear to slay Lionfish. There were not a ton of them and some sights had more than others. Wish they would take us to sites that they had not been too and could explore areas where more Lionfish could be speared.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
If they fixed the bedding situation that would make this experience a 5 for me.Charles Vaughan review 5 Mar 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most exciting aspect was escaping from reality and living on this beautiful island with no wifi. I would start my day with a dive at 7am! I was fortunate to have a very good group of fellow volunteers. Along with them, the staff were all amazing and very enjoyable to be around. Finally unlike as described on the website the diet was not mainly 'plant-based'. There was a wide variety of meat and fish, cooked by a very talented chef who takes a lot of pride and care in their work. There was always plenty of food and so I was well fuelled to dive.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you plan to take multiple courses (which I suggest as they are very cheap there and the quality of learning is high) then don't do all the e-learning. This is expensive and unnecessary, you can a read the book which they have on the weekends off. I would say this is most applicable to courses such as Advanced, Reduce diver and Deep Dive as with courses such as Open water and Divemaster it is useful to do the e-learning before you arrive.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel it benefits the local people by employing them as divemasters. The beach clean up was a real eye opener to reality of how much plastic is in the ocean. Finally, I felt we were making a good impact to reducing lion fish, which in itself was very enjoyable.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This is one of the best vacations I have ever been on. The island is very well organised, there is no pressure to go diving and you can relax at times instead. The staff are all very knowledgeable with regards to diving and the local area. If time allowed I would certainly return in the future.Lynda Hughes review 20 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Feeling that you are contributing to the sea environment. Waking up to the beautiful sunrise and seeing the lovely sunset. Living on a tiny island for a short time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take minimal clothing. I had too much stuff. Diving is simple so little experience needed. Organisation is a bit haphazard so be aware that you work to Belize time and just relax. The manager Frank brought his three dogs (Two large and one pup) on to the very small island, so not a place if you are not a lover of boisterous, barking dogs.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The research underaken e.g. identifying fish or bleaching effect is probably not very scientific and is a bit hit and miss but I felt I was helping to contribute more information on the health of the reef. After seeing how many lionfish there are and their destructive effect, I was pleased to help reduce their impact. They are also very tasty.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I really enjoyed the overall experience. I learned so much from the guides about fish, coral and the reef in their lectures and in the research. Thank you to Willie, and his team.Ulrike Kachel review 30 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hard to choose just one most memorable or exciting part, but if I have to choose, then it was snorkelling with the whale sharks. That was just amazing and we were so lucky to see them that close!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
One week is definitely not enough. I stayed two weeks and wish I could have stayed longer. Don't worry about finding accommodation prior/post the island stay or wandering what to do over the weekends, Jo at the operator is one of the most helpful persons I have ever met. Thanks again Jo for all your help!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the project gives jobs to local people and provides important information for the fishery department. And of course helps with reducing the numbers of lionfish and raising awareness for marine conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The best diving vacation I did so far and it will be hard to beat. I learned so much about fish identification and substrates and this makes diving much more enjoyable.Holiday Reviews
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