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Least Expensive Belize Tours and Snorkeling

almost 2 years ago about Belize

Hey World Nomads,

I'm traveling to San Ignacio, Belize and Hopkins, Belize at the end of April, and I'm interested in traveling to Tikal for a day, going to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), and snorkeling. For Tikal I'm being quoted $130 a person (before border re-entry fee), and for ATM I'm being quoted $110 a person (quotes from my hotel, both a minimum of two people). I don't have a price on snorkeling yet.

Both of these seem VERY steep for a third world nation whose minimum wage is $1.65USD. I understand the economics of tourism supporting their economy, and they are providing a commodity that I can not get otherwise, however, there must be a cheaper way to get around.

I just highly doubt my tour guide Elmer is pocketing $200+ USD for a few hours of work, while the rest of Belize is pulling in an average of $10/day. So some fat cat is lining his coffers. I'm also being quoted some pretty steep prices for transportation.

Google hasn't returned the results I've been hoping for, so I hope World Nomads can help out! And I'd probably being doing more tours if they didn't cost so much.

Thanks,

BeWanderlustful

snorkeling jungle tours ruins

Asked by BeWanderlustful via WorldNomads.com

2 Answers

• 0

  Hey BeWanderlustful,
  
  Not sure about from the Belizean side but I arranged a tour for Tikal from Flores in Guatemala last Sept. I think it was about 110 quetzal pp ($20 Australian) for transport there and back + a tour guide (approx 12 in group) for the day.
  
  I would be surprised if any tour in Belize cost $130 pp unless it was scuba diving, definitely worth checking out other providers as your hotel seems to be over charging.
  
  As for transport, we got a bus from Belize city to Flores and I think it was around $30 USD? Could easily have been less than that.
  
  Hope that helps,
  
  Pearse almost 2 years ago

  Answered by Pearse via WorldNomads.com
• 0

  We took a family cruise (15 of us) in 2015 on a Carnival cruise and did not book a tour with the ship. we went into port and there was nothing there but the usual trinket shops. There was a day trip offered for about $80 that went out to a reef for snorkeling. The boat ride was about 20 minutes out and there were about 35 to 40 people. what a great day. the little island they took us to was beautiful and some of snorkeled and some just lounged on the beach. A little boat came in with fresh fish and lobster that was cooked on the grill. The cost was about $10 to $12 US dollars. Bathroom facilities and picnic tables were available.. That day was one of the best things we remember from our cruise. almost 2 years ago

  Answered by Luann via WorldNomads.com