20 Apr 2024
This was an amazing combo excursion for us and our 4 kids (8, 11, 14 and 16). Percy was our guide and the hour drive to the sanctuary flew by because he taught us so much about his beautiful country. He even was able to engage our ADHD kids lol. When we arrived at the sanctuary we met Robert, our guide for the sanctuary. He took about 20 mins to show us the museum and explain the history of the sanctuary. He had so much knowledge about the flora, fauna and animals and taught us along our trek. We also enjoyed his singing! He was great with the Howler monkeys and we were able to interact with them, which was an incredible experience. One of our children is on the spectrum so I was a little concerned about them being too loud, but they were not shrill, so he was fine. There are a couple vendors and they are not associated with each other, so some were incredibly overpriced and others were fair. A small painting of a Howler monkey was $70! Some took credit and others only cash. Percy then took us on to the cave tubing. Paying the extra for the private/VIP portion because it is a hike through the jungle which was not a problem at all. In fact it was absolutely gorgeous and lush. But, everyone else had to carry their own tubes. My 8 and 11 year old would not have made it! Our tubes were waiting for us where you enter. So we enjoyed taking pictures and seeing the beautiful jungle. Pepe (Eddy) was our tour guide and he was so much fun! The kids loved him and we learned so much about the caves and the history of the area. There are a lot of vendors at the entrance which will encourage you to stop at their booth, but they did not chase you down at least. The unable and watermelon drinks were great and Percy left us keep them in the car to refill afterward. The tubing through the caves was gorgeous! You are tied together, so you can just lay back and relax, which was nice not to worry about my kids being separated. I can get closterphobic but there were no tight spots so it was not a problem. There ride was gentle with occasional spots you had to lift up not too touch but he warned us and it was only a few spots. Afterward we enjoyed lunch at the restaurant on site. It was chicken and rice and all my kids loved it. Percy than took us back at the cruise terminal. My only caution is to be very cautious of time because our last tendor boat left at 4 for Royal Caribbean Enchantment. We made it by 3 mins! It’s very confusing with ship time and local time, so make sure you are attentive to that! We did not realize until they told us as we boarded it was the last boat! The excursion was just amazing though and all of our guides were outstanding.