Hendrix College's Marine Biology class had a blast at Jungle Dome. From the ATM caves, to Tikal, to the Belize Zoo, to horseback riding at Banana Bank, we couldn't have asked for anything more.
Thanks Andy, Simone, David, Minor, and all of the rest of the staff at Jungle Dome. We were well taken care of.
Mark & I had an incredible stay here at the Jungle Dome. The service and staff have been exceptional and like many who wrote before us, we loved the food. We had a short stay (3 nights) but, with the help of Karen, we’ve been able to pack a lot into 4 days.
1st day: Luis picked us up at the Caye Caulker water taxi terminal and showed us a little bit of Belize City. He took us on a amazing tour of the Belize Zoo, which we believe is a must see! Make sure you have a guide, it really enhances the experience.
2nd day: We woke up early for a run down the mainroad. It’s 2 miles to the Banana Bank sign & worth it, even if you walk most of it. Beautiful horses are grazing everywhere you look. We then went on the ATM tour. It was breathtaking! Be prepared to be wet (wear swim gear) & shoes you don’t mind to have wet for the rest of the trip. This was one of our favourite trips and we particularly enjoyed our guide, Orlando.
3rd day: We went to Caracol. Wow! It was impressive, inspiring, beautiful. I’m truly glad we made the 2 ½ hour bumpy (riverbed bumpy) drive. Luis was our guide again and shared a wealth of history and facts. This was topped off with a treck to the Rio Frio cave (gorgeous) and then a quick dip in the Rio Frio Falls. It was a long day, but worth the trip.
Last day: We’re off the experience the Black Hole Drop. Luis said that we will kissing the ground when we finish the 300 ft descent, you bet it will happen too! Once again, we’ve had such a nice stay here. I hope to return for either a longer stay or just to try out everything we’ve missed. Thanks Karen, David and crew!
P.S. It’s -40 degrees in Fairbanks now. Boy are we glad to be here instead!
Jan. 2nd, 2009
Laura, Tom & Christine,
We really enjoyed our stay here at the Jungle Dome. We really enjoyed the food that we ate. The pool was cold but everyone, except mom, went in. We liked seeing the Mayan ruins a lot. The days at the Jungle Dome went by so fast. The only bad part was leaving!
Thank you Jungle Dome for making our stay in Belize so enjoyable. We hope to come back soon!
Trip Review, New York USA - Marielena and Philippe Andre - September 2008
My husband and I are here on the second leg of 3 of our honeymoon….and what an adventure! I would first like to say that we have been to many adventurous and historical places but none quite like this. We actually started our trip in Guatemala and then flew to Belize where we were greeted by Luis at the airport. He was immediately warm, funny and incredibly knowledgeable. We knew we were headed to the Jungle Dome but the Jungle Dome has far surpassed any expectations we may have had.
The staff has been excellent with just the right amount of attention. The Chefs….my hats off to them! I wish I could spend a month or two learning how they cook. Everything is delicious and made from scratch!
Where to adventure to? We are here during the rainy season so our activities have been debated on a daily basis. We first went to the Belize Zoo, guided by Luis who was able to give us an extensive history on the animals and Flora. We got to see the jaguars, puma, harpey eagle and many other wonderful Belizean creatures.
Our next day was a full day – tour of the ruins. Luis again was our guide. We told him his brain was going to explode one of these days for how much information he holds in there. He is a true historian and an invaluable aspect of this resort and our time here.
Next off to Che Chem Ha Cave. Our guide and care taker of the cave was very much spiritually connected to the history and spirit of the cave. Definitely for the active individual who is not afraid of dark enclosed spaces. If you make it in there – what a life-altering experience.
The Black Hole Drop was a vigorous hike only to descend via the mountain between a massive opening between two once-connected caves. The staff was truly professional and knowledgeable. We were quite lucky that only the two of us were on that tour as we were able to trek all the way in the cave. It was one of those experiences that puts into perspective how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
Today is our final day here before we are off to one of the islands. With room for one more adventure (cave tubing).
We have enjoyed our stay and even wish we had booked longer but as always, so much to do, so little time.
Thank you Jungle Dome for all the Amazing memories!
My Trip Review - Monroe, Los Angeles, USA - David and Emma Loyless - August 2008
I am sad to say this is our last night here at the Belize Jungle Dome. These past few days have been paradise for us. The culture and rich history of Belize just seem to entrap you making you never want to leave. The staff here have been beyond excellent. I feel that we have definitely received the royal treatment for our honeymoon.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by Luis, who gave us a history lesson as we drove in from the airport. He is such a wealth of knowledge. Karen made us feel right at home and our candle-light dinner on the balcony of our room was perfect. The food was beyond compare at every single meal.
Our first adventure was to Caracol with Luis and once again we learned so much. I think this adventure was one of my favourites. The Mayans were such an interesting people and Luis never missed a beat with trying to show us everything. Our next adventures consisted of cave tubing with Luis, ATM with Orlando, horseback riding with Cesar and a trip to the zoo with David. ATM was definitely an experience I will never forget. It’s extremely challenging trying to get to the cathedral but well worth the trip. If you have time for the zoo it is a must.
Everyone here – Karen, Luis, David, Wani, Tea and the rest of the staff – have made this a trip of a lifetime. Getting to know them and where they come from and the rich history here will definitely bring me back for another trip to Belize.
The ATM Cave was probably my favourite trip. It’s a challenge but the cathedral is amazing. Luis is awesome. He is basically a history book on legs and he is not bad with the botany and zoology either. I loved listening to Karen’s and David’s stories of how they ended up at the Jungle Dome. Karen makes me want to pack up and move to Belize and David is a complete inspiration. The food has been excellent and I am going home fat! I loved the zoo and horseback riding was a blast! Everyone here has been so nice and helpful. I can’t wait to come back.
My Trip Review - Wilmette, Illinois, USA - Cathy and Lauren Azuma - March 25th 2008
We knew we wouldn’t want to leave and that is an understatement. It has been like being able to visit family in Belize ~ that’s how it feels.
Highlights were Tikal, which was astonishing, the Belize Zoo, and yesterday’s trek through the ATM cave to see the Mayan archaeology remains at the top of the cave. Very gruelling but truly a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone here is so kind and makes you feel that the Dome is home.
My Trip Review - Thornhill, Ontario + Vancouver, Canada - March 2008
WOW!!! The food, the birds, the trips….it all was amazing. It was just like sleeping in the aviary at the zoo but better because there aren’t any cages. Plus we got to see wild monkeys. It was fabulous!
Erica & Monika Taylor
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada - March 11th 2008
Words cannot express our time here but to whomever is reading this, in one single word to describe everything about this place and people: BLISS, pure BLISS.
Thank you so much everyone. I hope it never changes here.
Belize Trip Review - Wilkerson Family from Texas, USA
We booked the "Reef and Ruins" package and had no idea what we were getting into. Turns out that this was the best vacation ever. From the moment we arrived in Belize we felt so welcome. David greeted us at the airport with a big smile and took us on our first adventure, the Belize Zoo.
Our seven year old was already having the time of his life. After the zoo David drove us to the Jungle Dome. As we arrived at the Jungle Dome we were greeted by the sounds of howler monkeys and parrots. At that moment we knew that this was going to be some adventure. Karen ,the manager, greeted us at the front gate like we were old friends returning home. Her warmth and friendliness was so comforting. She showed us around the property and brought us to our room. The room was spacious and very clean and it looked out to the pool. There were warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for us. We were ready to see what was next for us.
During our stay we visited CheChem Ha and Xunantunich with our English speaking guide Luis. He was very knowledgeable about the Mayan Ruins and surrounding plants. We enjoyed his company and were lucky enough to have him as our guide on two other tours, cave tubing and Tikal. Our son's favorite outing was the zip lining. He enjoyed climbing through the jungle and climbing up to the first platform. If you could see his face coming across the zip line it was worth a millon dollars! The views from Xunantunich and Tikal were spectacular although the ride to Guatamala was a bit bumpy, but worth it. The horse back riding with Kim in the cocoa fields was great, the horses were friendly and easy to ride and the lunch served afterwards was the best.
After each day's exciting adventure we went back to the Jungle Dome and took a cool swim in their pool and settled down to a home cooked meal with the other families staying at the Dome. Over dinner we each shared our day's expedition in the wild and talked about how wonderful Belize is. We relaxed in the hammocks after the tasty treats the girls in the kitchen prepared and watched our son play with the local children.
Before we know it our "Ruins" part of the trip was over and we were on a small plane heading to San Pedro to experience the "Reef". We first did the snorkeling/manatee watching trip. The water was clear and the snorkeling was good, many interesting fish and coral to see. The BBQ lunch on the beach was delicious and the local tour guides were funny. On day two we went to shark alley and swam with the sharks and sting rays. Then back to the beach for a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. The hotel, Banana Beach, was older, but well kept. The two pools were nice and refreshing and the restaurant served good hot meals in a timely manner.
We decided to extend our vacation an extra day on San Pedro so we had an opportunity to drive a golf cart around the town to do some shopping. Unfortunately our trip was about to come to an end. We packed up our belongings, and souvenirs and headed back to the states. It is now 3 months later and we are still talking about this trip. We show our pictures to anyone willing to look at them.
It truly was the most amazing experience we have had as a family and the best vacation anyone could ask for. We feel very lucky to have had the chance to do this and look forward to being able to return someday.
To everyone who made this trip so great, Karen, David, Luis, kitchen girls, Kim, Miguel, William, and we can't forget Phoebe and Max, a HUGE thank you from the Wilkersons.
Belize Jungle Dome Trip Review - Lucas Family, NC, USA
We have been delighted by our visit with you. Your personal welcome, flowers on the bed and a cool drink as we settled in made us instantly welcome. The children found so much to thrill them.
Stopping at the Zoo on the way from the airport could have been a disaster for tired travelers but as all your guides did, Juan brought us closer that we could have gone on a self-guided tour. Watching our 6 year-old feed a black jaguar, our 8 year-old toss peanuts to the howler monkeys we rarely see from closer than 100 feet, and standing beside a jabiru as tall as my 9 year old are all experiences we can’t soon forget.
James’ fondest memory of the ruins was touching the tarantula at the entrance to Tikal. Sarah loved sitting 20 meters up on the pyramid overlooking the ball court and market place. Catherine was proud to have climbed the hundreds of steps to the top and have her picture with the other family we spent the day with.
Our day trips included the zoo, Xunantunich ruins, horseback riding, tubing in the river caves and Tikal Ruins in Guatemala. Coming “home” was a perfect end to a hot, tiring day with the pool and hammocks and tire swings being sweet respites and the frogs, crickets, birds, monkeys and your own family & staff great comforts.
The room, food and smiles were perfect. We will be recommending you to everyone we meet. You have established a fantastic staff and experience and you are gracious and friendly!
Belize Trip Guest Comments from the Bloemke Family, Chicago, USA
The Jungle Dome Family,
Before arriving in Belize I was concerned about what we were getting into, such as our accommodations, food and tours. When starting the ride off the highway toward The Jungle Dome my concerns grew even larger (40 years of suburban life), until we arrived at your gate. To my surprise we pulled into your little slice of heaven. Starting with a friendly greeting from your family, a quick tour and a cold Belikin my vacation was started.
Every tour we took from the Belize Zoo, CheChem Ha Cave, Xunantunich, Cave tubing, Zip line, Tikal, Riding at Green Acres and swimming in the Blue Hole was exciting, interesting and enjoyable. All of our guides made sure we were well informed and made us feel welcome.
Thank you so much for making our stay so easy and enjoyable. I hope we get a chance to visit again!
David, Thank you for all your help! I’m sorry for keeping you up past your bedtime. John
The Bloemke Family
John, Chris, Hillary & Jake, Chicago, USA - March 2007
Guest Comments from Pascal and Deanne Spehar, Blue Springs, MO, USA
Is it a hotel? Is it a resort? It’s the Jungle Dome! This perfectly named spot is a perfect destination for travelers like ourselves…..great people, great food, great service! And the location and setting are great. It’s an adventure just getting here.
We love the personal service, the intimate size and the great local people. The Belizeans seem to be kind and happy and our hosts Andy, Simone & their boys are sweet as can be. We felt so special in Poolside Apartment 2…what did we do to deserve this room….thank you!
Morgan Less, Emily Less and Julianne Orr at the Belize Zoo
I want to thank you all for helping make our trip to Belize so wonderful. I really appreciated your kindness in making us feel at home. I have some fabulous memories of visiting Belize and thanks again for helping in that. My favorite adventure trip was to the CheChem Ha caves. It was so cool hiking through the jungle and ending up in a pitch dark cave with a headlamp on my head. Way cool!
This has been an adventure that this family will never forget. The Jungle Dome has accommodated for all our family which range in age from 6 to 45 years old. All 5 of us have loved it here for many reasons. We loved all the adventures that we took this week. The horseback riding with Kim, Miguel and Cesar was awesome. The blue hole was cold but a beautiful and fun experience. The zip lining was out of this world. It was a blast! It was scary at first but after you never wanted to leave. The cave tubing was a relaxing ride. The zoo was also awesome because we saw amazing animals and fed a few. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. The trip to Guatemala and Tikal temples was super. The drive was bump and long but it was well worth it. Barton Creek was unbelievable. The canoe ride was slow and the things we saw were amazing. The waterfall was beautiful and fun to swim near. The people that helped us were superb. Tella, Nora & Wani cooked the best meals ever. David and Karen were fun to talk to and kept us on schedule.
We had a blast and hope to come back soon. We really thank the Jungle Dome for making our vacation the best one ever!
Sanjiv, Kusam, Natasha, Nikita & Katrina Talwar, December 2006 - Toronto, ON Canada
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