Our three days at the Jungle Dome have been
wonderful; such fun (the adventures and mingling with the other guests); such
comfort (the beds and rooms, and lounging around the delightful pool), and such
hospitality (Andy, Simone, Lucas & Aidan, and Rocky & Luke, are all so
friendly, they make it feel like a home away from home).
Although this is our third visit to Belize, it
is our first to Cayo, and what a pleasure it is to discover this part of this
beautiful country.
Many thanks to the Hunt family, to the ladies-
the food was delicious and every detail was taken care of in our room- to all
the other staff who made the Jungle Dome so special, and particularly to David
and Mynor and to the cowboy Sherman, who made me so proud by saying that I was
the oldest person who had ever cantered when horse riding with him!
Rosalind and Richard Hinman, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
March 22, 2012
I can ‘ditto’ the above comments. Three great
days! What a wonderful visit, such wonderful hospitality, including Aidan &
Lucas, who were amazing hosts to my boys Matt & Nick, showing them around
and engaging them in all the activities Jungle Dome has to offer ;
tree
climbing,
frog and lizard hunting & capturing,
basketball,
chicken
catching…
what a unique experience and one to remember! Plus, great food,
guides, and accommodation. Thanks you so much for great memories!
Trip Advisor Review - Great Travel Tips for your Belize Vacation
Okay, if you're reading Tripadvisor you're probably a cautious traveller reading all the glowing Jungle Dome reviews thinking, "Come on, nobody's that good." Well folks, they are!
Other reviews already do an excellent job of providing details, so I will only provide a few tips. - EVERY DAY TRIP WAS FANTASTIC. Be clear, some are 12 hour excursions that present physical challenges. We're 40-something day-hikers (2-3 hours max) and we went with our 10 and 13 year-old for 8 days. All of us did just fine with the physical demands of the trip. - If you get Luis as a guide, you are in for a treat. The man is an encyclopedia. - Sunscreen's a must (we burned in the water in 20 mins without it) - Keen sandals were perfect for almost every excursion, wet or dry, just be sure to spray your feet with DEET if you're walking in the jungle. - You eat your meals with other guests on the patio. The place seems to attract really decent folk. Enjoy them. - If you get a chance to do a night walk in the jungle, do it! - The owners and staff are as warm and personable as other reviews state. - If you are in the market for a new camera before you travel, consider one of the waterproof digital models. Many of the excursions are in or around water and there will be some amazing photo opportunities you won't want to miss.
Belize Guest Comments from Selena and Alex Granitto, Waterbury, USA
I hope you are excited because you’re in for a great adventure. My brother and I came here looking for a comfortable place in the middle of the jungle and we got just that. From the minute we arrived at the airport, Karen was there waiting ready to fulfill our every need. All the staff here are wonderful. The food is great with more than enough to go around.
The staff will help you with anything you need. The schedule was also very flexible. My brother wanted to get a tattoo in town so we had to shuffle a couple of things around to accommodate him, which was ‘no problem’. I think aside from the excellent staff, what sets the Jungle Dome apart from other accommodations in the area is the accommodations (air conditioning and wireless internet) and the family-style atmosphere. We really got to interact with the other guests which made for very enjoyable evenings.
We were only here for 4 nights but we packed in a lot of trips. Highlights included the Belize Zoo (great close up view of all the animals) zip-lining and the ruins at Tikal. My brother especially enjoyed our ½ day horseback ride trip. Also we didn’t do the ATM cave but heard from other guests that it was incredible.
Belize Guest Comments from Bryan & Lisa Minnear, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Thank you for your hospitality. We enjoyed our Jungle Dome experience tremendously. The staff are super friendly and the food was excellent. Karen did a great job communicating with us through the planning process and during our stay she was very accommodating. The tours were also memorable as were the guides, they are very professional and courteous. We also enjoyed Max’s company, he’s adorable. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Bryan & Lisa Minnear, December 2006 - Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Belize Guest Comments from Sheree and Vanessa Wills, Washington, USA
Thank you for the great time. It was very nice getting to know the staff at the Belize Jungle Dome, they are very interesting and give so much back to the community (as do Karen’s family, friends and herself). All our trips were excellent. We especially enjoyed the Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves, Tikal Mayan Temples & Caracol tours! Vanessa LOVED the Black Hole Drop Rappelling the best. We also appreciated our guides. Gonzo was the best. We would also like to give special acknowledgement to Karen and David. Not only were they helpful, they were entertaining and just fun. The rest of the staff was great too. This will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
We wish health & happiness to all at the Jungle Dome.
We were delighted to have found your little corner of paradise here. The homey atmosphere and friendly staff made us feel warm and welcome. We enjoyed getting to know Andy, Simone, Lucas and Aidan. Karen was a gem and David, Wani, Tella & Nora were all attentive and personable. Thank you all for sharing your world with us for a few days.
Video Slideshow from Elizabeth Downey and Reed on Vacation in Belize
Elizabeth Downey and Reed took these great pictures in Belize as they visited Turneffe Island for 3 days of Scuba Diving before heading inland to the Belize Jungle Dome for 4 Nights to Explore the Caves, Kayak and enjoy the Jungle environment.
Many Thanks to Elizabeth and Reed for these images.
Belize Guest Comments from Jim Heslin and Andrea Dixon, Houston, Texas, USA
Howdy!
I don’t know where to start! This has honestly been the best vacation we have ever had! Our adventure began with David picking us up from the airport for a quick trip to the zoo. The zoo was perfect and gave us an idea of what lives in this beautiful country. After arriving at the Dome later that afternoon we hit the pool and relaxed until dinner. I did my research on Belize online and through a couple of tour books, none of which did justice to what you actually see or experience.
All of the meals were beyond this world & are comparable to what you would find in quality restaurants. We await a cookbook!
Aside from the family-like atmosphere and pure beauty of the Dome, the outings during the day really let you see the area. Each outing requires a drive, but along the way you see the little villages and the people who make up the area.
Jim and I planned our own adventures that started with the Blackhole drop. This trip isn’t for those that don’t have a bit of nerve. The hike there is a definite workout, but you’re able to do it at your own pace, drink lots of water!! At the site of the repel be sure to pay close attention to the guides. Your safety is the most important thing, and trust what they say, you’ll experience something that can not be put into words!
The next day we went through the ATM cave with Gonzo. WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! This is an absolute treat. Gonzo acted as a personal history professor, his knowledge is first-hand and enjoyable to listen to. I couldn’t get enough of the stories. Each evening following these two trips we both where exhausted and starving, the pool & the meals and a few Belikins were the remedy.
Our other two trips were kayaking and cave tubing. Kayaking was a blast, but a little quicker due to the river being so high. Cave tubing with Carlos was the most relaxing of our adventures and one that I highly recommend. There’s nothing like sitting in a tire and letting a crystal clear river whisk you through beautiful lime stone caves.
Highlights :
Very friendly service from the happiest people we’ve ever met!
Food, food, food (push for a cookbook!)
Fantastic guides
Local children
Conversations with Andy & Simone and the other guests
We can’t wait to come back! Many more thanks!
Warm regards, Andrea Dixon and Jim Heslin, Houston, Texas, USA. November 2006
Belize Guest Comments from Denise Purcell and Neil
What can we say. You define HOSPITALITY!
We've done tons of traveling over the years but have never enjoyed staying anywhere before. We're usually on the move and use the hotel / lodge as a place to sleep before setting off for the day.
This is the first time we've looked forward to returning at the end of the day. We leave with mixed feelings because we will miss all of you (Belize Jungle Dome).
We didn't meet the owners and the staff, we shared a special place in the world with family. The country is a beautiful one, that goes without saying. But of all the things and places we have seen and done, what we will remember most is you.
Belize Guest Comments from Barbara Greives and Kim Lucier, Yakima, Washington, USA
This has been an experience of a lifetime!
Words will never be able to describe just how much fun we've had these past few days. It's been an amazing vacation for both Mom and I. We're both sorry we have to say farewell tomorrow. We truly don't want to leave.
Andy, Simone and the entire staff have gone out of their way to make sure we've stayed comfortable - and the hospitality has gone beyond amazing. The food is delectable - yummy!
Be sure to ask for Gonzo and/or Carlos as your Tour Guides. They're both a riot. We hope to see you all again soon.
Barbara Greives and Kim Lucier - November 2006 (Yakima, Washington, USA).
Wendy Wong and Tosh Hamai (Santa Rosa, California, USA) - Guest Comments - July 2006
Top Ten Reasons to go to the Dome...
10. "The Dome" makes you think of your jungle adventure / the people you met in Belize and not a stadium with a Astro Turf floor.
9. You actually can appreciate the jungle outfit you bought from REI or Orvis and not feel like an employee at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I highly recommend a long sleeve, dry-wicking shirt and long pants. Mine were made of light-weight, nylon and they were great.
8. When you hear the name Gonzo, you think of your great guide in Belize, not the character on Sesame Street.
7. Your dog will seem much cleaner and not smell so bad after you see/smell Max after one of his joyful romps thru the jungle, rolling around in god-knows-what.
6. You'll realize that rain gear is not that important in the rain forest. Just wear a hat and clothes that dries quickly. Getting wet actually will become really "cool." Light rain or occasional thunder showers are not a problem!
5. It's the bed & breakfast, like staying with friends and family experience in the middle of an amazing rain forest, Mayan pyramids nearby, and lots to see and do. Go to Tikal. Do the zip line. Explore the caves ATM and Che Chem Ha.
4. You'll look forward to the wonderful pool-side home-cooked meals instead of getting lost trying to find a good local restaurant or ending up eating at an overpriced tourist/hotel restaurant. The chats we had with other guest and staff (especially Karen and David) were the best part of the Dome experience!
3. Two words: "No Worries." Just go and have fun. All-inclusive is the way to go. Karen and her staff will take good care of you. Gonzo and his crew of drivers and guides are professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. We felt safe the entire time in Belize!
2. When you hear someone mention "ATM," you think of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, and not an Automated Teller Machine. If you are willing to hike, get wet, wade/swim, climb a bit and squeeze/crawl thru a few tight spaces, do this tour!! We weren't going to do this initially because I don't swim well, but Gonzo brought life vests and ropes to pull me thru the deep but small pools. Wear closed-toed shoes (boots/tennis shoes/Keen/Merrell) and socks. Yes, they will get soaked but you'll be glad you're wearing sturdy shoes on the slippery rocks. In the upper chamber, you have to take your shoes off and wear socks to protect the burial chamber from your feet perspiration. I am glad other guests and Karen recommended this tour. It was definitely a highlight.
And the number one reason to go to the Dome:
1. Your eyes will light up when someone asks you, "Did you go somewhere on vacation?"
Wendy and Tosh Hamai (Santa Rosa, California, USA) - July 2006
Belize Family Vacation - Sutter family, California, USA
What an incredible few days here! Some favorite memories:
-watching leaf cutter ants with Carlos -luring tarantulas from their holes for a quick peek -fried triangle breakfast bread with black beans -catching toads with Lucas -jumping in the pool after a long trip in the van -chatting with Simone, Andy & Karen -Kiss on the cheek by the cute boy in the bar -the magic of the second cave on the cave tubing trip -the little monkey on the pot in the cave -the sour little fruits we sucked on while riding horses -the sound of raindrops on the jungle canopy above -the chirping, ribets, squawks & squeals of sunrise
Thanks for an incredible introduction to the jungles of Belize! Your hospitality was appreciated!
Cam, Steve, Emma, Kate & Z Sutter, Berkley, California, USA
The trip to Belize was more than just a Honeymoon. It was an experience of a lifetime. While both Charlie and I have traveled a portion of the globe, neither of us had visited Belize before this week. Now, seven days later, we are already thinking of when we can come back.
So what has made our visit so outstanding? The people. Everyone at the Jungle Dome is courteous, friendly and not only knowledgeable but helpful as well. Simone, Andy & Karen are pleasant to talk with and share interesting stories with. Gonzo is the greatest tour guide anyone could ask for.
OK words can’t truly do justice for this place. Aside from Jen’s comments above, which I agree with completely, Wani, Tea and Nora have cooked up a storm and David & Wilbur deserve much praise as well. The staff here has done wonders in making us feel like a part of the Jungle Dome. It has been a comfort to come back from our adventures to our Jungle Home. Perhaps a name change is in order? Thanks again for a wonderful time here in Belize
Charlie and Jen..
Charles and Jennifers were on their Honeymoon and choose the 8 Night Jungle Safari Package which includes all of the following Tours/Activities :
THANK YOU JUNGLE DOME! We loved our stay here! Carlos is awesome and the adventures were amazing! Karen and everyone here is thoughtful and friendly! What a terrific place!
July 2nd 2006
Melanie, Mark, Cam, Steve, Kate, Emma, Sammy & Z (Berkley, California, USA)
Guest Comments from Baulch Family, Dubin, Ohio, USA
Had a fabulous time in the Belize Jungle Dome. Cave Tubing and kayaking were my favorites in addition to the wonderful food and friendly staff. Will certainly miss the dinner ready for us every night at 6:00 pm and a great breakfast to start the morning.Thanks again for everything!
What a wonderful spot for a family vacation. The staff couldn’t have been nicer and the food was fantastic! We had a great time.
Sally and Howard Baulch (Dublin, Ohio, USA), with their children Diana, Christina, Nicholas and Johnathon at Chechem Ha Caves in Belize, Central America.
Guest Comments from Ray and Maria Eldridge, Vancouver, BC, Canada
This has been one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. The food was terrific and the entire staff was friendly. This trip has exceeded our expectations and we would love to come back to go visit the places we didn’t have time for. Next time though I wouldn’t mind NOT having such a close encounter with a frog!
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