Reef and Rainforest Tours

Specialist Reports Special Interest Holidays Wildlife Operators Reef and Rainforest Tours 

	Reef and Rainforest Tours/Family Adventures
1 The Plains, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5DR			MAP
tel: (01803) 866 965

Launched in 1989, a specialist natural history tour operator taking small numbers of clients to unusual destinations of particular interest to lovers of nature and wildlife, both terrestrial and submarine. Believes that low-level tourism can benefit unspoilt areas by proving economic value of leaving wilderness alone, rather than clear felling or conversion to agriculture. Also believes that children benefit enormously from such trips, both educationally and by being actively involved in discovering the natural world together with their parents. Concentrates on clients looking for full-service itineraries using upmarket lodges and other accommodation, generally with some relaxation time by the sea. Offers personalised service and well-paced, painstakingly designed tailor-made programmes and some escorted group tours led by experts. Founder/managing director and his wife, who is the company secretary, take their own children (4 & 6 years old) on familiarisation trips to test family-friendly potential of various destinations. Other members of staff are sent out regularly to check hotels and lodges for families and other clients.

Recommendations

Offers specially designed family itineraries to South America, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Also family cruise departures on small ships/boats in Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. At a two-centre tour in Belize you stay in a forest lodge in the interior as well as a clapboard cottage overlooking a barrier reef, with activities such as horse riding, wildlife guides and a trip to a butterfly farm. A fifteen day itinerary to Borneo visits the Orang-utan rehabilitation centre at Sepilah, explores jungle waterways by boat and observe green turtle egg-laying.

Sample Price

Belize two-centre tour is £2,163 per adult, £1,163 per child. The bOrneo trip is £2,330 per adult and £1,793 per child.