Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we share our charter?
   1. Happy Go Luckie Tours specializes in custom, private marine charters. If you book a charter with us it is your PRIVATE charter and it is our policy not to add anyone to a private charter on your behalf but you are more than welcome to invite others if you want to share the cost with someone you meet or are travelling with. Please just notify us if you do invite others so we can be sure to have the equipment/and refreshments/food to accommodate them.
2. How long is the boat ride?
   1. The travel time to the barrier reef is approximately 40 minutes one way. Glovers is approximately 1.5 hours one way.
3. What happens if the weather is bad?
   1. We keep an eye on the forecast and the sea conditions, however from experience we know that the forecast is not always reliable especially more than a couple days in advance. We make the call to go or cancel in the morning of the trip. In the past we have cancelled too early and then realized the morning of that the weather cleared up and the trip could have went. Safety and the comfort of our guests is our number one priority. As our cancellation policy states, you will receive a full refund if we have to cancel due to weather or we will reschedule if possible. Trip cancellation is determined by our guides and captains. Our policy is to always cancel if a small craft warning is issued by the weather service and we assess local conditions and communicate with guests to determine course of action in the event a small craft caution is issued.
4. What about rain? Thunderstorms?
   1. Generally we will still go if there is a possibility of rain. The Caribbean rains are warm and usually localized which means they don’t last long and often the guide/captain can see and avoid an area with rain. If there is a good chance of rain we advise guests pack rain gear and/or a towel and a dry change of clothing. We often find the fish are quite active when it is raining so it is actually not a bad time to be out snorkelling and you are going to be getting wet anyway! Electrical storms can pose a threat to safety so the guide will avoid and/or seek shelter on an island in the event a storm is approaching. If heavy rain or thunder is present before the trip departs we may delay the departure until the system passes.
5. What do you provide?
   1. We supply all snorkel gear, fishing gear (if requested), drinking water, juice, snack and lunch (lunch for full day only). We also have a cooler with ice on board if you would like to bring other beverages. Alcohol is permitted on our trips but we request that guests drink responsibly and avoid too much alcohol before snorkelling. The guide will refuse to allow an intoxicated guest to get into the water for safety reasons.
6. What is the marine park fee?
   1. We collect a marine park fee from every guest on behalf of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. These areas are protected and require enforcement. The fees also go towards educational programs for Belizean youth and research projects. Thank you for supporting our marine protected areas.
7. Where do we meet for our tour?
   1. Our boats are located on the Sittee River approximately 2.5 miles south of the centre of Hopkins Village. There is a map on our website under the tab “About us”. There is free parking on the property. We do have security cameras but take no responsibility for your car or belongings left inside. If you don't have a car, no worries, transport from accommodations in the Hopkins area is included in the price of our tours. 
8. We have children, are your tours family friendly?
   1. Our charters are absolutely family friendly. Because of the flexible, customized nature of our trips it is ideal for families with small children and even babies as well as the elderly or people with physical disabilities. Please let us know if you have special needs when booking so we can provide the best experience possible. We have infant life jackets and you plan your tour with your guide so that you will get the most enjoyment out of your day and the plan can change at anytime if your needs change during the day. We have access to private islands and shallow swimming areas so its possible to use an island as a “base” while you do excursions from there and there is bathrooms and shaded areas available. Because you are not on a set tour with people you don’t know, you don’t have to worry about changing the plan as you go.
9. I have never snorkeled before and I am not a good swimmer, can I still snorkel?
   1. Absolutely! Our guides are trained to provide a thorough snorkel briefing and will start with a lesson near a shallow sand bar or island if needed. We have horse collar style life jackets which are great for people who are new to snorkeling or are not strong swimmers as they can be worn around the waist to keep you afloat while you able to put your face in the water. We have had people who never intended to snorkel on our boat due to fear of the water or a traumatic experience, get in and with careful guidance they learned to love their snorkel experience. We don’t pressure anyone to do something they don’t want to do but we do try to encourage people to try and with patience and care we help people to face their fears and experience our amazing reef.
10. I am travelling alone and a charter is too expensive for me, what budget options do you have for solo travelers?
    1. Starting in 2018 season we began a Barrier Reef Snorkel which is our only non-private sea trip. It is a half day afternoon snorkel tour and we charge $150.00bz per person including the marine park fee and transport (if needed). We require a minimum sign up of 4 people to run this tour. Discounts are available if you have your own car and don't require our shuttle service. 
    2. We also are currently offering our self catered Caye Trip. Please see the tour info page for details.
       
11. When is the night bioluminescence tour offered?
    1. The night bioluminescence tour is offered only in the dry season on the darkest days of the month. The rain affects this tour as the bioluminescence occurs in the salt water which sits below the fresh water. During the rainy season the fresh water pushes the salt water deeper and often the sediments that come down the river from higher elevations obscure the visibility of bioluminescence. The start of the night tour depends on the seasons and can start as early as late November or as late as February. Typically the rains begin again in April or May. Once conditions allow we post a night tour schedule on our website under the “Availability and Tour Schedule” tab.
12. Are the night or morning river tours private?​​
    1. No, the river tours are non-private. We believe these tours are best experienced as part of a small group so we only book a maximum of 6-8 passengers. Private tours are subject to different pricing, please inquire. 
13. Do your boats have shade?
    1. ​Yes, all our boats have canopy tops for shade.