Hi All-
After reading several threads & reviews on both TripAdvisor & CruiseCritic, we found that Vitalino was the only operator offering both Altun Ha AND cave tubing in the same day, which is also stated on his website. This was our third cruise, and booking the trip ourselves (not thru the cruise line) was easy (thanks Vitalino & Judy!) (Judy does the booking.) We were there May 15, 2008.

Short Details: Vitalino's service is awesome! Only Vitalino offers Altun Ha AND cave tubing in the same day. Tour is in an air-conditioned van, so you could take several people. Time at the ruins is about an hour, and you will not have time to do an archaeological dig while you're there, but you can climb to the top, get awesome pictures, and see/hear some way cool stuff along the way.
Cave tubing is cool, and good for anyone 7 years or older and in average physical condition. Swim ability not necessary, good arms and no fear of caves are.

Long Details:
Tendering in port really was not that bad, but once on land, the lines for cruise-arranged tours were horrible. As instructed by Vitalino's/Judy's email, we walked right past all the lines and out the door (with a thousand people staring at us), and met Vitalino who was holding a sign with our name on it (which also said "Happy Anniversary!"). He immediately placed us in care of Roberto, and less than 4 minutes after stepping off the tender, we were off to Altun Ha!!
Roberto was awesome! He genuinely cared that we have a good time, and answered our hundreds of questions as we rode less than an hour out to Altun Ha. He pointed out several landmarks along the way, and we could tell he is proud of his country, and likes his job!
We were essentially the first people to Altun Ha. Vitalino/Roberto handle all the fees, so we went right in. The city is MUCH MORE SPECTACULAR than shown on any website!! This was our first ruins, and we did get to go up the back steps (stone) to the top for an unlimited view. Roberto gave us plenty of history along the way, including the cultural evolution of his people. It was like being on one of those university archaeological trips you see on TV, but really fast!
Then off to cave tubing! Not quite an hours' drive away, and again right past all the cruise-tour lines. Let me be clear: the hike from the van to where you get in the water is a good workout, about 30 minutes of a brisk walk thru the jungle. We did stop several times to look at flora & fauna, and even ate a coconut-like fruit right off the tree (as in, "pick it, smash it with a rock, peel it, and eat it.") We were alone most of the time on the trail, then about a 10-minute delay behind cruise group to actually get into the water. Once in, we paddled (quickly) past a few large groups, then enjoyed the rest of the float thru the caves. Let me be clear again: these caves are way long, way dark, and way cool! The only..ahem, "drag", is when it gets about 6" shallow and even "butts up!" doesn't work. (Take my advice, get up and walk the 30 feet past the rocks.) I don't know how many caves we went thru (2,3,..8?), but they were all spectacular (Imagine floating thru Carlsbad Caverns, if you've been there.)
Then off to "Amigo's" roadside restaurant, and the traditional rice, beans, chicken, and a local beer. Picture a watering hole somewhere in the outback with the Best Chow Ever on a tour!
We saw Vitalino again at Amigo's, and he wanted to make sure we had a good time. We paid our bill & said our goodbyes. Roberto dropped us off in the shopping area by the port (as requested) for 15 minutes of jade-hunting before catching the last tender back. (Please note: we opted to cut it close; Roberto was very clear that he would have us back in plenty of time, and was very attentive to keeping us going but without rushing us all day.)
Roberto, Judy, and Vitalino: Thank You so much for making our visit perfect! We give you our highest praise & recommendation! We look forward to touring with you again on our next rip to Belize, whenever that is! Thank you!
-Scott & Mindy
Columbia, SC
USA

When researching excursions for Belize, I found cave tubing with Vitalino Reyes on tripadvisor.com. His reviews said it all. Still hesitant to book an excursion outside of the cruiseline, I sent email from www.cavetubing.bz with the date, number of party and my phone number. Before I could check my email, Vitalino called me to discuss my cruise...which was only in a few days. He already had 3 other couples to book from my cruiseline, so I felt a little better. He was extremely nice and very informative and eased all my worries. Then once we got on our cruise ship, the itenary had changed. I sent Vitalino a text message of the change and for him to confirm the change. I received a text back that he could accomodate no problem. Then as he described, when we were in Belize he was waiting with the shirt and sign as he described. Oh and he had sent me a picture of himself, so I knew who to look for. On to CAVE TUBING! We were the first ones there. We were a party of 8, 2 guides and we had the place to ourselves. We did 5 caves, where the cruise only did 1. I can not describe the masses of people that were with cavetubing.COM and from the cruiseline. We finally ran into them, BUT HAVE NO FEAR...
CAVETUBING.BZ IS HERE!! We linked our tubes together and the Vital and Manuel guided us through the masses. Vital helped others as needed that their guides had left them behind to fend for themselves. Of course he provided environmental and historical relevance of the caves, rain forest and surroundings throughout the tour. He grew up there and helped start the cave tubing as a tourist attraction in Belize. Then after tubing and swinging off the rope swing, he had water and beer waiting for us and lunch at AMIGOS. He was conscience of the time and kept us on track and got us back to the cruise with plenty of time to ferry back to the boat. We even had time to shop. The cost was $45/person versuses $100/pp on cruiseline. We had a real experience and can not wait to go again.

We travelled on the Carnival Glory mid-march and booked cave-tubing with Vitalino based on researching prior to our cruise. I echo all the positive sentiments expressed by the others here. Vitalino and his shining smile, made us feel very welcome, like he was thrilled to have us as guests for the day. From the narrated tour through the city (Richard rocks too!) to the short hike through the beautiful rainforest, the amazing peaceful journey through the caves, the lovely lunch....and the homemade rum puch served on the bus trip back just topped off a really great day. I would recommend this excursion to anyone - truly the highlight of our trip. It was especially nice to be in a group that wasn't terribly large, so we all kind of felt like friends right from the beginning. Thanks again Vitalino!

What an awesome experience we had with Vitalino and his son on our Cave Tubing Adventure!!! The forest, river, and caves are absolutely beautiful.

We were traveling on Carnival Legend Cruise Ship and did not want to book with the ship due to the 100's of people that book through them. We wanted a more quiet and organized trip. Our trip was May 15, 2008.

I got Vitalino's information off of Trip Advisor and am sure glad that I did. The cost was much less, we got to go through an extra cave, we were in a small group, we had lunch and even drinks at the end. You had a choice of beer, soda, water, or what I chose was the Rum Punch which was the best Rum Punch I've ever had. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and the food was great (only $5.00 extra) The total trip (including lunch) was $50.00 pp and it was well worth it.

We had personalized guides that helped us whenever needed it. They even carried the ladies tubes when needed. What I really liked about the trip were the little things that Vitalano and his son pointed out to us on the hike to the river. We got to taste some of the plants and we even ate TERMITES ! They were small and tasted like mint.

Judy, who does the scheduling for Vitalano, was a pleasure to work with. Once you contact her via email she responds quickly and lets you know exactly what you need to do to book the trip and meet up for the tour. I gave her my phone number and Vitalano even called me to see if I had any questions or concerns.

If I ever go to Belize again, I will surely look up Vitalano again to do the cave tubing, but will also add some of the other fun stuff that he also does. Such as the Mayan Ruins, Belize Zoo, Zip-lining, etc.

The only bad thing about our trip was that it ENDED TOO SOON!
Thanks again Vitalano, Jr. and Judy