I recently did the Cave Tubing adventure with West Side Adventures. Even though I used to live in…read morePuerto Rico, this experience made me feel like a tourist discovering my own island, which I truly appreciated. The adventure itself was a lot of fun, and the scenery was beautiful.
That said, I do think the tour is overpriced compared to similar adventure experiences I've done in other countries. Since participants have to meet at the former Arecibo Observatory, which is quite remote, I was surprised that no bottled water or even a small protein bar or snack was provided after such a physically demanding activity. That would have been a thoughtful touch and would have enhanced the overall experience.
I also felt the guides could have been more professional. While they were generally helpful, it didn't seem like there was much organization within the group. It would have been safer and more enjoyable to have guides positioned at the front, middle, and back of the group to better assist hikers with different fitness levels. In addition, the frequent use of profanity among the guides was disappointing and came across as unprofessional. Although most of us understood Spanish, the tour was conducted in English, and I expected a higher level of professionalism.
For anyone considering this adventure, I recommend being in at least moderate physical condition. Some sections of the hike can be challenging, so this isn't the best choice for someone who isn't comfortable walking on uneven, rocky terrain. Also, wear shoes that you don't mind getting muddy, wet, and dirty--you'll definitely need them!
Overall, I had a great time and I'm glad I experienced it. The cave tubing itself was memorable and a lot of fun. With a few improvements in customer service, organization, and professionalism, this could easily become a five-star experience.