Q: How do I get to Ambergris Caye, Belize? A: Book an air flight to Belize City (BZE) from your departure city. Once on the ground you have below options to get to Ak'bol.
1. Tropic air: Ak'bol will reserve ALL Tropic air tickets for our group directly from Belize City International Airport to San Pedro $157.75US RT PP. The tickets are reserved ahead of time so there is no waiting, and guests will pay for their tickets directly at check in before boarding the plane, with CC or cash. Simply let us know your flight arrival and departure time into and out of BLZ and we will take care of this for you.
2. Water Taxi: Take a $25-30 US taxi directly from International airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City roughly 30 minutes. The boat ride over is $15US one way per person and roughly a 1 1/2 hour ride. There is a daily schedule and two water taxis, both are walking distance away from one another. Ak'bol recommends taking Tropic air over if landing after 3pm so guests can arrive in time for the Welcome Dinner at 6pm.
From San Pedro town (where the water taxi and tropic air puddle jumper arrives) to Ak'bol: *When guests arrive to San Pedro, it is easiest to take any land taxi directly from town to Ak'boL roughly $15-17US one way, paid directly to taxi driver negotiate first for less disappointments.
Q: Can I arrive early/stay longer than retreat dates? A: Yes! Simply contact Ak'bol Yoga Retreat Center San Pedro, Belize at 011-501-226-2073www.akbol.comyogawithkirsten@gmail.com to reserve your spot at their regular nightly rates. Food isn't included for early or late departure days.
Q: Where does the water taxi and puddle jumper drop us off and how do we get to Ak’bol from there? A: Take any taxi from baggage claim or when off the boat to Ak'bol $17us 1-3 persons, $20us 4 persons and up When you arrive to Ak'bol we will check everyone in at our beach bar (the central hub)
Q: Can guests opt for veg only? What about other dietary restrictions? A: Ak'bol provides a fresh, mostly organic menu perfect for Yogis! And, yes no problem, please let us know about strict vegetarians and gluten/dairy allergies.
Q: Will this retreat be silent? A: Retreat guides are working on providing portions of the retreat to be experienced in sacred silence. Most likely mornings will be silent so you can arise with the sun and allow your mind to be still as you experience morning practice. We may also have a table at meals for those wishing to stay within and enjoy the silence.
Q. What additional expenses will there be? A: *Extra Final charges: Each guest will have a tab for additional food/beverages not included, trips, damage, deposits (keys/locks) which will be settled at departure.
Tips: to be paid at the end of retreat by each guest at check out with CC or cash. Recommend $50US per person for the whole week. We pool tips and distribute hours worked, so everyone works as a team: 3-4 head cooks+2-4 kitchen helpers, 3-4 bartenders, 2 gardener/maintenance, 2-3 housekeepers. Exceeding $50US is always appreciated, this is a third world country.
*Tips will be collected during individual check out in cash or by Visa/MC. All guests will be put on tab for all other requests not included within their retreat such as alcohol/smoothies+additional meals+snorkeling trips with Ak'boL guides + massage+dive certification. Ak'bol has a wonderful staff, many who have been with us for many years and they love yogis!
Departure tax: there is a $40US departure tax when leaving Belize City International airport on the way home paid at BZE. They would like US cash but CC accepted.
Q: Should I book my excursions through Ak'bol or book excursions on my own? A: Ak'bol can set up all your excursions on the first night when you check in. It is best to sign up for activities first night. All trips go out with a minimum and cannot be scheduled very far out in advance. If our group wants to do a group snorkel trip, we can reserve this specific excursion in advance. Ak'bol can get people out diving 24 hours prior on most trips. Mainland trips like Lamanai Maya temple and Cave tubing with zip lining or zoo or Xunatunich Maya temple usually go out Monday and Wednesdays. We can line up when at Ak'bol or if you like Ak'bol owner Kirsten one week prior to confirm ahead of time.
Q: Do I need a passport, visa or vaccinations to enter Belize? A: A valid US Passport is required to enter Belize (make sure to check your experiation date and update your passport at least 6 months prior to date if needed). You do not need a visa. Vaccinations are not required but you can check with your doctor or do some research if you'd like to consider them.
Q: What is the refund policy? A: $300 deposit is non-refundable. The final payment is also non-refundable. That said, if something comes up, if you can find someone to take your spot we're happy to transfer your spot to them and they can reimburse you directly.
Q: Will there be any volunteer opportunities? A: Picking up garbage on the beach is an easy thing to do with retreats, Ak' Bol staff will give us some garbage bags and we can place items that fit in the bag in the pick up area. Saga is the local animal shelter, we can walk dogs for fun! Holy Cross is the local elementary school which usually accepts volunteers, ask for Linda Carter (AKA wonder woman:) We can also bring school supplies, back packs, tennis shoes and other items to help children in need.