Tubing in Belize
 

Heading to Belize in October and my fiancé and I really want to go tubing though the caves. I have been talking to a travel agent and today she tells me "you might want to reconsider if you go tubing based on organisms present in jungle waters". I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about this or had any issues. My fiancée and I are avid outdoorsman's and are not afraid of "creepy crawlies" in the river, I was just wondering if anyone has heard of any health related issues that we should be worried about?

Organisms in the water? Perhaps she said orgasms? Organism are not of any concern I know of and I should know.

I haven't heard of any; the only thing I've heard is to be careful when the water is running very high because it can get dangerous.

We were just in Belize cave tubing and it was never mentioned. Your travel agent must not travel too much. You'll probably encounter more organisms just being in the airplane on the way there.

Katie_Valk, thanks for the good laugh!

i might consider a new travel agent.

haha.. ya.. when the travel agent mentioned that I really considered switching (but I am having such trouble finding a travel agent). The best part was, he daughter, who is a life guard told her that.. and because of that I should not cave tube.

I have a degree in Aquatic Biology and consider myself to be fairly informed on parasites and I haven't seen or heard anything regarding rivers in Belize, but I wanted to see if I was missing something.

Thanks everyone! Also, if anyone has any recommendations on a travel agent feel free to let me know ;)

In my opinion your best bet for a Belize travel agent is Katie Valk, our comedian in the 1st post. She has lived in Belize for a long time and has a great reputation. She doesn't advertise her business on the forums but it would be in your best interest to check out her website.
http://www.belize-trips.com/

Once again hopfulist, thanks for saving the day =)

No problem - all I ask in return is a trip report. ;-)

Oh I will for sure! Currently working with Katie Valk on planning. I am beyond excited!

I think what your travel agent was referring to was Naegleri fowleri, a deadly type of amoeba that is (rarely) found in pools of stagnant, warm water. The chances of encountering this type of amoeba are quite slim. If you're concerned, simply avoid putting your head underwater.