We had a very friendly group of 12 to Belize (which is the maximum number on David's tours). It's the perfect size. The trip was well-paced, we saw a variety of sites and birds, but it was not rushed. This is a great first trip to Belize--also wonderful if you're a nature lover, but not necessarily a professional birder.

What makes this tour of Belize extra special is David's personality. He is congenial, flexible, easy-going, and aims to please. He is more than willing to accept feedback and suggestions, and adapt the schedule, to the degree possible, to suit individual needs and desires. My husband and I avoid organized tours: we prefer to explore foreign countries on our own, but we would both return on one of David's trips in a heartbeat!

David is well-connected with some of the top nature and bird guides in the entire country. If you did this trip on your own, you would not have access to these professionals.

Belize itself is a wonderful destination: a very easy trip from the United States, not terribly expensive, and everyone we met was friendly and eager to share their love for the natural beauty of the country. Our guide at Lamanai said: "I'm so lucky. People come from all over the world to experience this paradise, and I live and work here every day!"

What a fantastic trip this was! I'm a nature lover but not a birder, and this tour had the right amount of everything for me. We birded most days, to the point where I actually learned and remembered some of the birds, but also learned about butterflies, plants, trees, mammals and reptiles on our walks. We also climbed around Mayan ruins and sampled traditional Mayan cocoa (beans ground by hand, not machine). There was free time and a chance to swim, go river tubing or take a hike. The group was small (9 people) and very harmonious, with the tone set by the personable and engaging David Rupp. His passion for birds and nature shines through; he has picked the best of the local guides to work with and has found wonderful eco-lodges for us to stay in. The food was great too. When the week was over I wasn't ready to leave. This was a terrific trip in every way and I would go on another trip with David in a minute!

My friends and I had Dave guide a kayaking/bird watching trip. It was amazing! Dave is amazing! We learned a lot, saw and heard so many birds! It was great!