We did the Barton Creek Canoe trip with a guide, and it added a lot to the experience. There were a lot of canoes there that looked like they were for rent, but the guide provided a big spotlight that we had to hold for him. It would have been really dark in the cave if we didn't have it. It was a great trip - saw some cool artifacts in there - pottery and also a human skull which was a little shocking, but very interesting to see. We probably would have missed those without the guide.

Thanks for the reply volcanogirl. I don't doubt a guide will enhance the experience, but I'm trying to find fun/exciting things that we don't necessarily need a guide. I know that we'll need one for ATM, and maybe the Barton Creek trip would be best with a guide too, it's just that with all of these tours (ATM, Tikal, Cave Tubing, Barton Creek, Pine Mountain, Lamanai, etc.) it's starting to add up!! I was just looking/hoping that we could do some of these without a guide to keep costs down. If not then, we may need to drop some of these off our list to save some money...

Totally understand; it didn't seem all that complicated, so I think it would be doable if you brought a high powered flashlight or something along those lines with you. One person could paddle while the other held the light. You'll see a lot of Amish folks on the way there which was cool in and of itself.

I believe you need a guide at Barton Creek. When we were there a few years back, a family showed up without a guide seeking to rent a canoe and were refused because they did not have a guide. We let them tag along with us with our Chaa Creek provided guide.