Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Sniper Recon Tour- Don’t Waste Your Money
We did the sniper recon experience we did not at all get what we paid for based on the description on the website. It said in multiple places the tour was 3 hours and that we could be there for up to 4 hours for that 3-hour tour. We were called the morning of and asked to come early for our 10am tour. We got there at about 915am and were on the trail by 940am, and returned at 1145 am, just two hours later. We said something to our guide (Brennan) and expressed that we would be okay with it if they let us have the vehicles for the last hour to their self-guided trail experience so we could get the time we paid for. He asked the manager (Josh) who told us the experience was 'up to' 3 hours and not guaranteed to be 3 hours- this is not at all what the tour description said on their website or other sites they advertise on. It clearly states a 3-hour duration and to plan to be there for up to 4 hours. I did not feel comfortable confronting them- literally every employee was literally openly carrying a firearm whether your tour was using firearms or not which made the situation very intimidating.
I believe we had this experience because they were busy and short-staffed. When we got back there were a ton of people waiting, and our guide had mentioned before our return that he was being given an extra tour to do that day. I don’t know if they needed the guide, the vehicle we were in, or both, but I perceived that were rushed through was supposed to be their most exclusive and adventurous experience (their words) because they wanted to increase their throughput for the day and that our group was the only two people booked on the tour we chose.
Further on the shooting experience- the description clearly states that we would receive expert shooting instruction under the guidance of a skilled long-range shooting instructor (their words). Our guide was a very nice guy- but he was far from what was represented. It turns out that his only real qualification was that he was an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer and had only had that qualification for about 3 months at the time. He did spend time in the military in the Airforce but was never a military marksman and never had any formal training as a marksman as either a civilian or in the military.
I will say the shooting experience was a good one only given that everyone in our group was an experienced shooter. The range had a good set-up, and it was very satisfying to shoot at those distances with that kind of change in elevation- it was a seriously difficult challenge.
Despite having found some fun in it, I am convicted in my belief that the experience was woefully misrepresented online in an unacceptable way that is beyond bad marketing. Although our guide was nice, the customer service experience was extremely poor both before, during, and after. I have attempted to rectify this in multiple ways prior to posting this review and disputing the credit card charge in an attempt to get a resolution. No one responds to the contact form on their website and their phone system is clearly designed to get you to hang up (their website says outright there are no phone reservations, but there is still a number to call). If you call you are put into a long automatic hold loop after which it rings a few times and plays an information voicemail message that is over 10 minutes long- only then will it let you leave a message. I've left two and no one has called me back. I hope this review and the dispute of the credit card charge final gets...
Read more
“If you’re broken, you don’t have to stay broken.” – Selena Gomez
This quote has taken on new meaning to me now, ever since I met JB—my ATV guide.
Before today, I was a world-renowned pediatric heart surgeon, owner of multiple medical patents and frequently asked to give TED Talks. But after riding with JB through the scorched wilds of Arizona, I knew… I had been living a lie. I was not healing tiny hearts. I was patching them up so I could ignore the gaping hole in my own.
JB didn’t just guide me through sandstone and sagebrush. He guided me to my truth. I’m leaving medicine! Yes, children remain on the waitlist for valve replacements. And yes, some of them already drew me crayon portraits with "thank you" written in shaky handwriting. But what about my happiness? What about me? I shall no longer be shackled by scalpels and moral obligation! I, too, will become an ATV guide! I’ve already sent in my resignation letter and a gift basket of mixed nuts to the ICU.
But JB didn’t stop there! No, In a single afternoon, he helped me confront the trauma I’ve carried since childhood. My father—a cruel man with high standards—has always told me I’d never be as great of a dancer as him, nor could I even cast a shadow on my grandfathers dancing legacy (famous salsa dancer from Brooklyn, and creator of the stanky leg move). When I once attempted a humble arabesque, my father gazed at me with disappointment so potent, a child somewhere lost their balloon. He pronounced, “The wrong son came back from the war,” and stormed out of the house slamming the door shut. From that point he refused to speak to me for several seasons.
But now, I am ready. JB has inspired me to challenge my father to a dance-off, one year from today! The stakes? Our ancestral land. If I can outperform him in a full pas de deux of my own choreography, I shall inherit the soil of my people (an abandoned blockbuster in Springfield, Missouri and some cattle).
JB is a man who does not speak so much as he utters truths—each sentence a proverb, and each joke a parable. When I asked if we’d be back before lunch, he looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘Even the scorpion waits for the shade.’ I didn’t understand it then. I still don’t. But I feel it. He is my Hero, My life choreographer. My metronome.
In conclusion, this was a nice two-hour ATV tour. Highly recommend. Bring...
Read more
One of the best adventures to try in Arizona is exploring the rugged terrain. I opted for an ATV, while my friends chose UTVs.
If you’re not familiar with ATVs and UTVs,
ATV stands for "All-Terrain Vehicle," while UTV stands for "Utility Task Vehicle" or "Utility Terrain Vehicle." Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
#ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Design : Typically designed for a single rider, though some models can accommodate a passenger. Controls: Operated with handlebars, similar to a motorcycle. Use :Often used for recreational purposes such as off-road riding, racing, and trail riding. They can also be used for work purposes, especially in agriculture. Maneuverability : Known for their agility and ability to navigate rough terrain, including narrow trails.
#UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) Design:Generally designed to accommodate multiple passengers (2 to 6) with side-by-side seating. Controls :Operated with a steering wheel and foot pedals, similar to a car. Primarily used for work purposes, such as hauling equipment and materials on farms, ranches, and construction sites. They are also popular for recreational activities like hunting and off-road adventures. Features :Often come with additional features like cargo beds, rollover protection structures, and more storage space.
In summary, ATVs are more suited for solo riders looking for agility and adventure, while UTVs are designed for carrying passengers and cargo, making them more versatile for utility and recreational use.
The view is amazing, the staff is super professional and the experience was awesome.
What you need to do one night before is to drink lots of water and I mean lots of water and to take water with you.
I see the whole fun is in riding the “ATV”, if it is your first time there , request a Guide but if you know how it goes, be on your own with your fellow friends...
Read more
