Our tour guide was Larry. While he seems like a nice person, he chews and spits chewing tobacco the entire 10-hour tour. It is absolutely disgusting to see over and over again. As some who is directly interfacing with the public, this seems horrendous to make me endure this.
Larry was a very pleasant tour guide but didn't provide the energetic and entertaining commentary that we expected based on other reviews. Unfortunately, he also speaks very softly so it was difficult to hear him most of the time. Sitting in the back, we missed 85% of what he said as he only used the mic once. He also only spoke when asked a direct question.
There was no overview of the day, how long we would be at each place, no communal introductions.
The vehicle we were in was not in the best shape. The top looked bolted on from another vehicle. Two other vehicles had broken down the day before. Did not seem like a put together company. Lunch was at Subway. Was not impressed as we were from out of town and would preferred to eat at a local place.
All in all, if you have your own car, drive yourself. We found no advantages from taking this tour except not having to deal with parking at national monuments. Overpriced and not worth it.
Response from Host
Sep 2018
Hello -
I am sorry you did not enjoy your tour with our company. I do apologize if you could not hear your guide during the tour, he is supposed to be using the PA when he deems it safe to use the hand mic, and he was in error if he didn't*.
I know we got off on the wrong foot . . . the day of the tour you were upset with the guide for only allowing one hour stop at Mt Rushmore (as is stated in our TripAdvisor listing). From your review I believe there may have been several misconceptions about what Open-Top-Tours offers.
(Introductions and Overview)
"Our Mount Rushmore Monument and Crazy Horse Memorial for one hour each and then the top opens." ----
Unlike big bus tours we provide a more casual personalized tour and make sure to answer all questions asked (*and provide narration about attractions as we tour*). The tour information listed on TripAdvisor explains that Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse are limited to one hour tour each (its already a 10 hr tour). After that we make stops at many other outdoor attractions, and the length of the stop depends on what wildlife are available for viewing and how many photos our guests want to take. We try to be flexible with our stops (within limits).
(Vehicles and Safety)
The vehicles we use are unique and for a reason, they all offer exceptional viewing for our Safari tours. All are inspected and maintained for safety and comfort (as stated two were in for repair). We use several convertible top vans with sliding tops. We also have "Moby" our one of a kind Safari style van with a Lexan (bullet proof) see through roof, removable side panels for unobstructed viewing and has individual leather reclining seats (with seat belts). It also has an aftermarket roof extension that allows our guests to (legally and safely) stand at any time during the tour for photo ops (as pictured in our TripAdvisor Safari photos). Moby was the Safari van you were on that day and you may have been expecting something more like a traditional standard van.
(Lunch)
As stated on our listing, "A picnic lunch is provided at Stockade Lake." We stop at a Subway so everyone may pick what they would want for the picnic. This is offered on our Standard tours, however any tour may be converted into a Private tour that would include eating at a local place.
There was no tobacco used by our guide. He is recovering from surgery that sometimes affects his swallowing. He tries to be discreet whenever it is required to alleviate the problem. I'm sorry for this upsetting you.
I appreciate your taking time to review your tour. Be Well - Rich
To Our Future Guests: If during any of our tours you feel we are not providing what you want . . . please let the guide/driver know . . . (more AC or more heat, can't hear please speak louder, open top or close top, and although we frequently announce restrooms as we tour please let us know if we need to stop.)
Thanks and Be Well - Rich