Tree climbing on Operation Wallacea

A friendly learning environment with expert instructors

Frequently Asked Questions about Operation Wallacea adventures

For 2024, Canopy Access will run tree climbing in the cloud forest of Cusuco National Park, Honduras.

You’ll have an amazing time and we’re sure you’ll have some questions so here’s a few FAQs for starters and feel free to contact us if there’s something you’d like to know more about.

• Who can do it?

  You will already be out on an Operation Wallacea expedition and getting acclimatised to jungle life.

  No previous experience or skill is required, just a moderate level of fitness and an adventurous spirit! You'll be fitted with a safety harness and helmet and given a detailed demonstration. You’ll learn about the kit, our fantastic safety systems and how to safely connect to our climbing system. Next you will run through our rope manoeuvres just a few feet off the ground. Suitably upskilled, you will then be free to climb as high as you like making sure to take in the view, dreamy atmosphere and remember to have lots of fun!

• What can I get out of it?

  You will be exploring some very special trees in an incredibly biodiverse part of the world.

  On your adventure you'll have a fun, immersive and exhilarating experience where you can encounter some amazing wildlife and plants that live up in the canopy. You'll learn new techniques and skills as you ascend into a zone rich in scientific discovery, gaining an understanding of trees and the environment around them.

  This is a great learning experience and truly something unique to experience. Tree climbing also builds confidence, encourages you to discover your own strengths and how to tackle your fears, and it can equip you for a career in the canopy.

• Is it safe?

  Absolutely Yes! You will receive a short demonstration to prepare you for your adventure in the tree and if you follow our safety instructions, you are sure to have a great time.

  All of our instructors hold industry recognised awards as well as up-to-date Outdoor First Aid qualifications. Our chief instructors is a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. Canopy Access has £5M of Public Liability Insurance with an esteemed insurer and a copy of the Insurance Certificate can be provided on request.

  The activities are fully risk assessed however please note that the activities are of a substantial and physically testing nature, and there is a risk of injury from hazards such as tree branches, the environment you are in and the challenging nature of the activity, climbing ropes, improper use of equipment and other users climbing as well as the inherent risks associated with being at height. All our safety equipment is thoroughly and regularly inspected, is CE marked, traceable to source and is fully compliant with all Health & Safety legislation.

  Please note that tree climbing takes place in a variety of habitats and these environments are never completely hazard free. While Canopy Access makes every effort to minimise risks, we will not be held liable for accidents, death, injury or loss of property that are not a result of negligence on the part of Canopy Access, or for any accidents or losses which are due to participant's failure to follow the instructions of the Instructors.

• How do I book?

  Simply go to our booking link and pay online.

  NOTE: Full payment is required in order for us to confirm your booking. Any exception to this will be solely at our discretion. All bookings are taken on the basis that the customer will, at all times, observe the safety regulations and follow the safety instructions of Canopy Access and its staff. In the rare instance that it may be necessary, Canopy Access reserve the right to cancel the activity where conditions prevent safe participation or where insufficient bookings or participant cancellation make the activity unworkable. Occasionally Canopy Access has to make changes and /or correct errors on the website and tariff both before and after bookings have been confirmed. We reserve the right to remove an individual or stop a booking, should they or a group’s behaviour be deemed anti-social or infringe on the safety of themselves or others. No form of reimbursement will be offered under these circumstances.

• Can I take photos?

  Of course you can! We encourage you to share your best ones on our Facebook page too. We might even be able to give you a special bag to carry your phone up in. We would ask that photos showing other people should not be shared on social media without their permission, for their safety and in line with GDPR regulations. When you sign our photo permission we can take photos of you right at the top of the tree and we will feature the best of these for all aspects of our marketing and PR.

• Are these activities accessible?

  We welcome everyone and we will try and find a way to make your day as enjoyable as possible however, whilst the design of the climbing system and the nature of our safety equipment helps to enable access to all, it is important to state that the activity does have aspects that are physically and mentally challenging.

  Alternatively please contact us and we would be delighted to discuss your requirements.

  We always like to help so do get in touch to ask any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!

• I'm afraid of heights!

  That is fine, funnily enough, a lot of our adventurers say that, shortly before they surprise themselves by climbing way beyond their expectations! Our fantastic Canopy Access team are also here to support and help if needed and we encourage everyone to challenge themselves. So, challenge yourself today in a fun safe way!

• Is it ok for the trees?

  At Canopy Access we have a lot of love for the trees we climb. We champion minimizing our impact to the tree we are climbing. Our ropes are rigged with slings so you are climbing up and down the ropes, with no ropes rubbing on any branches. We also respect wildlife who may call the tree home so some trees may be out of bounds during nesting season.

• Are there any restrictions?

  You must be medically fit enough to carry out this activity and please ensure that our Instructors are made aware of any important relevant medical conditions. If you have any fitness or medical concerns please contact us prior to booking.

  The size of our specialist harnesses dictates the size of customer that we can safely allow to participate on any of our activities. Please note that the safety equipment must be able to be correctly and safely fitted to the participant.

  The Canopy Access team are always here to help, support and encourage you if have difficulty with the activities. Do not expect to set a new World Record and you will climb to a level and height of your choice.

  Tree climbing mainly relies upon your legs to help you ascend. We have taken people of all ages and abilities up into the trees. A good height weight ratio is more crucial than strength.

• Is there a disclaimer that i have to sign?

  Yes there is and you will complete this (with help from your teacher or guardian if under 18) on the day of your activity.

• I think i might be pregnant, should i climb?

  We recommend that pregnant women do not take part since the position and the strenuous movements involved in a well-fitted climbing harness have associated risks. Our adventures are robust physical activities which involve a degree of risk. However, ultimately the choice is yours. We are not medical experts and therefore suggest you seek advice from your doctor on the matter.

• What happens in bad weather?

  Canopy Access will endeavour to ensure that all bookings run at the scheduled date and time. All activities are held at our discretion for your safety and so if there are severe weather conditions that may affect safety and wellbeing, the session may be delayed, postponed or cancelled. We will use reasonable measures to notify you as soon as possible as soon as possible. Our events will go ahead whatever the weather unless we are experiencing high winds, thunderstorms, lightning, or torrential rain. If there are severe weather conditions that may affect your safety and wellbeing, the session will be postponed or cancelled at no cost to you.

See also our blog about our time in Honduras in 2023 Climbing in the cloud forest.