Belize, a beautiful country on the northeastern coast of Central America, is a favorite destination for cave tubing enthusiasts. Cave tubing is the most popular offshore excursion you don’t want to miss on your trip to Belize. So, what is cave tubing in Belize, and what does it entail?
Cave tubing is an exciting recreational activity that entails riding through underground caves on rubber tubes. Belize is one of the most renowned destinations for cave tubing, and it attracts thousands of tourists annually looking to experience this activity.
If cave tubing in Belize is on your bucket list, this article will give you all the information you need to prepare for your adventure. So, keep reading to learn more!
Is Cave Tubing in Belize Worth it?
Cave tubing is an exciting recreational activity that, in my opinion, should also be on your to-do list if you’re an adventure lover (like me). However, you might wonder if cave tubing in Belize is worth it, or whether you should try it out somewhere else.
Belize is a beautiful country endowed with a vast array of pristine landscapes, including:
- The coastline
- Mountains
- Rivers
- Swamps
- Tropical jungle
The Maya Mountains are home to the world’s most famous cave tubing location. Located in Belize and western Guatemala, these mountain ranges comprise numerous caves and caverns that offer a rich source of information about the Mayan heritage.
Some of the massive caves are the size of cathedrals and have rivers or streams flowing through them. Hence, they offer an opportunity for water sports or adventures, such as:
- Canoeing
- Ziplining
- Cave tubing
- Swimming
- Cave trekking
- Kayaking
Barton Creek Cave is the best cavern for a trekking adventure. Walking through these eye-catching caves allows you to behold a part of the Belizean heritage. The Aktun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave also contains features and archaeological items telling how ancient communities lived centuries ago.
These include:
- Authentic calcified artifacts
- Calcified human skeletons
- Stairs and terraces
- Platforms
The Mayans considered these caves a gateway to their underworld (Xibalba). Therefore, priests and spiritual leaders performed rituals and ceremonies in the sacred caverns. Moreover, they stored precious items in the caves, such as clay pots and ceramic dinnerware.
However, these archaeological treasures are protected by law, and you can only see but not touch them.
The caves in the heart of the Belizian tropical rainforest are also home to various animals, including:
- Bats
- Crustaceans (such as crabs)
- Crayfish and mudfish
- Spiders
- Insects
Cave tubing is one of the most thrilling (yet relaxing) excursions in the Belizean caves. Floating through the dark tunnels and caverns on an inflated rubber tube is a must-do activity for thrill-seekers. However, keep in mind that it might not be the most pleasant activity if you’re faint-hearted or claustrophobic.
That said, I do think that it’s worth trying since it teleports you to a new world as you float on the turquoise water admiring the spooky scenery. Your headlamp will illuminate the way, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of what the Mayans would have considered a gateway to Xibalba.
Furthermore, it doesn’t take long (about 45 minutes), and you’ll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel sooner than expected. Nonetheless, the whole tour takes about 90 minutes since it entails hiking through the dense jungle and crossing the swift-flowing river.
Additionally, there’s no need to worry about safety, as all cave tubing excursions are guided. Most tour companies have local guides who know their way around the caves like the back of their hands. These tour companies also offer safety gear like helmets and life-saver jackets.
Currently, most inflated tubes provided for the excursion are chained together, forming small ‘tube trains.’ So, you don’t have to grab your friend’s tube for stability.
So, cave tubing in Belize is definitely worth your time, energy, and money. It’s a breathtaking experience that will make you crave another trip to this beautiful country. The adventure takes you through prehistoric caverns in the heart of the Maya mountains as you get a taste of the Belizean heritage.
Location
Cave tubing in Belize occurs at different locations (or caves). However, the most famous site is the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve (Caves Branch River), which comprises a series of 19 caves with rivers flowing through them.
The famous cave tubing spots are about an hour’s drive from Belize City or San Ignacio. They’re located off Hummingbird highway on the Unnamed Road, about 30 minutes from the City of Belmopan.
And the most convenient access point is at Mile 37 on the Western Highway. So, you’ll get here after passing the small farming village of Frank’s Eddy.
You can either use public or private transport to the Nohoch Che’en Archaeological Reserve, where all tour companies store their gear. The Reserve is designed to be as convenient as possible for visitors, and facilities include:
- Changing rooms
- Bathrooms (with showers)
- Car parking areas
- Gift shops
- Trained, knowledgeable tour guides
Once you get to the Reserve, you’ll have to hike through the jungle to reach the Caves Branch River. Then, you’ll have to hold onto a rope stretched across the river and carefully make your way to the entrance of the caves.
So, if you’re looking for two adventures for the price of one, this is definitely the best place to go cave tubing – and hat’s without considering the sheer beauty of the caves themselves!
Pricing
The lowest cave tubing cost in Belize is $50 per person. However, this price might vary, depending on:
- Your preferred tour company
- Activities included
- Cave’s location
- Time of the year
Here are the charges for different tour companies:
| Tour Company | Activities in Package | Price per Person |
| Belize Caving Expeditions | Cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en cave | ~$90 |
| Get to Know Belize Adventures |
|
~$100-$180 |
| Untame Belize |
|
~$185 |
| Belize Caving Expeditions |
|
~$110 |
| Belize Blue Morpho Tours and Services |
|
~$160 |
Keep in mind that these prices may change based on factors such as time of year and demand. However, they should give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for a cave tubing adventure!
What You Need When Cave Tubing
You don’t require much when going cave tubing in Belize since most tour companies provide essentials, including safety gear and packed lunch. However, there are a few items you should always carry along for a successful adventure, including:
- Swimwear or lightweight clothes (that you don’t mind getting wet in)
- Water shoes, heavy-threaded sneakers, or sturdy footwear
- Mosquito repellent
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- A change of clothes
- Bottled water
- Money
Note: Don’t forget to carry a high-quality camera to capture those precious moments. At the same time, make sure you bring along a waterproof case for your phone and camera so that you don’t damage them.
Best Places To Go in Belize
Belize is undoubtedly a cave tubing haven. And apart from the tantalizing feeling of floating freely on an inflated tube, you can also experience the gorgeous scenery of the jungle and coastline.
This country is home to numerous delightful destinations you don’t want to miss during your trip or vacation. Here are other tourist attractions you should consider visiting in Belize:
Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is a world heritage site and the second-largest coral reef system globally. It’s also Belize’s most renowned tourist attraction due to its stunning beauty. The coral reef is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, and extend from Cancún to Honduras.
Here you can enjoy various activities, such as:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Scenic views of mangrove forests, offshore atolls, coastal lagoons, turtles, and manatees
Belize Zoo
A haven for injured and orphaned animals, the Belize Zoo is one of the best places to visit when you’re in the country. It’s easily accessible, especially after a fun-filled cave tubing adventure at San Ignacio. The zoo offers visitors the opportunity to watch animals like jaguars, monkeys, and endangered birds in a simulated version of their natural habitats.
Ambergris Caye
You don’t want to leave Belize before enjoying its white, sandy beaches, and Ambergris Caye is the most beautiful spot to experience just this. It is the largest island in the northern part of the country, on the Caribbean Sea, and is famous for its beaches, especially the Secret Beach.
Other attractions include the mangrove forests and lagoons. The Caye is also protected as a national park and wildlife sanctuary.
You can get to Ambergris Caye by plane (there’s an airstrip on the island). Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from Chetumal, Mexico.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Belize is renowned for its rich history and heritage, comprising pyramids and sacred temples. Xunantunich (“Maiden of the Rock/Stone Woman”) is one of the famous archaeological sites that form part of the Mayan ruins. It’s just a few miles west of San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border.
Xunantunich sits at the heart of the tropical jungle and you’ll travel by ferry from San Jose Succotz and across the Mopan River. Having a local guide is essential since the site area is expansive, and you’ll also need someone to take you around and tell you the history of the place.
The archaeological site has complex structures comprising six plazas, 26 temples, and palaces. Climbing to the top allows you to enjoy the pleasant view of the jungles of Belize and Guatemala.
Can I Go Cave Tubing in Belize at Any of the Jaw-Dropping Caves Listed?
Yes, you can go cave tubing in Belize at any of the best caves in Belize listed. With its stunning underground rivers and breathtaking formations, you can explore these jaw-dropping caves while enjoying a unique adventure. Whether it’s the Actun Tunichil Muknal or other top choices, Belize offers an unforgettable cave tubing experience.
Final Thoughts
Cave tubing in Belize is a thrilling, unforgettable experience. A trip to the famous caves is the best opportunity to learn about the fascinating Mayan history. Additionally, most tour companies have captivating activities in their packages, such as jungle tours and zip-lining.
