Belize Cave Tubing: Small Group Tour with Tubes & Pickup

Summary

Float through Belize’s ancient caves on a small group tubing adventure

You’ll cross rivers by foot, float beneath Belize’s Maya mountains in linked tubes with mesh seats and headrests, and listen as your local guide shares stories inside echoing caves. Includes pickup from port or hotels, all gear provided, plus time to swim or choose your own lunch at the park before heading back—expect laughter and muddy shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“Careful, the rocks are slippery here!” That’s what our guide, Luis, called back as we waded across the river for the first time. I’ll admit—I was nervous about getting my sneakers soaked so early in the day, but everyone else just laughed and splashed right in. The air smelled a bit earthy and green, like wet leaves after rain. We’d left Belize City behind less than an hour ago (the van had good AC, thankfully), and now it felt like we were somewhere completely different—just jungle sounds and our little group of eight.

The walk to the cave entrance took maybe twenty minutes, though I lost track after the second river crossing. Luis carried all the tubes himself—he joked that he didn’t need a gym membership. At one point he stopped to show us a tiny frog perched on a rock; his pride in this place was obvious. Once we reached the mouth of the cave, some people jumped into a pool to swim (I chickened out—it looked cold). The tubes had these mesh seats and headrests that made floating really comfortable. They even linked together so no one drifted off alone.

Inside the cave was something else entirely—quiet except for our voices echoing off stone. Our helmet lights flickered over weird rock shapes above us; Luis pointed out where ancient Maya would have walked (or crawled?) centuries ago. There was a spot where water dripped from above and landed on my arm—it felt icy for just a second. I still think about how dark it got when we turned off our lights for fun—so black you could almost hear your own heartbeat.

Afterwards, we dried off and changed near some open-air restaurants at the park—everyone was starving by then. You can pick whatever lunch you want (I went for chicken stew; no regrets). Then it’s just a quick ride back to port or your hotel. Not everything went smoothly—I managed to drop my towel in a puddle—but honestly, that just made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cave tubing adventure and return

• Meet at Belize Cruise Port
• Drive 37 miles to caves
• Walk 30 minutes to cave entrance
• Receive helmet, jacket, and lights
• Float through caves on tubes
• Enjoy geological and historical info
• Optional swim in cave pools
• Walk to van and collect towels
• Return to Belize Cruise Port

Top questions

How long is the drive from Belize City to the caves?

The drive is about 37 miles from Belize City to the caves.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Yes, pickup from hotels or Belize Cruise Port is included.

What kind of tubes are provided for cave tubing?

The tubes have mesh seat bottoms, headrests, grab ropes, and cup holders.

How long is the walk to reach the cave entrance?

The walk takes around 20-30 minutes with three river crossings on a gravel path.

Is swimming optional during this tour?

Yes, there is an optional swim spot at the cave entrance before tubing begins.

Are meals included in this tour?

No meals are included; you can purchase lunch at several restaurants at the park after tubing.

What should I bring for this tour?

You should bring towels, swimwear, refillable water bottles (no single-use plastics), and thick-soled shoes suitable for walking on gravel paths and through rivers.

Is there an age or height requirement for children?

Children must be at least 40 inches tall and accompanied by an adult.

Are changing rooms and restrooms available?

Yes, there are changing rooms, showers, and restrooms available at the park facilities.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port in an air-conditioned van; all tubing gear such as luxury tubes with mesh seating bottoms and headrests; helmets with lights; life jackets; tube delivery service right to the cave entrance; use of park facilities including changing rooms and showers; plus time to buy lunch at one of several onsite restaurants before returning comfortably to Belize City or your hotel.