Belize City: Cave Tubing & Zipline Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Float through ancient caves then zip above the Belizean jungle canopy

You’ll hike through Belize’s lush jungle before floating by tube through ancient Maya caves—cool air, echoing drips, and stories from your guide. Then swap wet clothes for a harness and soar above treetops on seven ziplines over the same river you just floated down. Includes pickup in Belize City plus all gear—just bring your nerves and maybe an extra shirt.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I nearly forgot my dry clothes in the van — rookie move. The morning started with me fumbling for my water bottle while our guide, Marlon, grinned and handed out helmets like he’d done it a thousand times (he probably has). We set off from Belize City and after about an hour’s drive, the road faded into thick green. The air smelled earthy, like rain on stone, even though it hadn’t rained yet. I was still half-awake as we hiked through the jungle; someone behind me pointed out a toucan but I missed it because I was trying not to trip over a root. Typical.

The cave tubing part is what I’d been nervous about. You get your tube and headlamp, and suddenly you’re floating into this yawning black mouth in the rock. The water was colder than I expected — not freezing, just enough to make me gasp. Inside, it’s quiet except for drips echoing off stalactites overhead. Marlon told us how these caves meant something to the Maya; he flicked his light at some weird mineral shapes and said they used to hold ceremonies here. There was a moment where everyone just stopped talking — you could hear nothing but water lapping against plastic tubes and maybe your own breath.

After that we changed back at the van (finally found my dry shirt), then drove maybe three minutes to the zipline place. Two guys there — Li and Carlos — joked around as they strapped us into harnesses. They showed me how to brake with my glove but honestly, on that first line across the river, I forgot everything except how loud my heart was pounding. You can see flashes of sunlight through leaves as you fly past; I probably screamed too loud but nobody seemed to mind. There are six or seven lines total — by the last one we were all laughing at each other’s helmet hair.

I still think about that silence inside the cave sometimes, especially when things get noisy back home. Not sure if it was the river or just being somewhere so old and strange with people who live here every day — but yeah, it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cave tubing and zipline adventure

• Arrive at cave tubing national park
• Get gear and hike 25 minutes
• Tube through cave and see formations
• Learn about Mayan history from guide
• Return to parking lot and change clothes
• Drive 3 minutes to zipline location
• Meet zipline guides and gear up
• Hike 5 minutes to first zipline platform
• Zipline on 6 to 7 lines over jungle
• Return to pick up location

Top questions

How long does the cave tubing & zipline tour from Belize City take?

The tour lasts about 5.5 hours including transport from Belize City.

Is hotel or port pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels or cruise port in Belize City are included.

Do I need to bring my own equipment for cave tubing or ziplining?

No, all necessary equipment is provided by the guides.

Are there any physical requirements for this adventure?

You should have moderate fitness; children must be at least 40 inches tall for tubing and waist size must not exceed 48 inches for ziplining.

What should I wear or bring for this day trip?

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet; bring dry clothing to change into after cave tubing.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Tamales are available if requested beforehand; otherwise only drinking water is provided.

How far is the drive from Belize City to the cave tubing site?

The drive takes about one hour each way depending on traffic.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour easily?

Yes, but guests must meet outside terminal one promptly after docking using ship time.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise port in Belize City, all necessary gear for both cave tubing and ziplining adventures, drinking water throughout the day, guidance from experienced locals like Marlon (who knows every tree along that trail), plus tamales if you ask ahead—just don’t forget your dry clothes for after the caves!