Belize Jungle Pontoon Tour: Waterfalls, Cliff Jumps & Tubing

Summary

Belize waterfalls day trip with jungle pontoon swimming cliff jumps and rainforest

You’ll cruise Belize’s rainforest by jungle pontoon with a local guide, swim beneath three waterfalls—including Rio-Frio—and try cliff jumping or tubing if you’re up for it. Lunch is served onboard after hiking or splashing around. Expect laughter, cool water on your skin, and moments that stick with you long after you towel off.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to the sound of water slapping gently against the side of our pontoon, somewhere deep in the Mayan mountains. The air was thick—like you could almost taste the green. Our guide, Joel (who grew up not far from here), pointed out a flash of blue morpho butterfly just as I was trying to figure out if that bird call was real or just in my head. You know how sometimes you expect a place to feel wild but it actually does? That’s what this felt like.

The first waterfall didn’t even have a name—Joel just grinned and said it changes every season. Pools stacked on pools, all this milky turquoise where leaves get frozen into stone by calcium. I dipped my hand in and it was colder than I expected. Some folks jumped straight in; I hesitated (not gonna lie), but ended up wading in after a kid who looked about eight. There was this weird silence for a second except for water dripping off rocks—it kind of sticks with me.

Twin Falls was next—two streams splitting around this big chunk of granite, both loud but different somehow. We had the option to hike up and jump off one side. I tried to say “waterfall” in Kriol (Li laughed at me—probably butchered it), then just went for it. The drop wasn’t huge but my heart still hammered all the way down. Lunch came right after—rice and beans wrapped in banana leaf, eaten with wet fingers because none of us bothered to dry off properly.

Last stop: Rio-Frio waterfall, taller than anything I’ve stood under before. Water pounded down so hard you couldn’t hear anyone talk unless they were right next to you shouting over the spray. A couple people floated on tubes out into the pool; I just let myself drift near the edge and watched sunlight flicker through all that mist. On the way back, Joel pointed out some toucans overhead—I missed them completely because I was still thinking about that cold rush under the falls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle pontoon and waterfall adventure

• Board jungle pontoon
• Cruise through Mayan mountains
• Spot flora and fauna
• Visit Un-Named waterfall
• Swim and cliff jump
• Visit Twin Falls
• Swim and cliff jump
• Visit Rio-Frio Waterfall
• Bathe under waterfall
• Lookout for wildlife

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you visit on this Belize jungle pontoon tour?

You visit three different waterfalls during the tour: an unnamed waterfall, Twin Falls, and Rio-Frio waterfall.

Is swimming or cliff jumping required on this day trip?

No, swimming and cliff jumping are optional activities—you can choose what feels comfortable.

Does this Belize pontoon tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included during your jungle pontoon adventure.

Are guides provided on the jungle pontoon tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the tour throughout the day.

Is transportation included from my hotel?

Yes, roundtrip transport is included for your convenience.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; areas are wheelchair accessible and strollers are allowed.

What should I bring or wear for this Belize waterfall trip?

A casual dress code is recommended; bring swimwear if you want to swim or jump in.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and return by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, bottled water and sodas throughout the trip, plus a hearty lunch served between swims—all led by a friendly local guide who’ll share stories along the way before dropping you back at your starting point.