Black Hole Drop Rappelling in San Ignacio: 300-Foot Descent

A 300-foot rappel into a natural sinkhole, a jungle hike in both directions, and lunch at the bottom

The Black Hole Drop is a full-day rappelling adventure in San Ignacio, Belize, where you descend 300 feet into Actun Loch Tunich, a natural sinkhole on the Caves Branch estate. Expert guides gear you up, lead a 60–90 minute hike to the site, manage the rappel itself, and bring you back out. Lunch is served at the bottom of the hole. The activity requires high physical fitness, proper hiking boots and long pants. Children are welcome from age 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rappel and hike at Black Hole Drop

• Ride 10 minutes to trail head
• Hike 60-90 minutes to sink hole
• Gear up for 300 ft rappel
• Descend into sink hole
• Enjoy picnic lunch at bottom
• Hike out of sink hole

The experience

Is this the only place in Belize where you can rappel into a sinkhole? Yes, Caves Branch holds the only natural sinkhole in the country that is rigged and maintained for sport rappelling. The day starts with a 10-minute ride to the trailhead, then a 60–90 minute jungle hike through the rainforest to reach Actun Loch Tunich. Your guides carry the rappelling gear and manage the setup. You wear a helmet and harness, clip into the rope, and descend 300 feet to the floor of the sinkhole. The rock walls, the scale of the drop, and the enclosed space are the real thing, not a simulation or a climbing gym.

At the bottom, the team breaks for a picnic-style lunch before the hike out. The ascent is its own test of endurance. Most people finish the day ready for the cold beer that waits back at the lodge. Total time on the ground is around five hours. You need to wear lightweight long pants (not jeans), a t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt, and well-threaded hiking boots: Tevas, Keens and sandals are not permitted for safety reasons. Yoga pants that reach the ankle work. The guides reserve the right to turn away anyone who shows up in unsafe footwear or clothing, a policy built on 25 years of accident-free operations.

Guides speak English and Spanish and lead you through every step of the rappel. Helmets and all safety gear are included, as is lunch. The adventure is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or anyone with poor cardiovascular health. This is a high-intensity day that demands real fitness and commitment.

What’s included

• Expert guides in English or Spanish.
• helmet and full safety rappelling gear.
• lunch at the bottom of the sinkhole.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (21 to 55 years) · Youth (12 to 19 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Starting point is the Caves Branch Welcome Center. Tours are available for Overnight Belize Guests Only and Not Possible for Cruise Ship Passengers due to the distance from Belize City and Off/On boarding times.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Company & Jungle Lodge + Belize Tree Houses

Is this one for you?This adventure is built for travelers with high physical fitness who want a genuine challenge. The jungle hike alone is 60–90 minutes each way, and the rappel demands real strength and nerve. If you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have poor cardiovascular health, this is not the right choice. If you are fit, committed, and ready to descend 300 feet into a sinkhole that no other operator in Belize uses for rappelling, this is the only place to do it.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 19 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What is the Black Hole Drop and why is it only in Belize?

Actun Loch Tunich is a natural sinkhole on the Caves Branch estate, and it is the only sinkhole in Belize that is rigged and maintained for sport rappelling. No other outfit in the country offers this descent.

How long does the full day take and what am I actually doing?

The adventure runs about five hours total: a 10-minute ride to the trailhead, a 60–90 minute hike through the jungle to the sinkhole, the 300-foot rappel down, lunch at the bottom, and the hike back out.

What gear do I need to bring and what do the guides provide?

You must wear lightweight long pants, a t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt, and well-threaded hiking boots: no jeans, Tevas, Keens or sandals. The guides provide helmets and all rappelling safety gear.

Do I need to be an experienced climber to do this?

No climbing experience is required, but you do need high physical fitness. The hike in and out is strenuous, and the rappel itself demands strength and focus. Guides manage the technical setup and walk you through every step.