Cave Tubing at Nohoch Che'en: Caves Branch float with hike

Hike, float and headlamp through a 19-mile cave system with Mayan art on the walls

Cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch is a half-day float through a 19-mile network of caves in Belize's largest cave system, with a 45-minute hike, headlamp, tube and life vest included. The tour runs approximately 5 hours starting at 8:30am and covers an archaeological reserve declared in 2010. A live guide in English or Spanish leads groups of at least two people. Children from age 6 are welcome, and pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cave tubing and hiking tour

• Start tour at 8:30am
• Drive to Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch
• Hike for 45 minutes
• Float gently through caves
• Observe cave fish and stalactites
• View Mayan paintings on ceilings
• Enjoy snacks and refreshments
• Return to starting point

The experience

The Caves Branch sits 37 miles west on the George Price Highway, then 6 miles inland: a 15.5-acre archaeological reserve holding caves that took thousands of years to form. You hike for 45 minutes, then float on a tube through the cave system with a headlamp, watching schools of cave fish move through the water and spotting Mayan paintings high on the cave ceilings. Stalactites hang overhead as you drift through passages the Mayas used from the middle Pre-Classic through the Post Classic periods, primarily for burials and rituals.

The tour lasts roughly 5 hours total and includes the hike, the float, admission to the reserve, use of equipment (tube, life vest and helmet), and snacks with refreshments. A live guide speaks English or Spanish and leads the group. Pickup is included in the booking. Minimum group size is two people. Children must be at least 40 inches tall and at least 6 years old. Bring extra clothes to change into, sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy water shoes and a camera.

What’s included

• The tour includes admission to the reserve.
• use of tube, life vest and helmet.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• snacks and refreshments.
• and pickup for your group.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Infant (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tukan Shuttles & Adventures

Is this one for you?The 5-hour commitment leaves room for another activity in the afternoon or a morning elsewhere, but rules out a full-day itinerary that combines this with a distant site. Book the 8:30am start if you want the caves before midday heat and have the rest of the day free.

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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 17 years); Infant (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do on this cave tubing tour?

You hike for 45 minutes through the Caves Branch, then float on a tube through the cave passages with a headlamp, observing cave fish, stalactites and Mayan paintings on the cave ceilings.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs approximately 5 hours, starting at 8:30am, which includes the 45-minute hike and the float through the caves.

What's included in the cave tubing package?

Admission to Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, use of tube, life vest and helmet, a live guide in English or Spanish, snacks and refreshments, and pickup are all included.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, a minimum of two people is required to book the tour.

What makes Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch special?

Nohoch Che'en is part of the largest cave system in Central America, with a 19-mile network of caves that hold Mayan paintings and were used for burials and rituals from the Pre-Classic through Post Classic periods.