Cave Tubing in Belize: Nohoch Che'en with Local Lunch

Drift through underground rivers where the Maya once performed sacred rituals.

Cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve (also called Caves Branch) is a guided float through limestone cave systems in the Belizean jungle, where you drift on an inner tube past stalactites, stalagmites and crystal pillars while a guide shares the history of the caves the Maya called Xibalba. The activity takes about six hours total, includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all tubing gear, a hands-free hike through the rainforest, and an authentic Belizean lunch with a drink at Fu Wi Flavaz restaurant. You choose between cave tubing with lunch or a combo that adds ziplining. Both options include a live guide in English or Spanish, and the minimum age is 13.

The experience

The cave systems at Nohoch Che'en are limestone passages carved by underground rivers over millennia. You float through them on an inner tube while your guide navigates the route and points out the geological formations: stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and crystal pillars formed where they meet. The caves were central to Maya religious life, used for rituals and ceremonies in what they called Xibalba, the underworld. Your guide will steer you toward the most dramatic sections so you see the full scope of what's buried beneath the rainforest.

The day starts with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your location. Once at the reserve, your guide carries the tubes for you during the hike into the cave entrance, so you walk hands-free through the lush jungle. The float itself is gentle (the river current does the work), and the guide stays with the group the entire time. After the tubing, you head to Fu Wi Flavaz, a sister restaurant, for an authentic Belizean lunch and a drink. The whole outing runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off.

If you want to add more adventure, the combo option includes ziplining in addition to the cave tubing and lunch. Both versions require a moderate level of physical fitness and are not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you're in the Belize City area. Locations outside that zone may incur an extra charge. Park fees and taxes for Nohoch Che'en are separate.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation from your location.
• all cave tubing equipment and inner tubes.
• a hands-free rainforest hike with your guide carrying the gear.
• a guided float through Nohoch Che'en's cave systems with commentary on Maya history and geology.
• an authentic Belizean lunch with a drink at Fu Wi Flavaz restaurant.
• a live guide fluent in English and Spanish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Cave Tubing R Us

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hands-on cave tubing with hotel pickup included: ideal for cruise passengers or anyone without their own transport to Nohoch Che'en.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 is cave tubing, and how difficult is it?

Cave tubing means floating on an inner tube down an underground river through limestone cave passages. The current carries you gently. Your guide navigates and steers the group. It's not strenuous (the river does the work), but you do need moderate fitness and comfort being in water inside a cave.

Will I need to carry my own tube through the jungle?

No. Your guide carries all the tubes during the hike to the cave entrance, so you walk hands-free through the rainforest. Once you reach the water, you get on your tube and float.

What is Xibalba, and why does the guide mention it?

Xibalba is the Maya word for the underworld, and the ancient Maya used these cave systems for religious rituals and ceremonies. Your guide shares this history as you float through, connecting the landscape to the civilization that considered it sacred.

Is the lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes. After tubing, you eat an authentic Belizean lunch with a drink at Fu Wi Flavaz restaurant. The meal is local Belizean cuisine, giving you a taste of regional food traditions.

Can I add ziplining to this trip?

Yes. One of the purchase options combines cave tubing and lunch with ziplining. You choose which option suits your day when you book.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the cave?

No. Pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is included. If you're in the Belize City area, the driver collects you from your location and returns you after the activity. Locations outside that zone may have an additional charge.