Cave Tubing San Ignacio: Jungle hike, float through caves

Float through flooded caves when others can’t: your exclusive jungle river escape

Cave tubing in San Ignacio combines a 20-minute river crossing and jungle trek with tubing through cave systems, including a detour into cave pools at the halfway point. Groups stay between 2 and 8 people. A local guide leads in English or Spanish, and the tour includes hotel pickup from San Ignacio town, lunch, and all equipment. The operator runs a backup cave site when the primary location floods, so the tour runs even in heavy rain.

The experience

The day starts with a one-hour drive from San Ignacio to Jaguar Paw cave, where you get fitted with a headlamp and lifejacket. From there, a 20-minute hike takes you across Caves Branch River and into the lowland rainforest, passing through karst formations and ancient Maya artifacts left in the rock. The walk is steady but not extreme: the guide sets the pace through the jungle canopy.

Once you reach the water, you climb onto a tube and float downstream into the cave system. The current carries you past exotic cave formations for about 30 minutes before you stop halfway through. Here you wade into cave pools and explore a deeper section of the cavern on foot before floating the remaining distance to the exit. The whole float takes roughly two hours. After you climb out, you eat lunch (local food, with advance notice given for dietary needs), then drive 50 minutes back to your hotel.

The tour runs in groups of 2 to 8 people and operates even when the main cave site is flooded. The operator has a second location that stays open in heavy rain. If both sites close for safety, you get rescheduled or a full refund. Bring a change of clothes and wear shoes that can get wet. The guide is a local professional who speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Complimentary pickup and drop-off from San Ignacio town accommodations.
• headlamp and lifejacket.
• professional local guide speaking English or Spanish.
• lunch with advance notice for dietary needs.
• bottled water.
• access to a backup cave site when the primary location is flooded.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

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 24 pickup points.Operator's directions: “LET US KNOW If you have your rental car and are meeting us at the CAYO WELCOME CENTER in San Ignacio town.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by St Leonard's Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you speak English or Spanish and prefer a small group. Your guide will match the pace to your group's comfort level as you float through the caves.

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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 (10 to 16 years); Child (4 to 9 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

How long does the actual cave tubing part take?

The float through the cave system lasts roughly two hours, with a stop halfway through to explore cave pools on foot before continuing downstream to the exit.

What happens if it rains heavily on the day of my tour?

The operator has a second cave site specifically for rainy conditions. If the main location floods, you tube through the backup cave instead. If both sites are unsafe, the tour is rescheduled or you receive a full refund.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for this?

You float on a tube with a lifejacket, so swimming ability is not required. The tour does ask for a moderate level of physical fitness because of the jungle hike and the walking sections inside the caves.

What's included in the lunch?

Local food is served at the halfway point. Let the operator know at booking if you have dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies.

Does the price include pickup from my hotel?

Complimentary pickup and drop-off are included only for accommodations inside San Ignacio town. Hotels outside town may have an extra fee.