Cave tubing Xibalba & lunch: Rainforest hike, underground float

Float through an underground cave system where the Maya once walked

A 6-hour cave tubing activity near Belize City combines a rainforest hike, a float through the Sibun River's underground cave passages, and a Belizean barbeque lunch. Your guide leads the hike, briefs you on safety, and points out rainforest flora and fauna before you tube through crystalline formations and past stalagmites and stalactites. Pickup from your hotel and transport by air-conditioned minivan are included. The tour operates in English or Spanish.

The experience

The day starts 37 miles up the Western Highway at Caves Branch River, where you get tubes, headlights and safety gear before hiking through the rainforest to the cave entrance. Your guide walks you through the flora and fauna of the area and goes over the safety procedure for tubing. Then you float the Sibun River through the ancient Maya underworld, Xibalba, where intricate crystalline formations line the passages and stalagmites and stalactites rise and fall around you. You'll emerge into sunlight several times, only to enter another cave system.

Lunch is a Belizean barbeque: rice and beans, stewed chicken, fried plantains and coleslaw. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour. You will get wet, so bring towels and a change of clothes. The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness and a minimum height of 4 feet.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• tubes, headlights and safety gear.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• rainforest hike with flora and fauna commentary.
• cave tubing through the Sibun River.
• Belizean barbeque lunch with rice and beans, stewed chicken, fried plantains and coleslaw.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

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 17 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Just outside Terminal 1. Your guide will be waiting outside with a sign with your name on it.”

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 yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Muy'Ono Adventures

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car or a ride to the Western Highway. The minivan collects you and returns you at the end of the day, so the whole 6 hours stays on the water and in the caves rather than on logistics.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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's the hike like before you get in the tubes?

The hike goes through rainforest to the cave entrance at Caves Branch River. Your guide points out the local flora and fauna along the way, and once you arrive, briefs you on safety before tubing begins.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for cave tubing?

The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness, but you float on tubes rather than swim. Your guide leads the way and stays with the group through the cave passages.

What happens if I'm under 4 feet tall?

The park imposes a 4-foot height restriction, so anyone under that height cannot participate in this tour.

How does pickup work from my hotel?

Pickup from your hotel in Belize City is included. You travel by air-conditioned minivan to Caves Branch River, 37 miles up the Western Highway, and return the same way after lunch.

What should I bring besides a swimsuit?

Bring towels and a change of clothes since you will get wet. Headlights and safety gear are provided, and bottled water is available throughout the day.