Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize: Hike, tube and waterfall swim

Jungle hike and river tubing in one morning, waterfall swim before lunch

This full-day tour in Belize combines hiking through Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary with inner tubing down the South Stann Creek River and a swim at a waterfall. You hike a marked trail spotting wildlife and birds, float downriver on tubes, then walk to the falls for a swim and natural water slide before returning to your hotel. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours and includes a packed lunch, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup, and a live guide in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and river tubing at sanctuary

• Receive brief orientation
• Hike along marked trail
• Spot animals, plants, and birds
• Ride inner tubes down river
• Hike to waterfall for swim
• Enjoy natural water slide
• Have packed lunch
• Hike back to vehicles

The experience

The day starts with a brief orientation before you head out on a marked trail through Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. The hike gives you a real chance to spot different animals, plants and exotic birds as you move through the reserve. The trail itself is well-marked and takes you deeper into the landscape before you reach the river.

Once you arrive at the South Stann Creek River, you switch to inner tubes and float downstream. This is where the pace shifts. You're moving with the current, watching the vegetation pass, and the tubing section lets you cover distance without effort. After the river, there's a quick hike to the waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool and slide down the rock face into the water. A packed lunch waits here, so you eat with the sound of falling water nearby.

The hike back to the vehicles closes out the day. You'll need a moderate level of physical fitness for the full route: the combination of hiking, tubing and the waterfall swim adds up over the 6 to 7 hours. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the whole thing, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles transport to and from your hotel, so the logistics are settled before you arrive.

What’s included

• Bottled water and a packed lunch.
• all entry fees and taxes.
• round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by UNTAME BELIZE

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hiking and river tubing in one outing. The guide handles logistics and includes lunch, so you only need to commit your time from morning through early afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided 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 animals might I see while hiking through Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary?

Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife and exotic birds. The marked trail gives you a genuine chance to spot different animals and plants as you move through the reserve, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

How difficult is the hiking on this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll hike to the river, then after tubing you hike again to reach the waterfall. The full day of hiking and tubing over 6 to 7 hours is the main physical commitment.

Is the inner tubing safe for children?

Infants can ride on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. For older children, the tubing down the South Stann Creek River is part of the standard itinerary, though you should confirm your child's age and swimming ability with the operator before booking.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water, a packed lunch, all fees and taxes, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking, and hotel pickup. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the entire day.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours from start to finish, including the hike, river tubing, waterfall swim and the return to your hotel.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, as you'll be tubing and swimming at the waterfall. Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes for the hiking sections. Bottled water is provided, and lunch is included.