Kayaking Ambergris Caye: Caves, Altun Ha & Ancient Ruins

Paddle through underground rivers while your guide points out cave formations and stops for swims

Kayak through the cave system at Nohoc Chen Park and visit the ancient ruins of Altun Ha on a full-day activity from Ambergris Caye. You operate your own kayak (or float on a tube if water levels are high) while an experienced guide leads you through a forest path, shares local plant knowledge, and navigates you through a series of cave passages with crystal-clear rivers. The package includes all gear, meals, hotel pickup, roundtrip air transfer to the mainland, and entrance fees. Minimum age for kayaking is 13, and a moderate level of fitness is required.

The experience

Twelve hours starts with pickup from your hotel or the cruise port, then a roundtrip flight to the mainland. Once there, you walk a forest trail where the guide points out local plant uses before reaching the cave entrance. The guide explains the cave layout and walks you through kayak familiarization (how to paddle, balance and move through tight passages) before you push off into the river.

You paddle through a series of cave chambers, watching the guide indicate formations and places to stop and swim. The water is clear enough to see the riverbed, and the cave entrances are large enough that sunlight still reaches inside. As you exit the final passage, the light opens up on the water and you hear birds on the riverbank. After paddling out, you store the gear, use the facilities, and eat a meal of rice and beans with stew chicken and coleslaw before the return flight to the island.

If water levels are too high for safe kayaking on the day you go, the guide will offer tubing instead. You float on an inner tube while the guide powers a tube train through the same cave system. Children as young as 4 can join on tubes. Kayaking requires a minimum age of 13. The activity involves a moderate amount of hiking on the forest path and river crossings, so bring footwear with thick soles and a change of clothes. Headlamps, helmets, life jackets, paddles and kayaks (or tubes) are all provided.

What’s included

• Kayaks or inner tubes with paddles, life jackets, helmets and headlamps.
• all entrance fees to Nohoc Chen Park and Altun Ha.
• a local guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel or cruise port pickup and roundtrip transfers.
• roundtrip air transport from Ambergris Caye to the mainland.
• lunch of rice and beans with stew chicken and coleslaw.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 74 years) · Senior (75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 50 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Tourism Auto Transport Ltd.

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably in either language. Book this if you want to paddle your own kayak through caves and have moderate fitness and swimming ability. Families with younger children (ages 4–12) can join on tubes instead, where the guide does the propulsion.

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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 (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (4 to 5 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the minimum age to kayak on this activity from Ambergris Caye?

Kayaking requires a minimum age of 13 years old. Children ages 4 and up can join by floating on inner tubes instead, which the guide tows through the cave system.

What happens if the river water level is too high for kayaking?

If water levels are unsafe for kayaking on your tour day, the guide will offer tubing as an alternative. You'll float on an inner tube while the guide powers the tube train through the same cave passages, so you still see the cave formations and swim stops.

Does the price include the flight from Ambergris Caye to the mainland?

Yes, roundtrip air transfer from the island to the mainland is included in the package, along with hotel or cruise port pickup and all return transfers.

What should I bring for this 12-hour activity?

Bring a towel, change of clothing, swimwear, insect repellent, and footwear with thick soles for walking on gravel paths and river crossings. If you plan to use a helmet camera or GoPro, bring a helmet attachment.

Is swimming required, and what's the fitness level needed?

Participants must know how to swim. The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness because of the forest hiking, river crossings, and paddling through cave passages.

What meals and drinks are included?

A meal of local Belizean rice and beans with stew chicken and coleslaw is included, along with coffee and tea. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase at the park.