San Ignacio Cave Tubing: Float Maya Caves & Jungle Zip

You float through caves in the dark, then soar above the treetops on a harness.

Cave Tubing from San Ignacio is a six-hour activity combining river tubing through a series of Maya caves with zip-lining above the Belizean jungle canopy. You hike across the Caves Branch River, float downstream past visible ancient artifacts and natural rock formations with your guide, then exit the water and strap into a harness for a run through the jungle canopy. The final zip-line sends you gliding over a river below.

The experience

The day starts with a hike across the waist-deep Caves Branch River, where your guide points out local flora and fauna along a jungle trail heading upstream. Once you reach the starting point, your guide briefs you on tube safety and boarding technique, then you're set afloat into a series of caves that periodically open to sunlight and jungle. When the water current runs strong, your guide ties the group together with ropes so no one drifts off course. As you float, your guide calls out Maya artifacts visible in the cave crevices and explains the natural formations around you.

After exiting the river, you strap into a harness for the zip-line portion. The canopy course takes you through and above the jungle, with views that build toward the final run: a long glide over the river below. Your guide stays with you throughout both sections, managing the pace and pointing out details you'd otherwise miss. The activity runs six hours total and includes a packed lunch, bottled water, all safety gear (helmet, life jacket, headlamp, tube), and transport by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel.

This tour is often combined with a half-day visit to Xunantunich Ruins, so check which option you're booking: Cave Tubing only, or Cave Tubing paired with the ruins. Your guide speaks English or Spanish. Let the operator know ahead of time if you're traveling with children, non-swimmers, or have specific dietary needs: vegetarian options are available.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• packed lunch and bottled water.
• floating tube, life jacket, helmet and headlamp.
• zip-line harness and all safety equipment.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cave Tubing ONLYGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels within the San Ignacio Town limits, including Ka'ana, Windy Hill, and Hills Resorts. Please inform us of your exact location when booking. Pickup is included.

Cave tubing departing from San IgnacioGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 08:30 and 13:00Applies to pickups from the Bullet Tree area, Benque Viejo area, Chaa Creek area, Santa Elena, and Cristo Rey (excluding Pine Ridge Resorts), Ka'ana Resort, Windy Hill, and Vanilla Hills.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

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 10 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.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by GoMaya Belize Adventures

Is this one for you?You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the river hike and zip-line sections, and a minimum height of 40 inches to participate. The six-hour duration means this works best as a full-morning or full-afternoon commitment, especially if you're pairing it with the Xunantunich Ruins option.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

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 are the Maya artifacts you see while floating through the caves?

Your guide points out various Maya artifacts visible in the crevices of the cave walls as you float downstream, though the specific pieces vary depending on the water level and which caves the current takes you through on the day you visit.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to tube through the caves?

You don't need to be a strong swimmer. The water is typically waist-deep and you're floating on a tube the entire time. If you're a non-swimmer or traveling with children, let the operator know when you book so they can brief your guide ahead of time.

What happens if the water current is too strong to float safely?

When the water current runs strong, your guide ties the group together with ropes so you stay as a cluster and no one drifts away from the group.

How high are the zip-lines above the jungle?

The zip-line course takes you through and above the jungle canopy, with the final run sending you gliding over the river below. The exact height varies depending on the canopy structure, but your guide manages the pace and ensures you're secure in your harness throughout.

Can I bring a camera or phone into the caves?

Yes, your guide recommends bringing a camera, preferably waterproof, during the river hike and cave float so you can capture the flora, fauna and artifacts your guide points out.