Xunantunich Maya ruins and cave tubing: Private shore excursion

You climb Belize's tallest Maya pyramid, then float through an underground river inside a limestone cave.

A private shore excursion from your cruise ship combines two full experiences: explore the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich with a licensed local guide, climbing El Castillo for jungle views, then travel into the limestone caves of Nohoch Che'en to tube through crystal-clear underground rivers. The tour runs eight hours total, includes a Belizean lunch, all tubing gear, entrance fees and air-conditioned transport. Children from age one are welcome, and guides speak English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Xunantunich and cave tubing

• Drive to Xunantunich ruins
• Cross Macal River by ferry
• Tour Maya ruins with guide
• Climb El Castillo pyramid
• Travel to Nohoch Che’en caves
• Hike jungle trail to cave
• Float through underground cave river

The experience

You have a port day in Belize and want to see both the ruins and the jungle without arranging transport yourself. This tour picks you up from your ship and drives you west through the Cayo District to Xunantunich, where a licensed local guide meets you at the archaeological site. The ruins sit on a hilltop overlooking the Macal River valley, and you reach them by crossing a traditional hand-cranked ferry. A detail that signals you've left the main road behind. Once there, you walk through ceremonial plazas and past carved stelae while the guide explains Maya history and daily life. The centerpiece is El Castillo, Belize's tallest Maya structure, and climbing to its top gives you panoramic views across the jungle toward Guatemala.

After the ruins, you travel to Nohoch Che'en, a natural limestone cave system where the real adventure begins. A guide leads you on a short jungle hike to the cave entrance, pointing out local flora and fauna along the way. Then you enter the water (cool and clear), and float on an inner tube through underground caverns lit by natural openings above. The Maya called this realm Xibalba, the underworld, and drifting through the rock formations and ancient passages gives the mythology real weight. The tubing is gentle and relaxing, not a technical challenge. Families and first-time cavers do it regularly. You'll wear a helmet and lights for safety, and the guide stays with your group the whole way.

The day includes a Belizean lunch of rice and beans with stew chicken, served partway through. Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in the Cayo heat. All entrance fees, tubing gear and the guide are part of the price, so there are no surprises at the gate or the cave entrance. The tour operates as either a small group or a fully private booking. You choose at checkout, and both options follow the same itinerary and include the same stops.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport from your ship.
• licensed local guide fluent in English and Spanish.
• entrance fees to both Xunantunich and Nohoch Che'en.
• helmet, lights and inner tube for cave tubing.
• Belizean lunch of rice and beans with stew chicken.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 14 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish08:00

Up to 3 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish07:00, 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

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 19 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.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Belize Wild Caribbean Tours

Is this one for you?Book the private option if you want the ruins and caves without sharing the guide or vehicle with other cruise passengers. The small group option suits travelers happy to meet other visitors and split the cost of a shared guide and transport.

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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 (1 to 5 years): free.

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.

How do I get from the cruise ship to Xunantunich?

The tour includes pickup from your ship and air-conditioned transport to the ruins, roughly an hour's drive west through the Cayo District. You cross the Macal River on a traditional hand-cranked ferry to reach the archaeological site.

What is El Castillo and why climb it?

El Castillo is Belize's tallest Maya pyramid at Xunantunich, and climbing to the top gives you panoramic views across the jungle and toward Guatemala. It's the centerpiece of the site and the vantage point most visitors come for.

Is cave tubing difficult or dangerous?

Cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en is a relaxing float through underground rivers, not a technical or strenuous activity. You wear a helmet and lights, and the guide stays with your group. Families and first-time cavers do it regularly, and it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes all entrance fees, the helmet and lights for tubing, your inner tube, lunch, transport and both guides. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes or sandals that can get wet. The guide will advise on what else suits the day.

How long is the whole tour, and will I make it back to the ship on time?

The tour runs eight hours total from pickup to return. The operator times the itinerary to fit a typical port call, but confirm your ship's departure time when you book so the guide can plan the return accordingly.