Exploring Belize's Underground: A Cave Diver's Paradise

Belize is home to thousands of caves, which range from easy walks to challenging hikes. The country's unique geology, characterised by a lime rock matrix, makes it particularly susceptible to the formation of caves. Many of these caves were used by the ancient Maya for spiritual rituals and sacrifices, and they believed that caves were an entrance to the underworld, or 'Xibalba', which translates to 'the place of fear'.

One of the most famous caves in Belize is Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), which was rated as the number one sacred cave in the world by the Discovery Channel. Other notable mentions include Barton Creek Cave, St. Herman's Cave, and the Crystal Cave.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Belize is home to thousands of caves, many of which are featured in international documentaries by organisations such as National Geographic. This is due to their beautiful characteristics and the ancient Maya artefacts within them, including sacrificial remains.

One of the most notable caves in Belize is Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave). Deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the ATM Cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, around a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio. The cave is not only visually stunning, with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but it is also a natural museum, providing insight into the ancient Maya civilisation.

The ATM Cave is a "must-see" attraction in Belize, offering a rare opportunity to see an ancient Maya sacrificial site with skulls, pots, and ceremonial altars, untouched for centuries. The cave is filled with well-preserved human skeletons and handmade artefacts. The most famous of these is the "Crystal Maiden", believed to be a young person, possibly a sacrificial victim, whose bones have calcified to give a sparkling, crystallised appearance.

To enter the cave, visitors must swim across a small spring-fed pool into the dark underworld. Inside, there is an extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers, including the ceremonial chamber, "The Cathedral", where stoneware, ceramics, and the "Crystal Maiden" can be found. Visitors must remove their footwear and explore the dry chamber in wet socks only, to protect the sensitive limestone floor.

The ATM Cave is located in an area of tropical jungle, so suitable hiking gear is required. The tour is considered a soft to medium adventure, and it is recommended to start early in the morning when it is still cool. The cave is government-administered, and only experienced and licensed guides are permitted to take visitors inside.

Barton Creek Cave

Belize is home to thousands of caves, many of which are consistently featured in international documentaries and articles. Most of the country's caves contain ancient Maya artefacts, including sacrificial remains.

One such cave is Barton Creek Cave, located in the Cayo District of Belize. It is one of the longest subterranean sites in the country, with at least 5 miles of cave passages that have been charted, and an additional 4-5 miles that are yet to be mapped.

The cave is situated on the Bogaert family's sustainable farm, nestled in the mountainous jungle of Cayo District. The property is entirely powered by solar and hydro energy, and almost all of the food served in the Barton Creek Cafe is locally sourced within Belize.

The Barton Creek Cave tour involves travelling by canoe about a mile along a meandering river flowing through the cave's cathedral-like chambers and wide passages. Licensed guides trained in natural history and Maya cultural heritage accompany visitors on the tour, making it both educational and enjoyable. The tour also includes the option to enjoy waterfalls and a refreshing swim, or to relax with a packed lunch amid tropical beauty.

Caves Branch Caves

Belize is home to the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, which is a popular destination for cave tubing and ziplining. The Caves Branch Cave is one of several subterranean sites that were carved out of the limestone foothills of the Maya Mountains by the very active Caves Branch River. The Caves Branch River is a scenic and popular bathing spot for locals and tourists.

The Caves Branch Cave is part of an Old Age Karst landscape, characterised by caves, sinkholes, and a lack of surface drainage. The Caves Branch Cave has a series of four cave passages that connect a series of Karst windows. The caves have a combination of water-filled sewer passages and side chambers that have formed as a result of collapse.

The Caves Branch Cave is a must-see for any visitor to Belize and is one of the Top Ten Things To Do In the country. The site provides an excellent example of the erosive power of water and the natural wonders of Belize.

The Caves Branch Outpost is a popular destination for cave tubing and ziplining. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and hiking through the jungle.

Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge is a popular accommodation option for those looking to explore the Caves Branch Cave and the surrounding area. The lodge offers a range of adventure tours, including cave tubing, waterfall cave expeditions, and archaeological tours.

St. Herman's Cave

For those wishing to explore further into the cave, a guide can be hired at the park's main entrance. Cave tubing can also be arranged, as a shallow stream runs through the cave. In addition to St. Herman's Cave, the park also offers other attractions such as the Inland Blue Hole, a sapphire-coloured sinkhole, and the Crystal Cave, which can only be visited with a guide.

The Blue Hole is accessible via a 45-minute hike from the park's main entrance or by driving further down the highway and parking in a second lot, from which it is a 5-minute walk. The Blue Hole is a popular spot for swimming, offering a refreshing dip in its sapphire-coloured waters.

Various tour options are available for visitors wishing to explore St. Herman's Cave and the surrounding area, including hiking, cave tubing, and zip-lining. The park is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entrance fee is $5.00 USD.

Crystal Cave

Belize is home to thousands of caves, many of which feature in international documentaries and articles. Most of these caves contain ancient Maya artefacts, including sacrificial remains.

One such cave is Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave. It is located within the Blue Hole National Park, in the heart of the jungle, along the Hummingbird Highway. The drive to Crystal Cave takes approximately 1.5 hours on fully paved roads.

The tour to the cave is physically demanding and takes between 8 and 9 hours. It involves a 50-minute hike through the tropical forest to reach the cave entrance, followed by a 15-foot climb down into the cavern. Inside the cave, there are large chambers with crystalline formations, artefacts, and skeletal remains from the time of the ancient Maya. The descent into the cave is challenging, requiring advanced physical fitness, agility, and endurance. It involves confined spaces, advanced climbing, and possibly swimming.

The cave is filled with shimmering formations, impressive crystal structures, stalactites, and stalagmites. Visitors can also see centuries-old fire pits, wall carvings, pottery, and other relics. The most challenging part of the tour is the two-hour walk inside the cave, which involves climbing, scrambling, and sliding along slippery surfaces.

After the cave exploration, visitors can enjoy a homemade lunch and a refreshing swim in the Blue Hole, an inland cenote filled with rainwater and spring water.

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