Ziplining In Belize: Safe Adventure Or Risky Business?

Ziplining in Belize is considered a safe activity, with many tour companies prioritising safety measures and adhering to safety standards. Double cables are often used for added safety, and experienced guides are present to ensure your security throughout the tour. Before embarking on the ziplining course, you will be provided with safety gear, including a harness, helmet, and gloves, and will receive a safety briefing. While ziplining, you will be securely fastened to a harness and series of clamps and cables, with guides stationed at each platform to meet you.

Ziplining in Belize offers an exhilarating experience, allowing you to soar through the subtropical jungle and gain a bird's-eye view of the rainforest canopy. It is a popular activity for adrenaline seekers, nature enthusiasts, and families, with some companies offering tours suitable for children.

Safety features and equipment

Zip-lining in Belize is considered a safe activity, with many tour operators emphasising the safety features of their zip-lining equipment. Here is a detailed breakdown of the safety features and equipment used for zip-lining in Belize:

Safety Harness

A safety harness is a crucial piece of equipment for zip-lining. It consists of a sturdy belt that secures around the waist and thighs, with additional straps and attachments for connecting to the zip-line cable. The harness distributes the rider's weight evenly, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride. The harness also includes a lanyard with a carabiner or similar attachment, which connects to the zip-line cable, providing a secure connection during the ride.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for zip-lining in Belize. The helmet protects the rider's head from potential impacts with objects such as tree branches or the zip-line platform. It is essential for preventing head injuries, which could be life-threatening. The helmet should fit snugly and securely on the rider's head, with adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable and safe fit.

Gloves

Gloves are provided to protect the rider's hands during the zip-lining experience. They help with grip and control, especially when braking or steering. Gloves also provide protection from rope burn or friction injuries that could occur from handling the zip-line cable at high speeds.

Double Cables

Many zip-lining tours in Belize utilise a double-cable system for added safety. Each cable can withstand up to 2,000 pounds of weight, providing redundancy and peace of mind. This system ensures that even if one cable fails, the second cable will support the rider's weight, preventing accidents.

Platforms and Landing Gear

Zip-lining platforms are typically located high in the canopy, with safety features to ensure a secure experience. Handrails and safety gear are standard on all platforms, providing stability when embarking or disembarking. The landing platforms are also equipped with guides who assist riders with braking and ensure a safe transition to the next zip-line segment.

Weight and Size Restrictions

Zip-lining tours in Belize have weight and size restrictions in place to ensure rider safety. These restrictions are based on the capacity of the safety equipment and the physical dimensions of the course. For example, the waist of an individual must not exceed 48 inches, and the zip-lines can typically hold weights up to 250 pounds. These restrictions are crucial for ensuring that the equipment functions properly and safely.

Qualified Guides

Qualified and experienced guides are an essential part of the safety protocol for zip-lining in Belize. These guides provide instruction, assistance, and supervision throughout the zip-lining experience. They help riders with harnessing, braking, and transitioning between platforms. Their expertise contributes significantly to the overall safety of the activity.

Safety Briefings

Before embarking on a zip-lining tour, participants typically receive a comprehensive safety briefing. This briefing covers essential safety protocols, emergency procedures, and instructions for using the equipment properly. It ensures that riders are aware of potential risks and know how to respond in case of an unexpected situation.

Reputable Tour Operators

When booking a zip-lining tour in Belize, it is essential to choose a reputable and established tour operator. Reputable companies prioritise safety and maintain their equipment to high standards. They also employ experienced and well-trained guides who are knowledgeable about the specific zip-lining course.

Overall, zip-lining in Belize is considered a safe activity when participants follow safety instructions and adhere to the equipment guidelines provided by trained professionals.

Tour options and lengths

There are several tour options for ziplining in Belize, which vary in length and intensity.

Calico Jack's

Calico Jack's Village offers three ziplining tours of different lengths and difficulty levels. The Explorer tour is for beginners, offering 1,135 feet of cable and taking 45 minutes from start to finish. The Intermedio tour is more challenging and lengthy, providing 2,573 feet of cable in 7 runs and including hiking and a hammock bridge crossing. The Ultimo Explorer tour combines the Explorer and Intermedio tours, with over 2,700 feet of ziplining and 9 runs. This tour takes around 2 hours. The CJV Extreme tour is another 2-hour activity that combines the Ultimo Explorer tour with a cable walk over Rock Canyon and a 50-foot rappel.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

The Bocawina Zip-line in Mayflower Bocawina National Park is considered the longest zip line in Belize at 2.5 miles long. The course has eight traverses and twelve platforms, with two free fall rappels. The ziplining tour can be combined with other activities such as hiking, waterfall rappelling, and exploring ancient Mayan sites.

Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch

Nohoch Che’en is often paired as a combo tour with cave tubing. The ziplining course here is over 1,000 feet long and takes you through the treetops of the rainforest.

Belize City

Ziplining tours in Belize City often combine ziplining with other activities such as cave tubing, kayaking, and exploring Mayan ruins. These tours typically include transportation, a certified guide, and lunch.

Belizean Dreams Resort

Belizean Dreams Resort offers a ziplining and cave tubing tour that includes a short hike, ziplining through the jungle treetops, and tubing through underground caves. The ziplining portion of the tour includes five platforms ranging from 100 to 500 feet of flying.

Ziplining heights and distances

Ziplining in Belize offers an exhilarating adventure, allowing you to soar through the rainforest canopy and experience breathtaking views of the dense jungle. The heights and distances of the ziplines vary across different tour operators and locations, providing a range of options for thrill-seekers.

At Calico Jack's in Cayo, you can choose from three different ziplining experiences: the beginner Explorer with a 45-minute run, the Intermedio with an hour-long ziplining adventure, and the Ultimo Explorer, which combines both runs for a total of 9 runs, 15 platforms, a jungle lift, and 2,700 feet of adrenaline-pumping fun.

The Aerial Trek Zipline offers a thrilling excursion with seven platforms, starting with a short "test run" and progressing to longer distances at a height of 80 feet. The ziplines range from 100 to 250 feet in length, providing an exciting experience as you soar through the treetops.

The Belize Zipline and Cave Tubing Tour at Belizean Dreams Resort features five platforms ranging from 100 to 500 feet in length, with ziplines dangling 80 feet above the forest floor. This tour also includes a refreshing cave tubing experience through the mysterious underground caves.

The Jungle Zip-Lining and Waterfall Rappelling Tour in Mayflower Bocawina National Park boasts the longest zipline in Belize at 2.5 miles long. The course includes twelve platforms and eight traverses, with three traverses as high as 2,300 feet. This tour offers a challenging and exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.

The Bocawina Rainforest in Belize is also home to the Thrilling Zipline Adventure, featuring 12 platforms, 8 runs, and a rappel. The exact heights and distances of this zipline tour are not specified, but it is touted as the longest zipline in Belize, promising an exciting experience.

What to wear and bring

When preparing for a ziplining tour in Belize, it is important to wear appropriate clothing and bring essential items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here is a list of recommended items to wear and pack for your ziplining adventure:

What to Wear:

• Long or short pants: Opt for comfortable and breathable pants that allow ease of movement during the activity.
• Sturdy protective footwear: Choose closed-toe shoes with good traction, such as hiking shoes or boots, to provide stability and protect your feet during the zipline course and any hiking segments.

What to Bring:

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Reapply regularly, especially if you are spending a full day outdoors.
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and help keep you cool during your ziplining experience.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the glare of the sun and reduce the risk of glare while ziplining.
• Bug repellent: Insects can be a nuisance in the jungle, so apply a reliable insect repellent to exposed skin to prevent bites.
• Camera: Capture the breathtaking views and memorable moments during your zipline adventure. Consider using a secure strap to keep your camera safely attached to your body.
• Binoculars: If you're interested in birdwatching or wildlife spotting, bring a pair of compact binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.
• Swimwear: Some ziplining tours in Belize offer opportunities for swimming or waterfall rappelling, so bring swimwear if you plan to take a dip.
• Towel: If you plan to swim or anticipate getting wet during the zipline course, bring a quick-drying towel to stay comfortable.
• Water bottles: Stay hydrated throughout your ziplining adventure by carrying a reusable water bottle. Refill it whenever possible to ensure you have enough water during your tour.
• Snacks: Pack energy-boosting snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep your energy levels up during your ziplining experience.
• Change of clothes: It is advisable to bring an extra set of clothes, especially if you plan to engage in activities like cave tubing or swimming after ziplining.

Remember to follow any specific guidelines provided by your chosen ziplining tour operator in Belize, as they may have additional recommendations or requirements for what to wear and bring.

Tour combinations

Ziplining in Belize is often combined with other activities, such as cave tubing, to offer a full day of adventure. Here are some examples of tour combinations that include ziplining in Belize:

Cave Tubing and Ziplining

Coral Breeze Tours offers a combination of ziplining and cave tubing, with lunch included. The tour begins at the Belize Tourism Village, where participants board a van that takes them to the ziplining nature course. After a safety briefing and instructions, participants glide along a steel cable at eye level with the treetops of the rainforest. The course has eight platforms ranging from 40 to 300 feet apart. Following the ziplining, participants change into gear for cave tubing, which includes an adjustable headlamp, a life jacket, and an inner tube. They then embark on a nature walk through the rainforest and caves, learning about the ancient Mayans who once inhabited the area. The tubing portion takes participants through the Caves Branch River, where they can observe the cave system's enormous chambers and unique limestone formations.

Mayan Temple, Cave Tubing, and Ziplining

This full-day tour combines the exploration of the Mayan temple of Altun Ha with cave tubing and ziplining. Participants can learn about ancient Mayan history and experience thrilling outdoor activities. In addition to visiting the Mayan temple, the tour includes hiking through the jungle, inner tubing through caves, and ziplining over the canopy. Lunch is also included along the way.

Private Tour: Xunantunich, Cave River Kayaking, and Ziplining

This all-day guided tour combines the exploration of the ancient site of Xunantunich with cave tubing and ziplining. Participants can discover the Mayan world and experience the adventure of flying through the air on a zipline course with six stages, each platform standing 100 feet high. The tour also includes inner tubing through a series of underground caves.

Jungle Canopy Ziplining and Waterfall Rappelling

This combination tour offers ziplining and waterfall rappelling in Belize. Participants first fly through the jungle on a 2.5-mile zipline cable, followed by a lunch break. After that, they hike up the Bocawina Falls and rappel down the waterfall, with the opportunity to swim in its crystal blue pools.

Calico Jack's Ziplining Tours

Calico Jack's offers three different ziplining tours of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The Explorer tour is designed for beginners, with 1,135 feet of cable and seven platforms. The Intermedio tour offers a challenging and lengthy line, with 2,573 feet of cable, 12 platforms, and the addition of hiking and a hammock bridge crossing. The Ultimo Explorer tour combines the Explorer and Intermedio tours, providing over 2,700 feet of ziplining with nine runs and 15 platforms.

Frequently asked questions