Belize's Underground Paradise: Is Cave Tubing Worth The Adventure?

Belize is a small country in Central America, renowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and vibrant ecosystems. With English as its official language, it’s a popular destination for ecotourism and offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient Maya ruins. The country is also home to a large network of refreshing caves and vital nature, making it a haven for adventure and relaxation seekers alike.

Belize is believed to be home to over 900 Mayan sites, including village remains and caves. Cave tubing in Belize takes you through these subterranean sites, once traversed by the Mayans. The Mayans believed that these caves were the entrance to Xibalba, their underworld and the place of fear and the gods of death.

There are over seven miles of caves and lazy river, with archaeological evidence indicating that the Mayans used it as a ceremonial centre. The caves served as impressive sanctuaries used by the Mayans for rituals and other serene experiences.

Today, cave tubing in Belize is a popular activity for tourists, with many tour companies offering guided tours through the caves. It is a unique and adventurous way to explore the country's natural beauty and learn about its history and culture.

The experience of cave tubing in Belize

Cave tubing in Belize is an adventure like no other. It is a chance to explore the ancient underground world of the Mayans, who believed these caves were the entrance to Xibalba, their underworld and the place of the gods of death.

The experience begins with a hike through the lush rainforest, where you'll learn about the rich flora and fauna of the region. You'll then reach the river, don your safety gear, and hop into your tube. As you float downstream, you'll pass through limestone caverns and ancient cave systems, illuminated only by your headlamp. The darkness and silence of these caves will leave you in awe, and you'll feel a sense of adventure as you glide through.

The river will lead you further into the caves, where you'll discover stunning geological formations and crystal-clear waters. The quietness of your surroundings will be broken only by the gentle sound of your tube gliding through the water and the occasional explanation from your knowledgeable guide about the history and lore of the area.

As you emerge from the caves, you'll be met with a rush of sunlight and the sounds of the rainforest. Take a moment to relax and let the warmth of the sun dry you off. You might even spot some of the local wildlife, including bats, crabs, and other nocturnal creatures that call these caves home.

Cave tubing in Belize is a unique and unforgettable experience. It offers a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you with lasting memories. Whether you're an experienced explorer or a first-time adventurer, this activity is a must-do when visiting Belize.

Don't forget to wear water shoes and bring a change of clothes, as you will get wet! Also, be sure to choose a reputable tour company and follow the guidance of your experienced tour guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The history of the caves

Belize is believed to be home to over 900 Mayan sites spread across more than eight thousand square miles. The caves in Belize have immense prehistoric significance as the Mayans, the most prominent ancient civilization in the region, conducted important spiritual rituals and ceremonies there. The Mayans believed that the caves were the holiest and most sacred locations on Earth, forming a mystical realm beyond conventional notions of time and space. They believed that within these caverns resided divine beings, and it was in these sacred spaces that Mayan priests engaged in spiritual communion with them.

The caves served as impressive sanctuaries used by the Mayans for rituals and other serene experiences. The ancient Maya regarded these spectacular cave systems as a sacred underworld and home to many powerful gods. The caves were also called Xibalba by the ancient Maya, meaning the underworld, the place of fear and the gods of death.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the cave system was used for over two thousand years as a ceremonial centre by the ancient Maya. The first modern reported use of this river flowing through the caves was said to have been in Belize’s early history. In the late 1800s, a logging family from the Belize District village of Lemonal used the caves to float lumber through for pick-up en route to the port of Belize City.

What to wear for cave tubing

The right clothing and equipment will ensure your cave tubing adventure in Belize is memorable for all the right reasons. Here's what to wear to stay safe and comfortable.

Footwear

You'll be walking over uneven, rocky terrain, so closed-toe shoes with good grip and ankle support are essential. Water shoes are ideal, but if you don't have any, a pair of old sneakers will do. Just be aware that they might get wet and muddy. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they won't protect your feet or provide the necessary traction.

Clothing

Dress in layers, as the caves are chilly. A base layer of synthetic or silk long underwear will keep you warm without getting too heavy and wet like cotton or wool. You can then add a long-sleeved shirt and pants in synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, which will dry quickly. Avoid jeans or fashion leggings, as these will be uncomfortable and restrictive when wet.

Headwear

A helmet is essential to protect your head from bumps and scrapes in the low-ceilinged caves. If you don't have a caving or climbing helmet, a bicycle helmet with a flashlight or headlamp taped to the top will do. You'll also want to keep your head warm, so a hat or balaclava is a good idea.

Accessories

You'll be glad for a pair of thick socks at the end of the day, so bring some hiking socks with good cushioning. Gloves are also a must to protect your hands from rocks and mud. Gardening gloves, thin leather work gloves, or 3/4-finger biking gloves are all suitable options.

Other Essentials

• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• A dry change of clothes

How to get to the Caves Branch River

To get to the Caves Branch River, you can book a tour with a company such as Caves Branch or Cave Tubing Bz. These tours typically include transportation to and from the river, as well as any necessary equipment and a knowledgeable guide.

For example, Caves Branch offers a River Cave Expedition that begins with a 15-minute drive on their jungle buses to the Caves Branch River. Once you arrive at the river, you will tube for 100 feet to the entrance of the cave.

Alternatively, you can book a tour with Cave Tubing Bz, which includes a 30-minute walk through the jungle and past a dry cave called the Fertility Cave, followed by an hour and a half of tubing through a series of underground canals and four large caves.

Other tour companies offering similar experiences include Vitalino, Belize Exotic Adventures, and Charlie's Cave Tubing Tours.

The best time to visit Belize

Belize is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you're looking for. The dry season, from December to May, is the high season for tourism, with warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds and little rain. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, with many attractions crowded with tourists.

The rainy season, from June to November, is the low season, with fewer crowds and discounted prices on tours and accommodations. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. The rainiest months are September and October, and there is a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes during this period.

• December: The beginning of the dry season, with cooler temperatures and dissipating rains. The waters become calm and clear, making it a great time for scuba diving and snorkelling. It is also a festive time, with Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
• January: A transition month between the wet and dry seasons, with varying amounts of rainfall and mild temperatures. It is the beginning of the high season for active vacations, with hotels, tours and boats filling up fast.
• February: The dry season continues, with less rain and milder temperatures. It is a pleasant time to visit, with warm tropical weather and sunny skies. It is also the time for the Fiesta de Carnaval, a week-long party with parades, music and dancing.
• March: The height of the dry season, with the least amount of rain and rising temperatures. It is a popular month to visit, with excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities.
• April: Temperatures increase, and brief refreshing showers keep conditions pleasant. It is one of the warmest and driest months, with calm seas making it ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. It is also the best time for whale shark viewing.
• May: Temperatures remain hot, and rain increases. It is the end of the dry season, so there may be fewer travellers and lower prices. It is a great time for calm water activities such as catamaran cruises, snorkelling and scuba diving.
• June: The start of the rainy season, with high temperatures and fresh breezes. It is the opening of lobster season, and a great time for fishing.
• July: The wettest month of the year, with frequent storms and overnight thunderstorms. However, easterly breezes provide relief from the heat inland. It is a good time for fishing and lobster season is in full swing.
• August: A brief respite from the rainy season, with a slight break from the summer rains. It is a good time to visit for low-season rates and discounts.
• September: The height of the rainy season and the hurricane season. There is increasing rainfall, but days are often sunny with warm temperatures. It is the low season for tourism, with many catamaran charter boats out of the water for maintenance. It is a fun month to visit for the annual Carnival celebration.
• October: Rainfall continues to be heavy, with occasional "northers" bringing two- or three-day storms. It is the annual Belize Birding Festival, and a good time to take advantage of low-season rates and discounts.
• November: The beginning of winter for locals, but still warm and sunny. It is a great time to visit ahead of the busy holiday season in December. It is the Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, with parades, street music and traditional dancing.

Frequently asked questions