By Robert Schrader | Published on September 10, 2025
When cruising to Belize, you’ll discover paradise islands, gorgeous beaches and cave tubing for thrilling adventures. Belize cave tubing tours offer inland trips that are every bit as magical as hotspots like Caye Caulker and the Great Blue Hole. Float through the stunning ancient cave systems, surrounded by Mayan ruins and jungle landscapes.
On your next cruise vacation to Belize, make time to explore the country's wild side and try cave tubing.
Quick Takeaways: What to Know About the Best Cave Tubing in Belize
- ● Float through ancient underground rivers and caverns as you go cave tubing in Belize.
- ● Top locations include Nohoch Che’en, St. Herman’s Cave and Jaguar Paw.
- ● Combine Belize cave tubing and Mayan ruins tours, or add on other adventures like ziplining.
- ● Tours typically provide gear, but bring water shoes, a swimsuit and a waterproof camera.
- ● Book excursions through Royal Caribbean’s Belize shore excursions for the best experience.
- ● Explore Belize cruises to experience all of the thrilling adventures the country offers.
What Is Cave Tubing?
Cave tubing is an exciting adventure where you float on an inner tube through moving water. In Belize, cave tubing takes you through river caves full of stalactites and crystal-clear water.
Most cave-tubing trips are bound for spots in Belize's “Mayan Hills,” which are roughly halfway between Belize City and the Guatemala border. Over many millennia, underground rivers have eroded the limestone rock below the hills, carving out several stunning caves. Local tour guides run tubing trips to locations where underground rivers continue to flow.
Although cave-tubing can be relatively relaxing — you're literally floating along the current — some caves feature elevation changes and even rapids for a more adrenaline-pumping experience.
Many cave-tubing tours in Belize's Mayan Hills also make stops at cenotes — underground chambers or caves with a permanent body of water fed by the underground river system. This means you may be lucky enough to have multiple adventures in one day.
Where Is the Best Cave Tubing in Belize?
The best cave tubing in Belize is at Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve, located near the capital of Belmopan, which is not far from Belize City. This system, also known as Jaguar Paw, features multiple interconnected caves and gentle rapids.
Other Belize cave tubing locations include:
- ● St. Herman’s Cave in Blue Hole National Park — not to be confused with the offshore Great Blue Hole that sits off Belize's coast in the Caribbean.
- ● Crystal Cave tubing in the Cayo District — perfect for travelers seeking a more adventurous trek.
- ● San Ignacio, Belize, cave tubing tours — often paired with visits to Mayan ruins like Xunantunich.
- ● Cave tubing in San Pedro, Belize — ideal for adding on island excursions or snorkeling trips.
- ● Cave tubing in Placencia, Belize — a great option if you’re exploring the southern coast and want to add an inland adventure.
Cave tubing with an organized tour company in Belize is the best way to ensure you have an incredible and safe experience. These guided tours also often offer bundle adventures for popular Belize cave tubing locations like:
- ● Nohoch Che'en or St. Herman's Cave and Altun Ha — the ruins of an ancient Mayan city
- ● Xunantunich Mayan ruins in San Jose Succotz, and cenotes or dry caves.
How Does a Cave Tubing Adventure Work?
Your Belize cave tubing tour usually begins with a hike through the rainforest to the cave entrance — probably while carrying your tube. Depending on the location, hikes range from 15 to 30 minutes long.
Once inside, you’ll:
- ● Sit comfortably in your inflatable tube.
- ● Follow your guide’s flashlight through chambers of ancient rock formations.
- ● Encounter occasional rapids for bursts of excitement.
- ● Enjoy floating through the river and perhaps embarking on other adventures like climbing, ziplining or touring some Mayan ruins.
How long does cave tubing in Belize take?
Cave tubing in Belize usually lasts for about an hour. But there’s more adventure included! The tour also includes about an hour of hiking to reach and exit the cave, ziplining or climbing, cenote swims, waterfall treks or visits to the Mayan temples — a full (and fulfilling) day.
How Much Does Cave Tubing Cost in Belize?
The cost of cave tubing in Belize can range in price considerably. For basic cave tubing, you can expect to pay from $45 to $65. If you book a bundle tour that includes add-ons like ziplining or visits to Mayan sites, the cost is likely $100 or more. Booking cave tubing excursions in Belize through your cruise ship may be pricier, but it ensures a reliable experience.
Is Cave Tubing in Belize Cold?
Water temperatures inside the caves are refreshingly cool but not uncomfortably cold, averaging around 70–74°F (21–23°C). You’ll warm up quickly while hiking or ziplining between adventures.
What To Wear for Cave Tubing in Belize?
The best clothes to wear for cave tubing in Belize are ones that are suitable for a hot, sunny day of hiking and water adventure:
- ● Swimsuit.
- ● Quick-dry clothes.
- ● Hat.
- ● Sunglasses.
- ● Water shoes or non-slip shoes.
You may also want to consider packing:
- ● Waterproof camera or phone case with a strap.
- ● Dry bag with spare clothes and a towel for after the tour.
- ● Insect repellent.
- ● Biodegradable sunscreen.
Is Cave Tubing in Belize Safe?
While it might be more adventurous than floating down your local river, cave tubing in Belize is safe. In fact, it’s a great family activity for all ages.
Your guide is trained to ensure the entire cave tubing excursion in Belize is safe. But here are a few tips for your peace of mind:
- ● Stay alert and be prepared for changes in rapids and other river conditions.
- ● Don’t worry about bats! Your cave tubing excursion in Belize is a daytime adventure, and since bats are nocturnal, they should be fast asleep.
- ● Watch the weather. Depending on rainfall, cave tubing may be gentle, heart-pumping or something in between.
Tips for Planning Your Belize Cave Tubing Tour
Cave tubing is an activity that requires some forethought. Luckily, you’re probably planning to book your cave tubing excursion in Belize through an organized provider, so you won't need to pack equipment like headlamps, first aid kits or tubes.
To make the most of your Belize cave tubing tour:
- ● Visit during Belize’s dry season, December to April, for ideal conditions.
- ● Book early through Royal Caribbean’s Belize shore excursions.
- ● Consider combining tubing with other activities, like ziplining or exploring Belize City attractions.
While on your guided Belize cave tubing tour, don’t hesitate to ask the local guide for recommendations on where to eat in Belize for authentic Belizean cuisine.
Book Your Belize Adventure Today
Cave tubing in Belize is one of the most memorable adventures you can have in Central America. Whether you want to drift gently through ancient caverns or combine your Belize cave tubing and Mayan ruins together with thrilling ziplining, this experience showcases Belize’s beauty in a whole new way.
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