Caves and cenotes in Belize City
Caves and cenotes are the main reason many visitors leave Belize City for the day. The big draw is cave tubing: you float through an underground river on an inner tube, with only a headlamp to show the way. Most trips are tours run by an operator, since the caves lie outside town and need transport and gear.
Places to go
Belize Cave Tubing
Belize Cave Tubing is a tour into an underground river cave system, where you float on inner tubes with headlamps for light. It is one of the main ways visitors see caves near Belize City.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Jungle Jeep Adventure And Sibun Wildlife River Cruise
What to expect
Most people do this as a tour. The operator collects you, drives out of the city to the cave river, and provides inner tubes, headlamps and a guide. You float through the cave with the water carrying you and your light showing the rock overhead. Many tours add a jungle trek, lunch or a zip line, so the day is a mix of water, forest and walking.
The full outing usually takes five to six hours. Cave tubing suits strong swimmers and people who are comfortable in dark, wet places. The zip-line and jungle options add more walking and climbing, so they are best for those who want a full day of activity.
Where to go
- Belize Cave Tubing. Tubing through an underground river cave system with inner tubes and headlamps. The most reviewed caves activity in Belize City. About 90 minutes one way from Belize City, by tour. A trip that goes here: Belize Cave Tubing, 5 Hours, $86 a person
- Cave tubing and zip-line combo. A full-day trip that adds a nature walk and zip lines to the cave tubing, covering air, land and water. About 90 minutes one way from Belize City, by tour. A trip that goes here: Belize Cave Tubing, 5 Hours, $86 a person
Getting there
The cave sites are about 90 minutes one way from Belize City, and most people book the trip as a guided tour. The tours include transport from Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City.
When to go
The file gives no season notes, and the tours run through the year.
Good to know
- Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and sunscreen, and carry bottled water.
- Carry your passport when you go out, and stay with your group.
- Check that the tour operator is licensed and that the guide carries photo ID.
Questions
Is cave tubing in Belize City worth doing?
Yes, cave tubing is the most common caves activity from Belize City. The tours are five to six hours. Book a tour through a licensed operator.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for cave tubing?
Swimming comfort is needed for cave tubing. You float through the underground river on an inner tube with a headlamp, so you should be comfortable in water and in dark, enclosed spaces.
How far are the caves from Belize City?
The cave sites are about 90 minutes one way from Belize City. They lie outside town, so you reach them by the tour's transport rather than on foot.
