Belize is an adventurer’s paradise, offering nature lovers countless opportunities to explore the natural world and its breathtaking ecosystems. Delve into the deep blue sea to dive into the almost unearthly, turquoise-bordered sapphire waters of Great Blue Hole to explore Belize’s incredible Caribbean sea life. Snorkel along the massive Barrier Reef with the ocean’s most gentle giants, whale sharks, before trekking through the verdant vegetation of the rainforest to encounter exotic wildlife and prehistoric caves. Please check out the following list of caving adventures in Belize to enhance your jungle adventure to this naturally diverse Central American coastal country.
1. St. Herman's Cave
Walk along the dirt path through the lush rainforest to reach St. Herman’s Cave, where you will descend a stone staircase to start exploring. While admiring the icicle-shaped limestone stalactites hanging from the cave’s ceiling, enjoy listening to the sound of bats squeaking overhead. Wander past ancient Mayan artefacts before departing the cave to indulge in a refreshing swim or tubing excursion on Blue Hole— located outside the cave. Enjoy leaping off the surrounding banks into the refreshing sapphire pool to cool off with other jungle explorers.
St. Herman's Cave
Address: 1534 Constitution Drive, Belmopan
Website: St. Herman’s Cave
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
2. Blue Creek Cave
Hike through the dense jungle to explore Blue Creek Cave—either on your own or with a guide. Pass villages of thatched huts before crossing a bridge leading up to the entrance of the cave. Enjoy taking a leisurely swim in the pond inside the cave with a headlamp to guide you safely through the blackened environment. During the rainy season, those venturing into the cave should prioritize their safety and wear life jackets if they are to proceed—the waters surrounding the cave can be like a powerful rushing river to cross.
Blue Creek Cave
Address: Santa Cruz
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (from USD 280.0)
Be prepared for an exhilarating journey into Belize’s rainforest to experience the awe-striking well-known cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal. The only way to experience the glistening caverns, steep stairways, and narrow paths is by hiring a local guide to provide safe passage through this extraordinary environment. As you wander along the expansive calcified floor, take note of the skeletons and earthen vessels remaining from Mayan religious sacrificial ceremonies. Beware of the sharp stalagmites lining the cave’s floor as you’re admiring the numerous piercing stalactites dangling from the ceiling.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)From Belize City
Duration: 6 hours
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4. Rio Frio Cave
After strolling through the immense tropical jungle, maintain caution as you traverse stairs and stepping stones to the massive Rio Frio Cave. Be amazed at the impressive ever-reaching 70-foot (21-metre) arches at the cave’s entrance as you wander through the gaping mouth to explore the multicoloured boulders and conical-shaped stalactites suspended from the ceiling. Stroll carefully through the cave with your headlamp or flashlight shining brightly, admiring the small river, pools, and waterfalls. If you have time, rest on one of the cave’s sandy beaches or enjoy a leisurely picnic before exiting.
Rio Frio Cave
Address: Augustine, Douglas da Silva
Website: Rio Frio Cave
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Tiger Cave
Journey through the thick forest, passing by trickling streams as your guide assists in navigating you safely along this 1.5-hour hike to Tiger Cave. Before advancing into the cave, take the opportunity to have your own Tarzan moment by swinging on a long vine from a 5-foot-high (1.5-metre) limestone boulder. Carefully make your way through the terraced corridors before entering the main cavern to explore the remains of an ancient Mayan civilization left behind on the cave’s floor. After admiring the chandelier-like stalactites dropping from the ceiling, join your guide in a dugout canoe to float downstream, admiring the exotic wildlife on your voyage exiting the rainforest.
Tiger Cave
Address: San Miguel
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Barton Creek Cave (from USD 145.0)
Enjoy a relaxing canoe voyage into Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to experience one of nature’s treasures, Barton Creek Cave. As you glide slowly past the dangling vines into the cave, look skyward to admire the hanging daggerlike stalactites. As you float peacefully through the cave, be prepared to view centuries-old remnants from an ancient Mayan burial site. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit since after journeying back through the cave, you will climb to the bottom of Big Rock Falls to indulge in a refreshing swim.
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing and Big Rock Falls Combo with Lunch
Duration: 7 hours
7. Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow)
As you travel through the exotic dense jungle along the earthen path, be careful about the tree roots and stones lining the trail, which can be tripping hazards. When you reach the fern-accented rock wall of Crystal Cave, your guide will assist you in reaching the bottom of the steep embankment safely prior to entering the mouth of the cave. Upon entering the cave, explorers will be able to traverse the narrow pathway en route to admiring glittering limestone stalactites and stalagmites. While wandering through the cave, adventure-seekers will be treated to an ancient underworld site where Mayans once performed sacred rituals, offering up human sacrifices to the deities.
Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow)
Address: 1534 Constitution Dr, Belmopan
Website: Crystal Cave
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
8. Che Chem Ha Cave
After climbing uphill through the dense vegetation of the rainforest to explore Che Chem Ha Cave, take time to behold the artefacts and storage jars left behind by an ancient Mayan culture. It’s a tight squeeze through the thick rock walls of the cave, which at points are decorated with ancient markings. Be on guard for large holes that have formed on the cave’s floor during your journey to explore the former Mayan grain storehouse. Admire the multicoloured spearlike stalactites dangling from the ceiling of this former ceremonial site used by the Mayan people for after-life and bloodletting rituals.
Che Chem Ha Cave
Address: Mile 3.5 Hydro Rd, Vaca
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Explore Belize's awe-striking jungle caves
After wandering through the sacred Mayan ruins of Caracol to climb the stone steps of its Tower-of-Babelesque pyramid, sign up to join a caving tour for an adventure you’ll never forget. Belize’s caves are similar to hidden treasure since it takes an effective GPS system or a local guide to traverse through the dense vegetation of the lush rainforests to discover these tucked-away gems. Following journeys into the exotic jungle to admire the glistening stalactites and ancient Mayan ceremonial grounds, visitors will leave awestruck by Belize’s unmatched natural beauty.
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