Xunantunich Cave Tubing & Ziplining Day Trip from Caye Caulker
Spend a single adventurous day traveling from Caye Caulker to Belize’s Cayo District for a climb up Xunantunich’s El Castillo, a guided cave-tubing float through Jaguar Paw, and canopy ziplining. This nine‑hour excursion blends Mayan history, karst geology and active river play with convenient hotel pickup.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring water shoes
Trails and the cave approach include knee‑deep wading and slippery limestone — closed-toe, quick-dry shoes improve traction.
Protect electronics
Keep phones and cameras in a small dry bag; water and humidity in caves plus river float make gear exposure likely.
Pace your meals
There’s a included lunch but limited snack options en route — bring a light snack for energy before the hike and tubing.
Listen to safety briefings
Guides provide flotation and strapping instructions for tubes and ziplines — following them reduces risk and speeds the group along.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Climb El Castillo before the midday crowds for clearer views across to Guatemala and quieter plaza corners
- •Stop by the San Ignacio market either before or after the tour for fresh fruit and local snacks not offered on the tour
Wildlife
- •Howler monkeys
- •Keel-billed toucan or scarlet macaw (seasonal)
Conservation Note
Cave systems and rivers are fragile — avoid sunscreen or soaps in waterways, pack out trash, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Xunantunich was a Late Classic Maya ceremonial center and regional hub; its central plaza and El Castillo highlight the political and ritual architecture of the period.
What to Bring
Closed-toe water shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky riverbeds and slippery cave approaches.
Dry bag (small)Essential
Keeps phone, documents and snacks dry during tubing and transfers.
Insect repellentEssential
Reduces bites in jungle zones and along riverbanks, especially in wet season.
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
Sun and mosquito protection during zipline platforms and on exposed ruins.
Common Questions
Is transportation from Caye Caulker included?
Yes — the tour arranges pickup and drop-off from accommodations on Caye Caulker and uses air-conditioned vehicles for the inland transfer.
What safety equipment is provided?
Guides provide inflatable tubes, life vests and headlamps for cave tubing; zipline harnesses and helmets are also supplied along with a safety briefing.
Are there age or health restrictions?
Age bands are required at booking and restrictions may apply; the operator notes the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with serious heart or spinal conditions and requires moderate fitness.
How physically demanding is the day?
Expect roughly 30 minutes of hiking with some knee‑deep wading plus sustained floating and short climbs to zipline platforms — comfortable mobility and basic stamina are recommended.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
San Ignacio, Cayo District
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to hike ~30 minutes with some wading, float for extended periods, and handle short zipline platforms.
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