Belize Cave Tubing is definitely an
activity or tour that is unique to Belize and
it
is an incredible opportunity to explore the natural beauty of
Belize. It has definitely become one of the most popular
excursions in Belize, particularly for cruise ship passengers
visiting Belize City. There a a two main location where
cave tubing is offered in Belize but for cruise ship day trips
the only accessible location is off of the Belize Western
Highway at mile 37.
Your Belizean Cave Tubing adventure
begins as you turn off and drive south towards the Sibun River
Caves Branch. After a 10-15
minute drive on a bumpy road you will arrive at the Cave Tubing
Park. This is the starting point for the rainforest walk
to the river and cave entrance.
To prepare for your excursion you will
need to
change into a pair of water shoes,
old running shoes or strap on sandals. There are water
shoes available for rent but keep in mind they have all been
worn by other people and its uncertain if they have been cleaned
in any way. You will also be issued an inner tube that you will
carry with you to the cave and
river entrance. All of your belongings will be left in the
vans and I recommend that you take a last drink of water before
you start your Jungle walk. Additionally, you will be
issued life vests if you wish. Keep in mind that on some
days you will be required to take a vest with you if the Belize
Park Officials say it is mandatory.
Along
Rainforest walk you will cross the Sibun to get to the main path
on the far side of this vital Belizean River. There is a
rope to aid you as you cross and guide to help you if required.
Most of the time the crossing is fairly easy but it can be a
little challenging when the river water levels are high.
You will also walk through dry caves where you are able to
observe sleeping bats and see the magnificent cave structure
from close up.
Along the rainforest trail there are
many plants to
observe and our guides will stop and take the time to
explain the natural pharmaceutical properties of many of these
plant. There are many beautiful plants and
historical trees along the trail, you feel as though Tarzan
might swing by at any moment or a Jaguar might leap out along
the trail. It's definitely an educational adventure into
the rainforest of Belize.
After about 30 minutes you will come to
the first entrance to the Sibun river and the caves. This
is the entrance utilized by most of the tour companies including
the cruise ship tours. To access this entrance you will go the
stairs to the bank of the river.
If
you are on the
X-Stream Cave Tubing excursion you will proceed further down
the rainforest path for another 10-15 minutes which will bring
you to another entrance into the river. This addition walk
allows you to venture into an additional caving system. This
location is accessible two ways. You can either take the extreme
plunge and jump off of the rocks for a 12 ft drop to the river
below or you can enter the regular way which is only a 1 ft drop
from the river bank.
Before you enter the water, you will be
issued a miners light that you will wear on your head as you
enter the caves. Don't turn it on too soon, you want to
save the batteries so they function when you are in the depths
of the caves!
Once everyone is in their tubes the
river cave
tubing part of your Belizean adventure begin. Lean back in
your tube and gently paddle to move around and link up with your
friends and family. There is no rush, this is an enjoyable
exploration. Passing from the light to the darkness take
in the wondrous beauty of the cave. The Ancient Mayans
believed that these caves were the entrance to the underworld
and were greatly revered. To hear all about these caves
make sure to stay close your X-Stream Cave Tubing Guide as they
are experts on the caves of Belize.
Don't forget to switch on your
light so you can really have a good look around
at
the cave formation. For those of you who are considering this
excursion and may be claustrophobic you really do not feel
enclosed as the caves are high and wide, 15-20ft high and about
20ft wide and most of the time you can see either the entrance
or the exit of the cave.
If
you are on the X-Stream Cave Tubing excursion you will stop
inside one of the caves, get out of your tube and explore a dry
cave inside the main cave. Many Mayan artifacts and
bones have been found throughout Belize in the caves as they
were sacred places.
As you continue along your Belize cave
tubing excursion
you
will encounter incredible formation that take shape in the light
that cascades through the crevasses of the cave. You will
also experience small rapids that will guide you and your tube
through the caves. Make sure to listen to your guide as he
will explain what to do in areas that maybe a little shallower.
As you exit the final cave once again into the sunlight you will
get to continue down the river so a shallow area where you will
have time for a final dip in the river.
Once you exit the river you will pick
up your tube and carry it back to the parking area a 5 minute
walk away.
If you were on the X-Stream Cave Tubing
excursion you will return your tube, dry off and enjoy some
fresh tropical fruit and bottled water.
You will then be taken back to the port
of Belize City where you tender back to your ship after an
exciting day in Belize!
For
further information on Belize Cave Tubing tours and excursion
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