7 Miles Cave Kayaking

Xunantunich Ruins & St. Herman’s Cave Tubing: The Royal Adventure

​This combo tour offers the ultimate Belizean experience, pairing the majestic heights of ancient pyramids with the refreshing mystery of underground rivers. It is a full day of "Stone Maidens" and "Mayan Underworlds" that showcases the very best of Belize’s history and natural beauty. ### ​The Experience ​The day begins at Xunantunich, where you’ll cross the Mopan River on a traditional hand-cranked ferry to reach the ruins. You will explore grand plazas and climb the 130-foot El Castillo, the second-tallest structure in Belize, for a 360-degree view that stretches all the way into Guatemala. ​After a local Belizean lunch, you’ll head to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Following a short jungle hike, you’ll slip into a tube and float through St. Herman’s Cave. Unlike the more crowded tubing sites, St. Herman’s offers a more serene and "wild" feel as you drift past crystal stalactites and ancient limestone formations. Many tours include a final, refreshing dip in the Inland Blue Hole, a stunning turquoise cenote. ### What to Expect - ​Iconic Views: Climbing El Castillo is steep but rewarding, offering the most famous panoramic views in the Cayo District. - Cave Formations: In St. Herman’s, you will see intricate "frozen" waterfalls of stone and shimmering mineral deposits. - ​Small Groups: St. Herman's is known for being much quieter and more peaceful than the Nohoch Che’en (Jaguar Paw) tubing site. - ​Wildlife: Keep an eye out for Howler Monkeys at the ruins and colorful tropical birds along the jungle trail to the cave. ### What to Wear - ​Lightweight Hiking Clothes: Shorts and a breathable t-shirt for the ruins. - ​Swimwear: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to make the transition to tubing easier. - ​Sturdy Footwear: Closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers for the ruins, and water shoes (with a good sole) for the cave tubing. No flip-flops. ### What to Bring - ​Sun & Bug Protection: Sunscreen for the open plazas of Xunantunich and repellent for the jungle trails. - ​Dry Change of Clothes: Essential for the ride home after your swim. - ​Beach Towel: To dry off after the cave and Blue Hole. - ​Waterproof Phone Case: If you want to take photos while floating in the cave. - ​Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated during the climb and the hike.

The Mystic Combo: Tubing & Dry Cave Expedition

Experience a truly unique adventure at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park that combines the tranquility of floating with the thrill of dry cave exploration! Our Mystic Combo Tour takes you deep into the heart of the ceremonial underground river system, offering a look at hidden chambers and ancient Mayan artifacts not seen on a standard tubing tour. ### Dual-Chamber Adventure This comprehensive tour offers a dynamic experience within the same spectacular cave system: - Deep Exploration (Dry Cave) ​- The Ascent: After walking a short distance into the cave, we "park" our tubes and use a sturdy guided rope ascent to reach a magnificent higher, dry section of the cave. ​- Artifact Discovery: Here, you'll feel like a true archaeologist as you explore vast chambers, discovering ancient Mayan artifacts, ceremonial altars, and pottery fragments. ​- Hidden Views: We'll hike toward another natural exit of the cave before turning back to the river level. - ​Relaxing Float (Cave Tubing) - ​Upstream Journey: We return to the tubes and make our way upstream to a mystical point where the river emerges from beneath massive boulders. - ​The Big Float: From there, the current takes over! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of your tranquil float downstream through the illuminated caverns, emerging back at the main cave entrance. ### Tour Details & Gear This is a moderately active tour, perfect for adventurers who want more than just a float but aren't quite ready for the extreme difficulty of ATM. - ​Intensity: Moderate (Requires climbing/pulling on a rope, light hiking, and river wading). - ​Duration: The entire experience within the caves is approximately 4 hours. ### Things to Bring - ​Water Shoes or proper sandals with back straps: Mandatory for the hike and climbing portions. (No flip-flops). - ​Quick-Dry Clothing: Swimsuit and light, quick-drying attire. - ​Insect repellent - ​Water Bottle: To stay hydrated during the hike and cave exploration.

Belize River Wildlife Kayaking

Experience the tranquility of Belize’s historic waterways on this immersive 3-hour paddling adventure. Following the ancient paths used by the Maya, you will glide down the gentle currents of the Belize River, surrounded by a lush gallery forest teeming with tropical wildlife. **​The Experience**<br> ​This tour is a nature lover's dream, offering a peaceful but engaging way to see Belize’s biodiversity. As you paddle, your guide will help you spot giant Green Iguanas sunning themselves on overhanging branches and Black Howler Monkeys (known locally as "baboons") swinging through the canopy. The slow pace of the kayak allows you to get incredibly close to the riverbank without startling the animals, making it perfect for photography and birdwatching. ​What to Expect - ​Wildlife Sightings: High probability of seeing iguanas, howler monkeys, turtles, and exotic birds like Kingfishers or Toucans. - ​Paddling Conditions: The river is generally calm with a gentle current, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers. - ​Duration: Expect approximately 3 hours on the water, plus transportation and safety briefing time. - ​Serenity: Unlike motorized tours, the silence of the kayaks allows you to hear the "symphony" of the jungle—from the roar of the monkeys to the splashes of river life. ​ ###What to Wear - ​Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses (with a strap!) are essential to block the glare off the water. - ​Quick-Dry Clothing: Lightweight shorts and a moisture-wicking or "SPF" long-sleeve shirt to protect your skin from the sun. - ​Water Shoes: Sandals with straps (like Tevas or Keens) or old sneakers. Avoid flip-flops as they can slip on wet riverbanks. ​What to Bring - ​Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: These are mandatory for this tour. The sun reflects off the water, and the riverbanks are prime territory for biting insects. - ​Dry Bag: To keep your phone, camera, and snacks safe and dry while paddling. - ​Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; the tropical humidity can be intense on the open river. - ​A Towel & Dry clothing: Leave this in the tour vehicle for a quick dry-off after you exit the river.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM): The Ultimate Mayan Underworld Challenge

Rated as one of the world’s top sacred caves by National Geographic, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) tour is not just an adventure—it's a pilgrimage into the most profound and sacred chambers of the Mayan underworld. This physically demanding journey is reserved for those seeking the ultimate combination of archaeological wonder and strenuous exploration. <br> ​Intensity Level: Difficult (Challenging & Strenuous) ​This tour requires a commitment to physical activity and comfort in a natural, rugged environment. This is not a leisure tour. - ​The Approach: Your journey begins with a challenging jungle hike, including three required river crossings, just to reach the cave entrance. - ​A Test of Water: Entry into the cave requires you to swim across a deep pool. The lower chambers involve significant periods of swimming, wading, and climbing over slippery rocks. You must be a comfortable and competent swimmer to participate. - ​Tight Spaces: The exploration involves maneuvering through some narrow passages and chambers. You must be comfortable with tight spaces (claustrophobia is not advised). The Upper Chamber: A Sacred Sanctuary ​After navigating the lower river chambers, you will ascend to the dry upper chambers—the ceremonial center of the cave. - ​Protecting History: To preserve the priceless artifacts, including calcified skeletal remains and ancient ceramics, shoes are strictly prohibited. You will explore this upper area wearing socks only, walking delicately past the famous "Crystal Maiden," the glistening, fully-calcified skeleton of a teenage sacrifice. ### Things to bring: ​Please bring only the essential items that can get completely soaked: - ​Closed-Toe Water Shoes: Mandatory for the hike and river travel. (No sandals or exposed toes). - ​Socks (Extra Pair Recommended): Required for the delicate upper chamber exploration. - ​Quick-Dry Clothing: Swimsuit and light, quick-drying clothing are best. - ​Change of Clothes & Towel: To leave in the vehicle for a dry ride back. - ​Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the strenuous hike. - Insect repellent: for the hike to the cave entrance **​Please Note**: Cameras and phones are strictly prohibited inside the ATM cave by the Department of Archaeology to protect the fragile artifacts. Age Recommended: 10 years and older (Physically fit)

St. Herman's Cave Tubing Adventure

​Float into a hidden world on our relaxing Cave Tubing tour at the stunning St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. This is the ultimate, low-effort way to explore the spectacular underground river systems that the ancient Maya revered as the entrance to the underworld, Xibalba. ​ The Easiest Way to Explore Xibalba<br> ​Unlike more strenuous tours, this adventure is designed for maximum relaxation and ease, making it perfect for families, first-time cavers, and those seeking a gentle cultural immersion. - ​Effortless Start: After a short and easy 10-minute walk through the lush jungle canopy to the cave entrance, you'll be securely seated in your inner tube. - ​The River Ride: Your certified guide will expertly navigate you through the crystal-clear waters of the cave system. Sit back, relax, and let the gentle current carry you. - ​A World of Wonder: Look up at the cathedral-like caverns, illuminated by your headlamp. You'll glide past ancient Maya artifacts, stunning stalactites, and stalagmites as your guide shares the geological and historical significance of the caves. ​This tour is specifically scheduled to be a convenient and easy half-day experience: - ​Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. - ​Perfect For: Travelers seeking a memorable, easy-going adventure or those needing a shorter activity to fit into a busy day. ​Note: The National Park is also home to the famous inland Blue Hole, a perfect fit if you're choosing to extend your visit! ###Things to bring: - Quick-Dry Clothing: Swimsuit and light, quick-drying attire. - Insect repellent: for the 10 minutes walk from the park to the cave - Phones: to capture unforgettable memories inside the cave

Xunantunich: (Maiden of The Rock)

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most impressive and easily accessible Mayan cities. Translating to "Stone Woman," this archaeological site is a breathtaking testament to the Classic Maya period. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, avid photographers, and anyone looking to combine a fascinating cultural experience with light physical activity (the climb to the top is optional but highly recommended!). ### What Makes Xunantunich Special? * ​The River Crossing: Your adventure begins with a unique experience—a short, hand-cranked ferry crossing over the Mopan River. * ​El Castillo: Climb to the summit of El Castillo for a stunning 360-degree panoramic view that sweeps across the Cayo District and into neighboring Guatemala. ### Includes: * Lunch * Transportation * Entrance fee * Guide ### Things to bring: * ​Comfortable Walking Shoes: Mandatory for climbing the ruins and navigating the site (tennis shoes or light hiking shoes are ideal). * ​Hat or Cap: Essential for sun protection on the open plazas. * ​Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The site is exposed to direct sunlight. * ​Insect Repellent: Recommended for the jungle paths and shaded areas. * ​Water: Stay hydrated! (Though often included in tours, bringing extra is always a good idea). * ​Camera: To capture the incredible views from El Castillo.