Nohoch Che'en Cave Reserve

Belize Cave Adventures

​Cave tubing in Belize is done at the Nohoch Che'en Cave Reserve, which is most commonly known as Caves Branch or Jaguar Paw.  This experience is hands down one of the top things to do in Belize and should be on your travel bucket list if you're visiting Belize.  Why?  Because cave tubing is truly amazing?  It's a relaxing and exciting adventure where you enjoy drifting down the Caves Branch River while learning about the historical value of the cave system to the ancient Maya.  You get the best of both adventures and education whilst on this tour!
Nochoch Che'en Cave is located at Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, which is near Belmopan City in the Cayo District of Belize.  To get to the site, you must drive down the Hummingbird Highway for about 30 minutes from Belmopan City.  

Cave Tubing at Nohoch Che'en Cave Branch Reserve

Imagine the thrill of settling into an oversized rubber inner tube and floating down a river without a care in the world–until you disappear into caves where strange and exotic Mayan rituals were held thousands of years ago. Cave tubing is one of the most popular activity for things to do in Belize.  The Nohoch Che’en Caves, is a series of five different caves, though  which adventurous souls travel.  
Just about every traveler comes to the conclusion that the cave tubing experience was like sailing in and out of a huge chunk of Swiss Cheese.  One minute the sun is shining overhead, and the next minute you are in complete darkness.  Cave tubing is fun for travelers of all ages, there's nothing quite like tubing through a series of caves along a river. 
Why Go Cave Tubing in Belize?
Of all the activities and things to do in Belize, this stands out as being the most unique.  You definitely need to put this on your "bucket-list" for Belize.  It's a safe but exhilarating experience, as you float down a river in an inner tube, with other people and your licensed tour guide. No worries about the darkest sections of the caves: everybody will be outfitted with helmet lights.
What is the best way to experience Cave Tubing?
The cave system is managed by Belize’s Institute of Archaeology, a single tubing experience offers a splendid variety of sensations to tickle your senses. Sit back as you float along the river, and take in all the sights & sounds.  Floating along in a tube, allows you to enjoy the jungle, and the cave entrance at a leisurely pace.  This is a great opportunity to marvel at the foliage, birds, sounds, flora and animals of the rainforest.  
​Where is Cave Tubing in Belize located?
The Nohoch Che'en Cave is located west of Belmopan City, at the Nohoch Che'en Cave Branch Archaeological Reserve.  You take "Unnamed Road" off the Hummingbird Highway to reach the reserve.  It's about 30 minutes from Belmopan City, or one hour from San Ignacio, Cayo.  
What is the best way to get to Cave Tubing?
​From Belmopan, travel George Price Highway an hour to Mile 37. Drive 6 miles to the reserve entrance. If you’d prefer not to drive (a wise move for vacationers), book a tour that includes a professional guide, transport and a picnic lunch. On the other hand, if you come solo, you won’t starve. Grab a bite at the Canopy Café buffet.
​When is the best time to go Cave Tubing?
The dry season is the best time to go cave tubing, which also correlates to high season for tourists.  June through October, is typically known as the wet season, when Belize gets more rain.  While the river rises and falls with seasonal changes, it is more susceptible to flooding during rainy season.  Once water levels reach a certain point, they will close the cave down, until it can be declared safe. 

Photo Gallery

Once you arrived at the site, you will visit the information center to register and get your river tubes, life jackets, helmets, and headlamps.  After gearing up, participants set off for a twenty-minute hike to the entrance of the first cave.  You'll find the trail flat and easy to navigate.  You will be able to see unique beautiful greenery, trees, plants and flora of the Belize rainforest.  After hiking a short distance, you will arrive at the Cave Branch River.  This is an easy river to cross, as the water only goes up to your ankles. 
Once you arrive, the first thing you'll want to do is take a dip in the river, the river is immaculate.  You'll be able to see the entrance of the cave, which is adorned with rocks and formations that are simply beautiful.  At the river's edge, your guide will give you a short safety briefing, explaining what you are about to see. 
About mid-way through the cave, you enter a chamber that will put you into dense darkness.  Your guide will take a moment, to have you turn off your headlamps, so you can experience just how dark, dark really is.  The experience will not only be exhiarating, but spooky as well.  As you float through the cave, you will see various stalactites, stalagmites, broken pieces of pottery, and ancient Maya artifacts.
Before you know it, you'll see a glimpse of sunlight at the end of the cave, signaling that the tour is about to end.  Once you exit the cave, your guide will ask you to pick up your tubes and head back to the parking lot, where appetizing chips, salsa, and rum punch will be waiting.