On our trip to Belize I wanted to experience the best tours that were unique to the destination. I found it in Cave Tubing! We met our guide at the entrance of Jaguar Paw and he gave us all the necessary equipment: a large inner tube, a safety vest and a miner’s light for our heads. My daughter looked at me with an expression of “ what are you getting me into here, Mom?”. Our guide led us down a path and we came to the most beautiful aquamarine river and the exit to a curved cave system. I bent down to touch the water and it was nice and cool. The guide explained that the water was fed by a natural spring and rain run off with a mixture of minerals from the rocks. I had to hold my daughter tight as a prisoner as she tried to jump into the water.
We picked up our tubes and walked for 30 minutes down a natural path. Our guide pointed out the different types of trees and plants indigenous to Belize like the Mahogany Tree (national tree of Belize) and orchids. We spotted some black howler monkeys along the way and my daughter copied the guide’s cry of “Whoh Whoh” as they passed by. At the entrance of the first deep, dark cave, there was a rocky facade and I was glad we were wearing our aqua socks. My husband got into the water first with his equipment and we could not help but laugh. I sang out “ HI HOOOOO, HI HOOOOOO!” and proceeded to present the entire Snow White song as I could recall it. As we started to float deeper into the first cave, the light of the outside world from the entrance seemed to get smaller and smaller. It glowed like an exquisite painting from the Impressionists. Our guide began telling us the history of the caves and how the Mayan people used them for rituals and sacrifices. The caves where thought to unite the Mayans earthly journey to their mythological underworld of the 9 dark lords. We thought we had stepped into a Mayan “World of Warcraft” video game. There was even some undisturbed ancient pottery perhaps used in a Mayan ceremony.
Our guide pointed out the stalagmites, stalactites and crystal curtains. The second cave was just as beautiful as the first. We floated in and out of darkness in the cool relaxing quiet waters. Our lights shone on the walls revealing iridescent colors of mineral deposits and rock formations. Our exit from the last cave revealed our beginning. My daughter jumped from her tube and splashed around in excitement.
I would recommend this tour to most travelling to Belize. It was a unique experience that involved nature, history and amusement. I suggest bringing water shoes and buying a disposable water proof camera. Your guide will hold any small items in a water proof pouch for you. You can take this tour from any hotel in the Cayo District, Belize City, or Ambergris Caye. If you are staying in another area, Way To Go Tours can add it to your transfer along the way. If you add this adventure to your itinerary, you are not obligated though to sing like a Disney character unless you want.
By Jennifer Rakowski
Sales Manager Way To Go Tours