Exploring Caves in Belize

Interested in caving from duPlooy's? See our rates, or include a cave tour in one of our packages.

See the Photo Gallery for more or watch the Caves Slideshow

Aktun Halal and Chapat

Two caves in one trip, Mayan artifacts, blind catfish. These are a few of my favorite things! This is a new cave trip only guided by one tour company. There is a sense of discovery and excitement on this trip. The caves are still receiving yearly exploration by archaeologists. You will drive and park near the entrance of Halal, lit by daylight rather than flashlights. Explore there and continue for a half-mile trek to Chapat, meaning centipede, which is a cave with no known ending. Don't worry; the guide won't try to find it during your trip and you will exit from where you entered.

Chechemhah Cave

Chechemhah is a great cave in a beautiful spot. You go to the Morales home, which is perched on the edge of a trickling waterfall overlooking limestone cliffs. Inside the cave are ancient Maya storage vessels, plates and other pottery. This cave is one of the few places to see intact Maya work, as the vessels were not destroyed as they are in most ceremonial caves. Be there by 9am, tour the cave and then enjoy a home cooked meal by Ms. Leah Morales.

Aktun Tunichil Muknal

If you wanted to do the most amazing thing we have to offer, it is Aktun Tunichil Muknal. Amazing Mayan skeletal remains, amazing pottery, amazing cave. Don't think so much amazing-ness comes easy. You will drive on a terrible road, hike about 45 minutes in to the cave, swim into the cave, wade through the cave, climb around the cave, explore and then go through it all again in the opposite order. Warning: This is not a cave for young children, those not physically fit, with knee, hip or ankle problems or with problems with claustrophobia and or heights.

Photo by Jeff Burke

Flour Camp Cave

Very few places offer tours to Flour Camp Cave, as a result it is a peaceful spot. The area around the cave is really pretty and inside you will see Maya pottery pieces and lovely stalactite and stalagmite formations. Flour Camp Cave is near the Macal River so you can enjoy a refreshing swim after your caving adventure. Drive or horseback there then hike up about 45 minutes to the cave entrance. You will spend about an hour exploring before heading out to picnic and swim. (see Canoeing).

Barton Creek Cave

Apart from the drive there, this is the easiest cave to do. All caves require about a 45-minute hike in, not so Barton Creek. You drive right up, hop in a canoe and away you go to explore the Maya underworld. Don't think that you are missing out by not breaking a sweat: it's a pretty cave with all your standard skeletal remains, potsherd and ye olde stalactites and stalagmites. For this trip come to the office and we will have someone paddle you across the river to meet your driver to cut off a bit of driving time. Unless it is raining then your driver will come here to spare you from having to scrabble up a muddy bank.

Interested in caving from duPlooy's? See our rates, or include a cave tour in one of our packages.