Cave Kayaking V.i.V.

Embark on an ancient cave kayaking adventure to explore sacred sites and nature trails. Expert guides provide equipment and share fascinating insights along the way. Join us now!

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve - Kayak through the Jaguar Paw caves with knowledgeable guides, just as our ancestors did, navigating the Caves Branch River. The Nohoch Che’en Caves network features the river flowing through its chambers. While the lower three chambers are commonly explored by cave-tubing, the crystal-clear upper chambers remain mostly untouched and are accessible only through this exclusive kayaking tour. Discover more caves by kayak than by tubing, and venture into less-explored areas of the underworld. Experience both the upper and lower caves, hike a 20-minute trail through the rainforest, paddle through dark caves, and marvel at the stunning formations in Nohoch Che’en Park. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by crystallized formations.

We provide guides and transportation for each ship visiting Belize. Book the 8 am tour and come ashore as early as possible when tendering begins. Our guides will be ready to start the tour within an hour of tendering. Reserve now and rest assured, we have been catering to thousands of cruise guests and ensuring timely returns to the port since 2012. See you soon.

What's Included
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Kayak Portage
  • Heavy duty sit-on-top kayaks
  • Single or tandem kayaks
  • Paddles, PFDs, Helmets, jackets
  • Tour on Ship Time
  • Shared transport by air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Our forefathers found practical and sacred uses for cave systems for millennia, using them for habitation, spiritual practices, and food storage. Embark with us on an excursion into this subterranean realm. We provide the essentials - headlights, helmets, life vests, kayaks, and a seasoned guide. Fully equipped, our guides will lead you through a forested trail, explaining the local botanical lore. Upon arrival at the caves, our guide will brief you on the seven-cave layout, kayak handling, and planned route. Here, you’re welcomed by grand cave entrances with a pristine river flowing through them. As you navigate, you’ll pass through a series of caves, and witness an array of intriguing formations. Our guide will identify suitable spots for rest breaks, and even a revitalizing dip. You’ll continue your voyage through the vast cave complex, finally greeted by glistening sunlight on the water’s surface, and the melodic twittering of birds on the river bank at the exit. We’ll then safely store our gear, avail the amenities, and gear up for our journey back.

  • we pick up at FSTV cruise port, Terminal One Exit, street side, San Pedro Express water taxi, hotels
  • A moderate amount of hiking is involved
  • Not recommended for children aged 8 and under
  • Inclement Weather Concerns: we get hourly weather updates as to the condition of water levels at the rivers.
  • sometimes its raining around the cruise line and coastal areas, and the rivers are fine.so we go ahead and do the tour as scheduled. only if the rains are in the mountains and right now the rivers are low and we need more water in the rivers then the float will be better, last week the kayaks were getting stuck in the lower parts of the rivers. if the rains are in the mountains and more than normal and the water rises and we can not take up the kayaks , then we use tubes to do cave tubing…. if the rangers in the mountain top measure more than usual water then the caves system are closed for all activities….we have the zipline tour. or the altun ha Maya site tour or refund for not participating on the alternate tour.
  • participants must know how to swim
  • bring a reusable water bottle, disposing of empty plastic bottles is not allowed
  • for helmet cam use, bring helmet attachment
  • cruise guest stay on ship time and arrive early, checkin with us as soon as possible , play more , arrive early
  • restaurants, river shoe rentals, available at the park
  • bring towels, change of clothing, swimwear, insect repellent, footwear with thick soles used to walk on gravel path and do the river crossing.
  • Reserve Online and come ashore early, we dispatch as the vans fill up
Location
Baron Bliss lighthouse
Fort Street
Cruisers, V.i.V. will meet you at Belize City FSTV cruise port, Terminal 1 Exit, street side, terminal 1 Exit street side. V.i.V. Guest staying in Belize City Hotels, we pick you up at the hotel. San Pedro Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker guest, we meet you at the water taxi terminal in Belize city
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(380 Ratings)
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1 star
Brandi
Aug 10, 2024
Amazing experience!! - This experience was AMAZING. Our teenage son said "That was life changing". Our guides were Freddy and Naz and they made the trip enjoyable and safe. Definitely recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justin_l
Aug 4, 2024
Highly Recommend! - This tour company was amazing. First off they waited for us as we got off later from our tender boat. Then Naz and Abner did an amazing job. We thoroughly enjoyed Naz and his enthusiasm for his country and the outdoors. Highly recommend these two tour guides!
Review provided by Viator
Anna_r
Jul 16, 2024
One of my favorite excusions - We had an amazing time. Roc and freddie were great tour guides. Very knowledgable We got to hike up through the jungle and learned many things. Kyaking through the caves was incredible. My only complaint was the van had no AC and it was hot. The other thing that was great we had a belize lunch which was delicious. .
Review provided by Viator
Katrina_m
Jun 29, 2024
Unique experience - The caves were amazing. The river was a little low, so we drug the bottom a little bit with the kayaks. That was just mother nature‘s fault :-) Start early, this will take all day.
Review provided by Viator
Rodney_s
Jun 16, 2024
Cool Caves - The experience was fantastic. Sharon, Edgar and Edgar Jr. are great at their jobs. Take the tour and ask for them. They will take care of you. The caves themselves are wonderful to experience. Rodney J. Smith
Review provided by Viator
Sandra_w
Jun 9, 2024
Great guides, amazing site - The caves were magical and our guides were very knowledgeable and kind. My mom was turning 80 and needed just a touch of extra help. The two guides were watchful and made sure that she was safe when she had to walk over particularly slippery or rocky areas.
Review provided by Viator
Mcntraveler
Jun 8, 2024
Amazing cruise stop in Belize! - Rock and Freddy are exceptional hosts! Our family sailed on Enchanted Princess with a stop in Belize. We booked VIV tours for our group of 9, including adults and children. We did the kayaking tour through the caves and lunch at a kiosk in the park. All transportation and equipment was provided. Everyone in our group had the BEST day!!! The river was incredible and the cave experience exceeded all expectations. Rock and Freddy were super knowledgeable and accommodating. We are so grateful to them for creating all these memories for our family and making it so easy to organize this wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sanna_w
Jun 6, 2024
Awesome experience 🤩 I... - Awesome experience 🤩 I am so happy I took the opportunity! Mother Nature is amazing in so many ways.
Review provided by Viator
De_r
May 31, 2024
Jr & Rock were awesome! - Rock & Jr were wonderful guides. The walk was a bit harder than expected and my mother struggled with forging the rivers/steams. Jr actually stayed back with her and helped her cross. When she became very tired, he had another guide give him a tube and pushed her through the water so that she wouldn’t slip and slide on the rocks while crossing. Above and beyond to ensure that we all had a grand time kayaking the caves.
Review provided by Viator
Brian_p
Aug 3, 2024
Kayaking through caves - I gave this rating a three because two of the three guides were Excellent. The Rock (Rocha) And Sharon were great. Abner, although seemed to have experience did not make us feel safe. Some of the equipment we were given was worn, and two of our kayaks sunk due to holes in the bottom. This problem with the two kayaks in our group cost us a serious amount of time and created anxiety because we felt unsafe. There is also no mention of a rapid section. There were two sections where multiple kayaks overturned, and left at least one of the adventurers in tears. There was also one section that included a sharp bend as well as underwater obstacles that was unsafe for inexperienced kayakers. The food that was provided for lunch left much to be desired.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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