Quick answer: Belize has two main places for cave tubing. Nohoch Che'en, also called Caves Branch, is where most cave tubing tours go. It offers the classic float through several river caves and is the easiest to reach from Belize City, the cruise port, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker. St. Herman's Cave is in St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park on the Hummingbird Highway. It is usually quieter, the float depends more on the water level, and you can swim in the Inland Blue Hole in the same park.
Choose Nohoch Che'en for your first time cave tubing in Belize. Choose St. Herman's if you are coming from Hopkins or Placencia, want fewer people, or want to add a swim.
| Compare | Nohoch Che'en (Caves Branch) | St. Herman's Cave |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Off the George Price (Western) Highway, near Franks Eddy, between Belize City and Belmopan | Hummingbird Highway, about 12 miles southeast of Belmopan |
| Drive from Belize City | About 1 hour to 75 minutes | About 1.5 hours |
| Managed by | NICH Institute of Archaeology | Belize Audubon Society, inside a national park |
| Walk to the river | About 30 to 45 minutes through the forest, carrying your tube | A shorter walk from the visitor centre, with steps down into the cave |
| The float | Steady river float through several cave passages | Float inside one large cave; length depends a lot on water level |
| Crowds | The busiest tubing site, especially on cruise ship days | Usually much quieter |
| Easiest from | Belize City, the cruise port, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio | Hopkins, Placencia, Dangriga, Belmopan |
| Good add-ons | Altun Ha, zipline, cave kayaking, Belize Zoo, Xunantunich | Inland Blue Hole swim, Belmopan |
| With us | Bookable cave tubing tours | Arranged on request |
When guests ask us about cave tubing in Belize, they usually picture one place. But there are two well-known spots, and they feel quite different. Both run through limestone caves carved by rivers in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, and both require a licensed guide. The differences are the type of float, the crowds, and how far you have to drive. We are a local, private tour company based in central Belize, and we take guests cave tubing nearly every week.
Where is cave tubing in Belize?
Both cave tubing sites are in central Belize, inland from Belize City, close to the capital, Belmopan. Nohoch Che'en is just off the George Price Highway, the main road west from Belize City. St. Herman's is a little farther, on the Hummingbird Highway that runs from Belmopan south toward Dangriga and Hopkins.
Here is roughly how long it takes to reach the cave tubing area from each base. Times are by road unless noted, and can change with traffic and weather.
| Staying in | Best site | Approximate travel |
|---|---|---|
| Belize City or the cruise port | Nohoch Che'en | About 1 hour to 75 minutes |
| Caye Caulker | Nohoch Che'en | 45-minute boat, then about 1 hour by road |
| San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) | Nohoch Che'en | 90-minute boat, then about 1 hour by road |
| San Ignacio | Nohoch Che'en | About 1 hour |
| Hopkins or Dangriga | Either; St. Herman's is on the way | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Placencia | Either; St. Herman's is on the way | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
Nohoch Che'en: the classic Belize cave tubing
Nohoch Che'en is where most Belize cave tubing tours go. NICH describes it as a cave system shaped by the Caves Branch River, where visitors float through the caves on inner tubes. You may also see it called Caves Branch, the Sibun, or Jaguar Paw, after a resort nearby.
What the tour is like
After you check in and get your helmet, headlamp, and life vest, you carry your tube on a forest trail of about 30 to 45 minutes. The trail crosses the river and passes tall trees, and your guide will point out plants and wildlife on the way. At the river, you sit in your tube and drift into the first cave.
Inside, you float through dark passages with your headlamp, linking hands with your group so you move together. The guide points out stalactites, crystal formations, and spots the ancient Maya used for ceremonies. The river does most of the work, so it is relaxing rather than physically hard. The float usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour, and the whole visit lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Rules at Nohoch Che'en
NICH's current rules include:
- Every visitor must go with a licensed guide.
- Children must be at least 40 inches tall.
- Visitors must be able to swim and be in good health.
- A life vest and a helmet with a light are required.
- No touching formations, climbing, jumping, or loud music in the cave.
Crowds on cruise ship days
Nohoch Che'en is the most popular cave tubing site in Belize. St. Herman's operators estimate it can see 300 to 500 or more visitors a day in peak season. Many of them are cruise passengers, who usually arrive mid-morning. A private tour does not close the cave to other groups. But your guide can time your visit for an earlier or later slot, and your group moves at its own pace instead of in a long line of tubes.
Cave kayaking instead of tubing
If you would rather paddle than float, cave kayaking is also offered in the same cave system. It suits active travelers and is a good option when the river is slow. See our Altun Ha, Cave Kayaking and Baboon Sanctuary tour.
Best for: first-time visitors, cruise passengers, families, and anyone staying in Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or San Ignacio.
St. Herman's Cave: quieter tubing and a swim
St. Herman's Cave is in St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park on the Hummingbird Highway, about 12 miles from Belmopan. The park covers about 575 acres of forest and is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. It has two main sights: St. Herman's Cave and the Inland Blue Hole, a deep, clear freshwater pool that is great for swimming.
What the tour is like
You hike from the visitor centre to the cave entrance, where steps lead down into a huge cavern. The first part of the cave can be visited on foot with a light. Going deeper requires a guide. On a tubing trip, your guide leads you through the cave, and you float part of the way on an inner tube. Operators at the park describe a tour of about 2.5 hours, including the hike, the float, and the walk back.
The tubing here depends a lot on the river level. In the wettest months the float is longer. In the driest months it can be short, and the guide may change the plan. Because cruise groups do not normally come here, it is usually much quieter than Nohoch Che'en. After the cave, most groups stop at the Inland Blue Hole for a swim.
Best for: guests staying in Hopkins, Placencia, or Dangriga, since the park is on the drive north. It also suits travelers who want a quieter cave and anyone who wants to add a swim. Read our Inland Blue Hole guide for more on the park.
Which cave tubing site should you choose?
Choose Nohoch Che'en if:
- This is your first time cave tubing and you want the classic Belize float.
- You are on a cruise or staying in Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or San Ignacio.
- You want to add Maya ruins, a zipline, or the Belize Zoo on the same day.
Choose St. Herman's Cave if:
- You are staying in Hopkins, Placencia, or Dangriga and want a shorter drive.
- You prefer fewer people in the cave.
- A swim in the Inland Blue Hole sounds better than a second big activity.
Not sure? Tell us where you are staying, the ages in your group, and whether everyone can swim. We will tell you honestly which site fits your day.
Cave tubing and Maya ruins in one day
Many guests combine cave tubing with a visit to a Maya site. The two most popular pairings are:
- Altun Ha and cave tubing: the easiest combination from Belize City and the islands. Try Altun Ha and Cave Tubing from Belize City, from San Pedro, or from Caye Caulker.
- Xunantunich and cave tubing: a great pairing from western Belize. See Xunantunich and Cave Tubing from San Ignacio or Xunantunich and Cave Tubing from San Pedro.
Best time of year and day for cave tubing
Cave tubing runs all year. The dry season, roughly December to May, brings lower, calmer water and more sunshine. The rainy season, roughly June to November, brings higher water and a faster float. After very heavy rain, guides may pause tubing until the river drops, which is one reason to keep a flexible day in your plans.
For fewer people, go early. Operators at St. Herman's recommend 8 to 9 AM starts. At Nohoch Che'en, early starts or afternoon visits often avoid the busiest cruise ship hours.
Is cave tubing safe for kids and non-swimmers?
Cave tubing is one of the most family-friendly adventures in Belize. Everyone wears a life vest and helmet, and the guide stays with the group the whole time. At Nohoch Che'en, children must be at least 40 inches tall. St. Herman's operators use a similar guideline, with young children riding in a double tube with a parent.
NICH's rules say visitors must be able to swim. If anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer, tell us before booking and we will talk through the safest option.
Cave tubing tours you can book
Our bookable cave tubing tours use Nohoch Che'en. Popular options include:
- Private Cave Tubing Tour from Belize City
- Cave Tubing and Zipline from Belize City
- Cave Tubing Cruise Excursion
- Cave Tubing and Zipline from San Pedro
- Cave Tubing and Zipline from Caye Caulker
- Cave Tubing and Zipline from Hopkins
- Cave Tubing and Ziplining from Placencia
For St. Herman's Cave tubing, contact us with your date and pickup location, and we will plan a private day. Our St. Herman's Blue Hole and Belmopan tour from Belize City already visits the same national park. Cruise passengers can also see all our Belize shore excursions.
What to bring for either cave
- Swimwear under quick-dry clothes
- Water shoes or secure sandals with a back strap
- A towel and a full change of dry clothes
- Insect repellent for the forest walk
- Any medication, and tell your guide about health concerns before you start
- Leave jewelry and loose items behind; ask your guide before bringing a phone into the cave
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Nohoch Che'en or St. Herman's Cave?
Neither is better for everyone. Nohoch Che'en has the classic float and is easier from Belize City and the islands. St. Herman's is quieter, includes the Inland Blue Hole, and is closer if you are coming from the south.
Where is the best cave tubing in Belize?
For most visitors, Nohoch Che'en (Caves Branch) is the best and most popular cave tubing in Belize. St. Herman's Cave is a quieter choice.
How long is cave tubing in Belize?
At Nohoch Che'en, the visit usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including a 30 to 45 minute walk and a float of about 40 minutes to an hour. Add travel time from your hotel or ship.
Is Jaguar Paw the same as Nohoch Che'en?
Yes, for cave tubing. Many tours call it Jaguar Paw or Caves Branch, but the tubing takes place in the Nohoch Che'en cave system.
Do I need to know how to swim?
NICH requires visitors at Nohoch Che'en to be able to swim, even though everyone wears a life vest. Tell us before booking if anyone in your group cannot swim.
How old do kids have to be for cave tubing?
At Nohoch Che'en, children must be at least 40 inches tall. Ask us about the age and height rules for St. Herman's.
Can I do cave tubing from a cruise ship?
Yes. Nohoch Che'en is the usual choice because it is close to the Belize City port. Our cruise tours are planned around your all-aboard time.
Can I do cave tubing in the rainy season?
Yes, in most cases. The water is higher and the float is faster. After very heavy rain, tubing may pause until the river drops.
Sources
- NICH Institute of Archaeology: Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch
- NICH Institute of Archaeology: Cave Management Policy 2025
- Belize Tourism Board: St. Herman's Cave
- Belizing: St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
- International Parks: St. Herman's Blue Hole
- Inland Blue Hole: Frequently asked questions
- Royal Caribbean: Cave tubing in Belize
Sources reviewed November 5, 2026. Park rules and water levels change, so your guide will confirm conditions on the day of your tour.