A short hop to the mainland puts a completely different Belize within a day's reach: rainforest, howler monkeys, limestone caves the Maya used as ceremonial sites, and temples you can still climb.
These are long days — most leave around 6:30 AM and return around 5:30 PM — but they are the trips guests talk about afterwards. All of them are arranged door-to-door, including the flight or boat transfer to the mainland.
Tours we book
Lamanai
6:30 AM – 5:30 PMFull dayA river run up the New River to a temple complex in the jungle.
- River boat up the New River
- Maya temple complex
- Guide
- Lunch
Cave tubing & the Belize Zoo
6:30 AM – 5:30 PMFull dayFloat the caves in the morning, jaguars in the afternoon.
- Float the caves
- Belize Zoo
- Guide
- Lunch
Cave tubing & Xunantunich
6:30 AM – 5:30 PMFull dayUnderground river, then a temple you can climb.
- Float the caves
- Xunantunich Maya site
- Guide
- Lunch
Cave tubing & zipline
6:30 AM – 5:30 PMFull dayUnderground in the morning, above the canopy after lunch.
- Float the caves
- Rainforest canopy zipline
- Guide
- Lunch
Prices change with the season and the operator, so we quote them at the time of booking. Ask the concierge for current rates and availability.
Getting there
Mainland trips start with a short flight or water taxi from San Pedro. Transfers, guides and lunch are bundled into the day, and the concierge will have a packed breakfast waiting for the early start.
What to wear
Closed shoes you do not mind getting wet, quick-dry clothes, insect repellent and a dry bag for phones. Temples involve steps and heat; caves involve water.
Good to know
- Can you visit Maya ruins from Ambergris Caye?
- Yes. Lamanai and Xunantunich are both doable as full-day trips from the island, leaving around 6:30 AM and returning around 5:30 PM, with transfers and lunch included.
- Is cave tubing suitable for children?
- Generally yes for children who are comfortable in water — the float is gentle and everyone wears a life vest. Operators usually set a minimum age, which the concierge will confirm.