Barton Creek Cave Canoe Tour
Paddle Through Belize’s Sacred Maya Underworld.
Half-day adventure from San Ignacio into the heart of an ancient ceremonial cave.
- Departs: San Ignacio
- Duration: 4–5 Hours
- Price: $85 USD Per Person
- Includes: guide, transport, gear, and water
- Small Groups: (2–10 max)
- Challenge: Easy
What’s This Tour About?
Step into stillness as you glide by canoe into the ancient darkness of Barton Creek Cave — once a sacred site for Maya ceremonies. Hidden within the jungle-covered limestone hills of western Belize, this cave served as a ceremonial gateway to the underworld (Xibalba), used for rituals, offerings, and burials over 1,000 years ago.
With your licensed local guide Alvin J. Brown, you’ll paddle through towering cave chambers illuminated only by your headlamp and natural reflections. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Maya’s spiritual relationship with caves, spot pottery shards and skeletal remains, and experience the peaceful power of this place first-hand.
What to Expect
🚐 Pickup from San Ignacio hotels
🛶 Canoe entry into Barton Creek Cave (about 1 mile in)
💬 Cultural and archaeological interpretation throughout
🏞️ Optional swim or nature walk nearby
🍃 Return to San Ignacio (approx. 4–5 hrs total)
🧭 Optional Add-On: Visit Big Rock Falls or Cahal Pech Ruins in the afternoon.
Itinerary
Pickup: From your hotel, resort, Airbnb, or a pre-arranged location
Departure: 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM
- Scenic Drive to Barton Creek: Pass through what use to be a traditional Mennonite community on your way to the cave, catching glimpses of horse-drawn buggies and handcrafted barns.
- Gear Up: Your guide provides helmets and lights before the cave canoeing begins.
- Cave Canoeing: Paddle gently into the cave system. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Mayan rituals, archaeological discoveries, and the cave’s geological formation.
- Return to San Ignacio: After the peaceful paddle, you’ll have the option to swim in the cool, clear waters before returning.
What’s Included / What to Bring
What’s Included:
✔ Licensed Guide (Alvin or team)
✔ Private Transport
✔ Entrance Fees
✔ Canoe & Safety Gear
✔ Bottled Water
What to Bring:
🩳 Water shoes or sandals
👕 Light, comfortable clothing
🧴 Towel & change of clothes
📷 Camera (optional)
🧢 Hat & sunscreen
Pricing & Discounts
Adults: $85 USD per person (2+ guests)
Solo traveler: $110 USD (private option)
Children under 12: $65 USD
Combo Discount: Save 10% when you book with Xunantunich or Big Rock Falls
📩 [Ask About Multi-Tour Packages]
Why Choose This Tour?
- Guided by local experts
- Safe & easy for all ages
- Unique canoe experience
- Combine with other tours
San Ignacio Tours
- Belize ATM Cave Tour
- Tikal Temples Tour
- Caracol Mayan Ruins Tour
- Cave Kayaking
- Cave Tubing
- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour
- Crystal Cave Tour
- Zip Lining
- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing
- Mountain Pine Ridge Tour
Booking Info
- Price: $85USD - Includes: Guide, Transportation, Gears, Entrance fees & Taxes.
- Payment Accepted: Cash, Visa or Master Card
- Combo Discounts: when booked with another tour on the same day.
- Departure: 9:00AM or 1:00PM - Pickup at accommodations in San Ignacio or other arranged location.
- How to pay: A link will be sent to you for secure online payment.
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp:: +501 639-1240
- View: Alvin’s Public Calendar
Book Barton Creek Cave Tour!
Limited spots available – Reserve your canoe today!
FAQs
- Families with young children or older adults
- Travelers short on time looking for a half-day adventure
- Anyone curious about Maya culture and Belizean nature
- First-time cave explorers who want a calm introduction
Please read our blog post about Barton Creek Cave and other Caves in Belize Cave system: https://belizewithalvin.com/belize-caves/barton-creek-cave-reserve/
Yes! Barton Creek is our most accessible cave tour with no hiking or climbing involved. Great for families, seniors, and first-timers.
No prior experience is needed. The canoes are stable and your guide does the paddling unless you’d like to join in.
Swimming is not allowed inside the cave, but there’s an option to swim at the cave’s entrance area after the tour.
Absolutely! Barton Creek pairs well with Xunantunich, Big Rock Falls, or the Green Iguana Project.
- Cancellation must be made 48hrs in advanced to received a refund, less 4.5%.
- Booking made less than 24hours, must be paid in full. Please read our cancellation policy for more information.
Map & Location
- Barton Creek Cave – approx. 1 hr from San Ignacio
- Pickup included | 4x4 access road | Bathrooms on site
Ready to Explore Barton Creek Cave?
Join us for a journey into the sacred world of the ancient Maya—one paddle at a time.
Book now and experience the underground magic of Belize with expert local guides.
Review of tour done at Barton Creek in Belize
We had a great experience. We did both the Caracol tour and the ATM Cave tour. Our guides were professional, talkative, informative, and all around great people who love Belize and all it has to offer. The lunches provided were exceptional and the level of personal interaction was superior to most other tours I’ve been on!"
More Info & Insights
- Maya Caves of Belize
- Planning a Belize Adventure
- Meet Your Guide – Alvin J. Brown