Mainland Tours & Activities
Explore the expansive rain forests, jungles and the wildlife that roam there in a variety of different ways on a day trip from Ambergris Caye to the mainland of Belize. Enjoy the incredible colors and the mystery of local Belizean animals at the Belize Zoo, a cooling drift down a river through ancient caves or an exhilarating and breath taking zip line tour from the jungles canopy.
A visit to Belize would not be complete without visiting its many mainland attractions. Recently introduced to San Pedro, the Reef Rocket provides a thrilling ride to Belize City for connection to one of the many tour destinations in and around Belize. The Reef Rocket departs San Pedro at 7:30am. On arrival in the City, you are met by your guide and you immediately set off for your adventure. A continental breakfast is served en route. Departure from Belize City is at 4:30pm with return to San Pedro. (Lunch is included in all full day tours.)
Belize Zoo and Xunantunich
Depart Belize City in your air-conditioned Van up the scenic Western Highway en route to the Cayo (pronounced Ky-o) District and the impressive Maya site of Xunantunich. Before reaching the entrance of this ancient city, you are hand-cranked across the Mopan River by a nineteenth century ferry. “El Castillo” (the castle), is the largest temple at Xunantunich and shows it's dominance by its towering height. From the top of “El Castillo” view the panoramic vistas of the surrounding rain forest in the Cayo District as well as the bordering towns between Belize and Guatemala. This segment of the tour is followed by a hot lunch at a Cayo area restaurant.
On return to Belize City you will make a stop at the Wildlife Habitat known as The Belize Zoo created as a sanctuary for the country’s indigenous species. The Belize Zoo was first created for animals which were injured or donated to the facility and could not be returned to the wild. This is home for am impressive array of Large Cats, Primates, Reptiles and Birds, which gives you the opportunity of viewing Belize’s prolific wildlife in one location.
Robinson Crusoe's Jungle Adventure & Rainforest ATV
What would Robinson Crusoe do if he suddenly found himself marooned in the midst of a rainforest? What would you do? Learn the ingenious "Survivor" skills and secrets to managing this kind of a situation from instructors who have done such things first hand! Your experienced jungle guides will teach you how to make fire using only a machete and a piece of Bamboo. Learn to identify sources of water and how to actually produce it. See models of various jungle traps and snaring techniques. Then visit Robinson Crusoe's jungle style dwelling made from all natural materials - vines, branches and the bark of various trees. It could be your home for a few days! After lunch, it is time to explore the jungles of Belize on trails laid out over 100 years ago by loggers in search of precious Mahogany trees. Your experienced guides will brief you on the safety procedures for handling your automatic ATV and issue protective gear and helmets. The trails are a good mix of various challenging terrains leading to the stop of the day – the Maya Caves. As you explore the cave, be on the look out for ancient ceramic pots forgotten for centuries. Who knows, you may be the one to spot an undiscovered find! After this stop, it is time to loop back to home base via jungle trails.
Rainforest ATV & Sibun River Kayaking
On arrival at Peccary Park your experienced guides will brief you on safety procedures for ATV handling and issue protective gear and helmets. It is now time to explore the jungles of Belize on trails laid out over 100 years ago by loggers in search of precious Mahogany trees. The trails are a good mix of various challenging terrains leading to the stop of the day – the Maya Caves. Here you explore caves once used by the Maya thousands of years ago. To the Maya, caves were considered portals to the underworld. As you explore the cave, be on the look out for ancient ceramic pots forgotten for centuries. Who knows, you may be the one to spot an undiscovered find! Head back to base for lunch and some leisure time. Then board your 2 person kayak and start exploring the Sibun River. Look out for iguanas, turtles, crocodiles and various exotic birds as you kayak down this scenic waterway.
A dry change of clothes and a towel is recommended.
Aerial Trek & Cave Tubing
A 37 mile trip up the Western Highway brings you to Jaguar Paw Resort, your headquarters for the day. Aerial Trek is a zip-line tour through broadleaf rainforest. The tour features an intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which lets you “zip” 100 – 124 feet between treetop platforms secured 70 feet high at canopy level. This level literally gives you a bird’s eye view of all the tropical palms and trees. The tour begins with a ten minute hike through the rainforest to the starting platform; the next 2 hours are spent flying through the forest with the birds, and like a bird! – a truly unforgettable experience! At the end, whet your appetite with freshly prepared rice and beans and savory chicken! The second part of your adventure takes place on the Caves Branch River and its winding path through the Maya Mountains and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya. During the 45 minute hike on the jungle trail your guide will point out various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Maya for medicinal purposes. The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of an “eye opening” adventure. Your guide hands out flashlights, and you are ready to float in inflated inner tubes with gentle currents taking you through the cave system. Intricate crystalline formations line the cave and the majestic rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites add to the serene opulence of nature.
Come dressed in bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes (which will get wet) or water shoes and a towel. A change of clothes and shoes is recommended and will be welcomed after your tour.
Lamanai & The New River Safari
After a 45 minute transfer from Belize City, you will start one of the most interesting tours in Belize. The drive up the Northern Highway brings you to Tower Hill, where you board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Maya for Submerged Crocodile) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys. Your guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees, which were of great importance in ancient times.
Wildlife River Rafting & Altun Ha
The beginning of this tour focuses on the contrast between the ancient Maya city of Altun Ha and modern day Belize City. Altun Ha (Maya for “Rock Stone Water”), thrived as a trading post to the Maya World during the Post Classic and Classic periods. This site is where the famous Jade Head of “Kinich Ahau” was uncovered by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum. Altun Ha was once a major trading center linking the Maya on the Caribbean with the Central American mainland Maya. Belize City today is home to about 35% of the country’s population and your guide will provide an interesting reflection of the city’s history. After lunch board your river raft and float gently along the Olde Belize River with the currents. Crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas and birds abound. Turtles, manatees and even dolphins are sometimes spotted as well.
