“Belize is nicknamed the Swiss cheese of Central America because it is believed we have more miles of caves than paved roads,” said our guide, Alex, in his soft voice as we paddled between glittering stalactites.
My baby was flopped across my lap in his lifejacket, his snores echoing down the narrow cavern.
This was only the first on our list of caves to visit that week, and already, we were blown away by the small country’s beauty and history buried beneath the surface.
Of the many caves in Belize, the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (known as ATM) is high on the must-do lists that tourists will come across while researching for their trip. On this particular trip, though, because of our young son, we couldn’t do the hike, swim, crawl and climb through its famous passages to experience the culturally significant wonder.
The Barton Creek Cave is a site heavily used by the Maya people.
Credit: 2025 BTB
A couple years later, though, we did visit ATM, and we found it was worthy of that top spot on Belize bucket lists. However, the thrilling adventure it is not for everyone — and it’s hardly the only way visitors can experience the amazing Belizean underworld.
There are many destinations in Belize where clients don’t need to swim or clamber on socked feet to enter the world of the Mayan gods. Here are some can’t-miss subterranean activities for soft adventurers and young families.
Paddling Through Barton Creek Cave
One of the big selling points of ATM — and rightly so — is the incredible Mayan history and ceremony preserved in pottery and crystallized remains. Another option that fits the ceremonial bill perfectly is Barton Creek Cave, a site also heavily used by the Maya people. The cave is accessible and comfortable for all age groups, from children to seniors, and contains much evidence of Mayan use and artifacts, including a skull Alex illuminated with his massive flashlight.
There’s good reason the Barton Creek Cave is a natural wonder. This relaxing, half-mile paddle through beautiful formations and fascinating history was one of our favorites from our first visit to Belize — so much so that we insisted my husband’s parents do the tour on our second visit to this incredible country.
Clients looking for a local experience can head to Mike’s Place for a standard or extended tour of the cave. I also recommend visitors arrive early for a chance to experience the cave and its thick, silent darkness on their own.
Wandering Through Rio Frio
For those looking for the grandeur and scale found in ATM’s cathedral-like spaces without having to wedge themselves through the claustrophobic bits, the large-mouthed Rio Frio cave is a perfect alternative. In fact, Rio Frio is one of the easiest Belizean caves to access and enter, and it’s a welcome cool space for hot inland days.
Rio Frio is one of the easiest Belizean caves to access.
Credit: 2025 John_stock.adobe.comRELATED: Top Takeaways From the ATTA’s 2025 Adventure Travel Trends & Insights Report
Visitors can explore the impressive, photogenic limestone cavern at their leisure, navigating around its naturally formed features by the tropical sunshine that filters through the vines and foliage framing the entrance. Rio Frio offers a complete cave experience for clients seeking to discover Belize’s beautiful underworld: They can wander between glittery stalagmites and stalactites, watch sleepy bats and dip their toes into cool mineral pools with sandy beaches.
Check with local operator Tukan Travel to see if they have guided tours available.
Hike to St. Hermans Cave
Accessing St. Herman’s Cave requires some immersion in the jungle and a walk, which for my family only made descending the steps into the cool, dark cave even more of a treat. For those who are able and willing to get a little sweaty for a beautiful reward, St. Hermans cave is another important Mayan spiritual site, explorable sans any squeezing.
Visitors can access the first 600 feet of the cave full of stunning natural formations on their own; beyond that, a guide is required to continue exploring this subterranean world of Mayan sacrificial sites and artifacts.
Book through Julian Transfers & Tours for local guides and great experiences!
Cool Off In the Blue Hole
If clients aren't visiting ATM and exploring more inland, swimming and cooling off from the sticky Belizean heat are still on the table. Visitors will find it thrilling to jump into the Blue Hole in St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.
It may look like a Gatorade-tinted pool, but the Blue Hole was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave and is connected to an extensive underground cave system. The site is easily accessible from the parking lot and is a natural stop after exploring St. Herman’s Cave.
