In case you haven’t heard, Tulum is the new hot spot along the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Cancun is old news, unless you like high rise hotels dotting the beaches, big cities and a non-stop party scene. Not exactly our idea of the ideal family vacation destination. Tulum is about 2 hours south of Cancun and boasts some of the Riviera’s most beautiful beaches, chicest hotels, ancient Mayan ruins and the best cenotes. Here are 12 best family outdoor activities are located near Tulum.

There’s one thing for certain–you could spend months on the Maya Riviera and never get bored. Endless adventure awaits you everywhere you turn! We spent 6 weeks in Mexico and were on a mission to discover some of the best outdoor family activities near Tulum to include the best beaches and cenotes, and other family-friendly adventures. We also wanted to discover some lesser-known hidden gems too!

A note about where to stay in Tulum. There are several mid to high-end boutique hotels on the beach and in town, but quite honestly, you can find some really good Airbnb’s in Tulum, which is what we prefer most of the time when we travel. That way you can cook your own meals and save some money on food, but also have more space for your family. We also love staying in more local neighborhoods so we feel less like tourists!

Now onto our list for the best outdoor activities near Tulum, Mexico!

1. Bike through the Coba ruins

The most famous ruins on the Yucatan are Chichen Itza, but guess what? There are lots of other amazing ruins, two of which are near or right in Tulum! You might have seen photos of the stunning Tulum ruins, located on the cliffs overlooking those Caribbean blues, but have you heard of the Coba ruins?

The Coba ruins are definitely lesser known than the Tulum or Chichen Itza ruins, but nonetheless worth a visit! Located only 45 min east of Tulum, the Coba ruins blew our socks off. Nestled deep in the forested jungle, these ruins are surrounded by trees. Because the ruins are pretty spread out too, there are 3 different ways to see these ruins. You can walk (not recommended unless you plan to spend a whole day here), hire a bike taxi, or our preferred method, rent a bicycle.

Renting a bicycle is definitely the most fun way to see these ruins, and also the least hottest. Our #1 tip is to get here early in the morning right when it opens, get your bike and head to the tallest temple first. If you do this, you beat the crowds and can climb to the top of these ruins before it gets too hot.

Unlike most Mayan ruins nowadays, you can actually climb to the top of the Coba ruins! It makes it more fun and the views are amazing all the way around! Definitely a must if you visit Tulum! Admission is only a few dollars and the same for a bike rental. They even have small bikes for kids!

Here’s another tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks. Most of the bikes have a cage to put your gear in (don’t leave it unattended though!), so you don’t have to lug it around in a backpack. Don’t forget sunscreen too!

Once you finish exploring the ruins, there are some great cenotes nearby you can swim at. Located only about 10 min away from Coba, you can find Cenotes Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha and Multun-ha. The entrance fees for each cenote are around 55 pesos or $3 USD. They are a wonderful way to cool off after a hot day exploring the Mayan ruins of Coba!

2. Paddleboard in a cenote

What exactly is a cenote? Essentially a cenote is a giant limestone sinkhole in the ground filled with fresh water. There are thousands of cenotes all over the Yucatan peninsula and perhaps one of the best attractions about coming to this area of Mexico. All beautiful and unique, each cenote offers something different. Some are deep and great for cliff jumping, others offer incredible stalagmites and stalactites that make awesome scuba diving spots, and some even have turtles and other wildlife found in them!

One of the best ways to explore some of the bigger cenotes is by paddleboard or kayak. We loved going paddleboarding with Extreme Control Adventures in Casa Cenote, located just outside of Tulum. This cenote is the most brilliant blue color and is surrounded by mangrove forests. It’s known for being a good spot for learning how to scuba dive too.

As you meander through this mangrove forest, be prepared to see birds and fish, and maybe even the resident croc who lives here permanently! (Don’t worry, there’s never been an incident with the croc in all the years that it’s lived in this cenote.) We loved paddleboarding on the calm water and then getting to explore and snorkel amongst the mangroves.

After our morning paddling in Casa Cenote, our tour with Extreme Control took us to a second paddleboarding spot. We then headed to Soliman Bay, which is a 5 min drive and a great snorkeling location. This spot is pretty secluded as we saw very few people here both times we came. It’s very shallow and the reef is close, making it ideal for snorkeling. Once we finished at Soliman Bay, we were then treated with a delicious lunch of fresh ceviche and beans and rice right on the beach!

3. Go beach hopping

You can’t come to the Yucatan without visiting the gorgeous beaches that dot the coastline and make this region of Mexico world-famous for its stunning turquoise water. In our opinion, some of the best beaches are closer to Tulum, as the sand is white and as soft as powder sugar. Here is a list of a few of our favorite beaches near Tulum (with some tips):

Playa Parasio: This is one of the main beaches in Tulum. *Note that all the beaches in Tulum sit in front of various boutique hotels, but there are several public access points off the beach road. There are also plenty of beach clubs and restaurants to buy food and drinks and boats offering snorkeling excursions to the reef. We love Playa Parasio early in the morning for sunrise and in the evening when it’s less crowded. The famous leaning palm is located on this beach.

Playa Ruinas: This is the beach right below the Tulum ruins. This beach is about as picturesque as they come, but it can get crowded with the people visiting the ruins. We would suggest coming here early, as soon as the ruins open, as that is the only way you can access this beach. It’s a stunner!

Akumal Bay: Located about 30 min north of central Tulum is Akumal Bay, the famous turtle-sighting beach! Akumal offers a large and popular sandy stretch that is great for families, sandcastles and swimming. It is here you can swim with turtles in this protected preserve, however, keep in mind that you have to go with a guide, wear a life jacket and stay within a certain section of Akumal Beach. Not really our cup of tea, but if you want a good chance of seeing turtles, this might be worth doing.

Playa Xpu-Ha: Nestled between Tulum and Playa del Carmen is Xpu-Ha beach, one of our favorite beaches along the Maya Riviera. Not only is this beach beautiful, it is a bit more secluded and less crowded than some of the others in the area. It is the quintessential Yucatan beach!

Secret Beach: If you truly want to get away from the crowds and find complete serenity, head to Secret Beach, which lives up to its name by offering a secluded spot located deep in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve just south of Tulum. This gorgeous virgin beach boasts crystal clear, calm waters and is often deserted. It takes about 15-20 to reach it from Central Tulum by car or about an hour on a bike. Bring your own lunch, there are no restaurants or beach clubs here like the other beaches!

4. Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on a kayak

Speaking of Sian Ka’an Biosphere, this is one place you have to explore while you’re visiting Tulum! A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka’an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, which is why the region became a designated Biosphere Reserve in 1986. A year later, Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and remains the largest protected area in the Riviera Maya.

Possibly the most astonishing part of the Yucatan peninsula, Sian Ka’an is located just south of Tulum. It is still not very well known, so if you want to get away from all the tourist hot spots, come here.

We spent several hours kayaking in Siam Ka’an’s lagoon with Yucatan Outdoors one afternoon/evening. We started the excursion snorkeling in a cenote just outside of Sian Ka’an before paddling in the calm waters of the mangrove mazes of the preserve. Wildlife we spotted here included herons, pelicans, frigate birds, fish, crabs, and more. The best part was we were literally the only people (along with our guide) in the lagoon. It was so magical and peaceful!

After paddling around the lagoon for awhile, we stopped to have homemade empanadas and watched the most spectacular sunset! There is simply no place like Sian Ka’an in the Riviera Maya!

5. Take a day trip to Bacalar Lagoon

Nicknamed the “Maldives of Mexico”, Bacalar Lagoon is an amazing lake in the southern tip of Quintana Roo State in the Yucatan, about 2 1/2 hours from Tulum. It is called the “Lake of Seven Colors” because of the white sandy bottom that gives the effect of having so many shades of blue. It is also the second largest body of fresh water fed by underground cenotes, even though it looks like the ocean! The lake is about 34 miles from tip to tip and 1.2 miles at its widest point. This size makes it a huge place to visit and explore.

The town of Bacalar was declared a Pueblo Magico since it is such a unique place. Bacalar lagoon has a diverse ecosystem supporting unique freshwater mangroves, ancient stromatolites and rare wildlife.We spent a day here (left Tulum early in the morning), swimming and playing in the water at Balneario Cocalitos, a beach and park located on the southeast end of the lagoon. There is a large grassy area to picnic at, a restaurant and bathrooms, a swing (in the lagoon), and kayaks for rent.

We took a couple of clear kayaks out for a few hours to explore the lagoon more, but it was so windy, it made it almost impossible to get very far. The kayaks weren’t the most efficient either, but they sure look cool!

There are some great cenotes near Bacalar that might be worth exploring if you have time, most notably Cenote Azul which is one of the deepest cenotes on the Yucatan. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar here.

There is much more to explore at Bacalar and if you can spend a night or two here, that might be best however if you can only squeeze in a day trip here, it will be worth it!

6. Go zip-lining in the jungle

Zip-lining is such a fun family outdoor activity and the Maya Riviera has plenty of options for zip-lining. Our choice? We did a fun combination tour with Kay Tours (seriously the best guides ever!) where we spent the morning snorkeling, and then they took us zip lining at Cenotes Zapote. But that wasn’t all! In addition to zip lining, we also got to bike through the jungle to some pretty amazing cenotes in the same park! Some of our favorite cenotes were here!

7. Snorkel at Puerto Morelos

Probably one of the top highlights from our time in Tulum was snorkeling at Puerto Morelos. As mentioned previously, we spent an entire day with Kay Tours, who offers in-exclusive private tours in the Riviera Maya. We started the day snorkeling in Puerto Morelos and it was beyond incredible! We were the first boat out on the water in the morning, so for a couple of hours, we were only ones out on the reef!

People rave on and on about snorkeling in Cozumel, but want to know a secret? In our opinion, snorkeling was better in Puerto Morelos. The water was clearer, the reef more pristine and colorful, and we saw so much marine life here such as eels, rays, turtles and more. Our whole experience with Kay Tours blew us away!

From their customized tours to fit our needs, to the snacks and personalized water bottles in the van for us, to the rash guards the provided us to wear on the reef (vs chemically-laden sunscreen), Kay Tours thought of everything! This is a must-do for one of the best family outdoor activities near Tulum!

8. Learn how to kitesurf

One of our main goals in spending 6 weeks in Tulum was to learn to kitesurf. And the Riviera Maya is one the top places in the world for kitesurfing (otherwise known as kiteboarding)! Little did we know that kitesurfing is a sport that takes SEVERAL lessons to learn the basics of flying a kite and safety before even getting out on the water on a board, but regardless, we spent a couple of days on the beach in Tulum learning how to properly control a kite and it was so much fun!

Our guide, Marco with Extreme Control Adventures was the best instructor because not only does he have years of experience kitesurfing and teaching, but he is patient and makes it fun for everyone! It was the perfect introduction to kitesurfing and enough to get us hooked!

If you really want to experience kitesurfing in the best spots along the Riviera Maya, consider spending a few days with Marco in El Cuyo. El Cuyo is north of Cancun about an hour and is world famous for always having the best conditions for kitesurfing.

9. Swim in cenotes

Obviously, you can’t come to Tulum (or the Riviera Maya in general) without visiting some cenotes. They are EVERYWHERE. We probably visited over 30 cenotes between Tulum/Playa del Carmen and Valladolid. *One important thing to note is that most every cenote is NOT free. It seems like they should be free (much like going to a beach), but that is not the case. The reason being is most cenotes are on private property. We’ve paid anywhere between $1-2 per person up to $15 per person. Yikes!

Some of our favorite cenotes near Tulum include:

Gran Cenote: This one might be one of the busiest and well known cenotes in the Tulum region, but it’s worth going to. Just go early in the morning right before they open and there shouldn’t be too many people. Bring snorkel gear if you can (otherwise you can rent there) as there is amazing caves to explore and turtles! The water is super clear and really beautiful.

Cenote Zacil-Ha: This is another awesome cenote near Tulum and really good with small children. The cool thing about this cenote is the snack bar! You can get a pina colada here while relaxing in the sun.

Carwash Cenote: Officially, this swimming hole is called Aktun Ha Cenote, but most locals know it as the Car Wash Cenote. It got its name because it’s only a minute or so off the road, so many taxi drivers would stop by to clean their cars in hot, dusty weather. This one rarely gets super crowded too, which is a plus. Underwater, there are a large variety of plants and fish which make it great for snorkeling.

Cenote Calaveras: This circular-shaped cenote is near Gran Cenote, off the main highway towards Tulum. It’s not a big cenote, but it’s a fun one! There is a ladder that descends into the cenote, but what makes it fun is jumping into it from the ledge. There are even some smaller “holes” you can jump into but don’t worry, the water is plenty deep.

Casa Tortuga Cenotes: Four different cenotes make up Tortuga so you could easily spend a few hours here. You have to go in a guided tour group, which might be a turn off, but what’s nice is once you are done, you can explore the cenotes on your own. We loved cliff jumping and swimming through the caves!

For a complete list of all the best cenotes near Tulum and beyond, make sure to check out our post of the 18 Top Cenotes for Kids in Mexico.

10. Spend a day on Cozumel

You can’t come to the Riviera Maya without spending some time on Cozumel. Cozumel is very touristy as it’s a hub for major cruise ships (in fact, there are cruise ships in the port every day of the week), but it’s famous for good reason. Here lies some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world.

To get to Cozumel from Tulum (assuming you are staying there), you will need to get to Playa del Carmen first, which is a 45 min drive and then hop on the Cozumel ferry. From there, it’s about a 30 min ride over to the island of Cozumel. *Tip: Plan to go on a day during the week when there are the least number of cruise ships at port.

There are plenty of things to do on Cozumel, but if you’re only going to spend a day here, you should definitely prioritize diving or snorkeling. We spent a day on a catamaran snorkeling at a couple spots on the famous Palancar Reef and then headed over to El Cielo, a gorgeous beach known for its clear water and starfish. We didn’t see any starfish, but we saw a few rays and enjoyed swimming just off the beach. After swimming, we were then taken to a private beach where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and access to their aqua park (which the kids loved the most!).

11. Bike Ride in Tulum

The best way to get around Tulum is by bike! You can find lots of bike rental shops all over town for around $5/day. We got ours from iTours and spent a day biking all over town in Tulum and then down the beach road all the way to Sian Ka’an! It was hot, but we stopped for tacos at our favorite taco eatery in town, Antijitos Chiapaneca’s (the best al pastor tacos in town and super cheap!) and ice cream which made getting super sweaty worth it.

You can also bike to the Tulum ruins or the beach, so bring your beach gear if you plan to do that. Between the town and the beach, it’s only about a mile or two, so everything is relatively close.

12. Explore underground caves

Cave tubing is a popular and fun family activity in the Riviera Maya, although we didn’t do that there because we had done it in Belize recently. There are some great places to go cave tubing near Tulum, such as the popular water parks like Xcaret and Xplor. These waterparks have everything from underwater caves, cenotes, zip lines, slides, and more.

There will be no shortage of fun and non-stop adventure for a memorable family trip in Mexico! In addition to our best outdoor family activities near Tulum, If you want to explore more outside of Tulum, make sure to read our 10 Day Epic Yucatan Road Trip for some great off-the-beaten-path ideas and experiences.

You might have seen photos of the famous Blue Hole and thought, “Where is THAT?” Belize might best be known for this giant sink hole in the ocean that attracts scuba divers from all over the world, but trust me, Belize is much more than that. Belize is the perfect place for the ultimate family adventure trip because it is one of the few countries where you can discover underwater caves and rivers, Mayan ruins, jungle and mountains, AND the world’s second largest reef. For adventure lovers, Belize has it ALL!

Not only does Belize have a diverse landscape in a small geographical area, it also has a unique culture and wildlife you won’t find many other places. From jaguars, to scarlet macaws and toucans, to giant green iguanas, to nurse sharks and Eagle rays, to every kind of fish you can imagine, Belize is truly a feast for all the senses.

We’ve put together the ultimate family adventure trip to Belize because we realize that it can be overwhelming when deciding where to go and what to do in Belize when planning a family vacation there. This will be one epic trip that your family will be talking about for a long time!

Before we dive into an itinerary though, let’s discuss a couple of crucial factors to consider when planning a trip to Belize such as, “When is the best time to go?”

While Belize is great to visit any time of year, it’s important to note a few things. The first is knowing when it’s high and low season. This information determines what kind of prices you will find. For example, if you choose to go to Belize in the high season (late Nov to end of April), also the dry season, expect to pay higher prices for accommodations and even flights. This also means more tourists.

In the low season, May-Nov (also known as the wet season), prices tend to be lower and you’ll find fewer tourists too. Keep in mind that the wet season doesn’t mean it rains everyday. It just means to expect more rain than in the dry season. You might want to avoid the wettest months, however, which are Sept and Oct (also hurricane season). May and June are typically the best months to visit Belize in the low season for less rain.

The next important factor to consider when planning a trip to Belize is knowing how much time you should plan to spend there. We personally think a minimum of 10 days is best, however you could spend less time in Belize and still have a terrific vacation. For this specific itinerary, we have put together a 10 day itinerary (which you can shorten if needed), but have also included some ideas if you plan to lengthen your trip.

One more thing to note: the major international airport in Belize is just outside of Belize City (PGIA/BZE). This is the only airport that serves international flights coming and leaving the country. Another option to consider depending on cost and time is to fly into Cancun, Mexico and then take a shuttle to Belize, which is probably a good 7+ hour drive.

We often use apps like Sky Scanner or Momondo to find the best flight deals. If you choose to rent a car (which is ideal in Belize), we suggest using Booking.com for all the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, that this ultimate Belize adventure itinerary does not include travel days in/out of the country and can be easily adjusted to your preference and desires. We have also included additional options should you choose different activities or if you lengthen your stay. There is also a mix of low cost to free activities with paid excursion options in this itinerary, so pick and choose according to your budget and personal desires.

Day 1 to 4: San Ignacio, The Heart of the Jungle and Mountains

In our opinion, the best way to really experience Belize is to spend the first part of your trip in the jungle and mountainous region of Belize first, and then the second half near the ocean and reef.

From Belize City, San Ignacio is about a 2 hour drive if you have your own car (if you go via shuttle bus, add on extra time). San Ignacio is central to some of the best adventures in all of Belize so trust us, spending a few days here is well worth your time.

Where to Stay

In San Ignacio, you can find a variety of lodging options to suit your needs and budget from fancy 5-star resorts, to eco-lodges and hostels, to everything in between. If you’re wanting luxury accommodations, we suggest Blancaneaux Lodge or The Lodge at Chaa Creek, both amazing properties situated in the Maya mountains not far from San Ignacio.

However, if you want a more budget-friendly, yet incredibly authentic Belizean experience, we would recommend staying in Casa de Caballo Blanco, which is near the heart of town in San Ignacio.

We absolutely loved our time staying at Caballo Blanco for several reasons. The first being the location. It is a beautiful property overlooking the valley with horse pastures and palm trees lining the walkways. The gardens are lush and well-kept and it is quiet, making it ideal for a quiet retreat. The climate here is cooler and less humid than the coast too.

Another plus about staying at Caballo Blanco is there are only 6 bungalows so they give great attention to each of their guests. In fact, they treat you like family! The staff is extremely helpful and welcoming and will go above and beyond to make sure your needs are met and you are comfortable staying there.

We also loved that Caballo Blanco offered easy access to the natural and cultural wonders of Belize. That is a big reason why we chose this property to stay at. It was a centrally located from all the action–ruins, caves, waterfalls and rivers. Plus, you have a variety of dining options in San Ignacio, a 5 min drive to town.

Make sure to ask for Ricky and Ronnie (father and son) you stay here, they are the main caretakers here and the most wonderful people. They are also certified tour guides and native to the area, so they know all the best places to go and can even take you on guided tours if you choose.

What to Do

You will not find a shortage of activities to do in the San Ignacio area of Belize, but there are definitely a few we would highly recommend.

Visit Mayan Ruins

The first is to visit the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. They are near the Guatemalan border and absolutely incredible. It’s a short 30 min drive from San Ignacio and worth spending at least part of a day here. You can visit these ruins self- if you choose and just pay a small entrance fee, or you can do a guided horseback tour with Maya Walk which make it extra fun and a great activity with kids too!

You could opt to visit the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala, instead of Xunantunich, which is located just over the border about an hour or so. This would be a long day, but definitely worth the trip. We spent an entire day here (starting with sunrise) and loved every minute of it.

Canoeing at Barton Creek

One of our favorite activities that we did in Belize was canoe through Barton Creek, a giant cave that stretches almost 5 miles deep! Barton Creek is located about 60 min west of San Ignacio. *Important to note: You have to go with a guide due to Mayan artifacts found in the cave. We would recommend this tour with Maya Walk. Plan for half of a day for this activity.

The cave is stunningly beautiful on the outside, as well as on the inside. Your guide will give you headlamps and/or flashlights to navigate through the creek in this cave, as it gets dark fast. And if you’re lucky you might see some bats and ancient Mayan artifacts!

Swim at Big Rock Falls and Rio On Pools

If you’re looking for some “free” outdoor adventures, look no farther than Big Rock Falls and Rio On pools. These are both located near each other and you could easily spend an afternoon here swimming and jumping off rocks. Also closeby is Rio Frio cave, which is another cave to explore (although not deep).

If you’re a waterfall lover, you could also consider going to 1000 Foot Falls and Bullet Tree Falls also in the Mountain Pine region near San Ignacio. Another free (or nearly free) activity you could consider is floating down the Mopan River. We spent a couple hours one afternoon (we went with a local!) doing this and had a blast. We saw lots of iguanas along the river and even found a rope swing!

Go Cave Tubing at Cave’s Branch

You can’t come to Belize without going cave tubing! It’s one of the top activities in Belize and a MUST in our opinion! Belize is home to some of the longest cave systems in the world. Back in ancient Mayan times, the Mayans used these caves for spiritual rituals like sacrificing to their Gods and bloodletting.

Nohoch Che’en, otherwise known as Cave’s Branch is a long river that runs through this underground cave. Here you will discover stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations, fire pits, Maya ceremonial pottery, wall carvings, glyph writings and even skeletal remains of sacrificial victims.

Tubing through Cave’s Branch is the best way to experience these caves and the perfect family adventure (fit for all ages)! Plan for almost an entire day for this activity including getting there and back from San Ignacio (about 1 hour away). The adventure starts with a short 20 min hike through the jungle to the spot where you put your tube in the river.

The rest of the adventure is floating down a mellow river (your guide will provide you headlamps) most of the time in the cave. There are sections of the river that aren’t in the cave, but the majority of it is in a cave. It is beautiful and you will love seeing some of the ancient artifacts and remains!

We loved going with Maya Walk because their guides make it so fun, but also know a lot about these caves and the Mayan history. Lunch is also included, which is a typical Belizean meal. We can’t recommend this tour enough!

Explore the ATM Cave

If you have older kids (over the age of 12), and want a real “Indiana Jones” adventure, the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is THE cave to see in Belize. This is the final resting place of  the “Crystal Maiden”, an ancient Mayan ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women, and children. It is also the most “sacred” Mayan cave, and for that reason alone, there is no photography allowed within this cave.

This cave tour requires hiking, swimming and wading, and climbing. We were unable to do this adventure due to age limitations, but everyone we talk to says this was one of the best things they did in Belize! If you like adrenaline-filled adventures, you might prefer this cave tour over Cave’s Branch or even Barton Creek.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Canoe Barton Creek

Day 2: Big Rock Falls & Rio On Pools

Day 3: Xunantunich ruins (AM)/Optional: Float Mopan River (PM)

Day 4: Tube Cave’s Branch or explore ATM Cave

Day 5 to 10: Hopkins, Where the Ocean Meets the Reef

The second part of the ultimate Belize family adventure trip takes you to the quaint fishing village of Hopkins, located on the coast just north of the popular destination of Placencia (about a 3 hour drive).

*A quick note on Placencia: While we spent some time there and loved it, we actually preferred Hopkins because it’s more centrally located and less touristy. We also found more affordable lodging and dining options there.

Where to Stay

There are quite a few lodging options in Hopkins, but hands-down the best place to stay in our opinion is either the Lodge at Jaguar Reef or Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef. Both of these resorts are located next to each to other and share the same restaurant and some of the same amenities. There is a third property next to the two as well, The Colonial at Jaguar Reef which offers more affordable accommodations.

We stayed at Almond Beach and fell in love with this property which consists of 12 beachfront “casitas” with offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the ocean from your porch. We also had our own plunge pool and outdoor shower!

There is also a gorgeous pool that overlooks the beach with a swim-up bar and a hot tub too. In addition, there is an amazing floating “ceviche” bar shared between the properties, hammocks on the beach, and paddleboards and kayaks you can use. They also offer complimentary bikes you can take around town (comes in handy if you don’t have a car) and hobie cat sailboats you can rent.

Another plus about staying at Almond Beach is they can also take care of all your excursions. We spent a day horseback riding with them just outside of the Jaguar Cockscomb Basin and it was absolutely beautiful and so fun! We also spent a day snorkeling in the South Cayes (read more about that below) which we would highly recommend!

One more thing to note about the resorts at Jaguar Reef. Because Hopkins is a Garifuna fishing village, they also have some local Garifuna families come to the restaurant regularly and provide some cultural entertainment. This was really neat to learn about their unique customs that make up much of the Caribbean culture in Belize.

What to Do

You will want to take full advantage of the world’s second largest reef, the Mesoamerican Reef, and Hopkins is a great place to access several of the best places to scuba dive and snorkel along this famous reef.

However, don’t also miss some of the more inland activities close to Hopkins, such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Jaguar Cockscomb Basin. These places not only offer beautiful nature to observe, but some awesome wildlife viewing opportunities as well!

Island Hop and Snorkel in the South Cayes

Want to get a taste of some of the best snorkeling spots on the Reef? Go island hopping in the South Cayes! This was one of our favorite activities and memories from our trip in Belize. We saw so many amazing fish, turtles, eels, and rays! The water is amazingly clear and calm, making it perfect for young or inexperienced snorkelers alike. You won’t believe the color too! Every shade of blue you can imagine.

We booked this tour through our resort at Almond Beach, but both Coconut Row and See More Adventures, tour operators located in Hopkins also take daily tours to the South Cayes as well. This excursion usually lasts all day and includes lunch. They take you to a spot on the reef to snorkel at in the morning, then you are transported to South Water Caye where you have lunch and can relax, before going to a second spot on the reef to snorkel.

Spend a day on the private island of Ranguana Caye

If you’re the relaxing type, you will LOVE this day. Spend an entire day on the remote, uninhabited island of Ranguana Caye. From Hopkins, you will need to head south to Placencia to board the boat that departs to Ranguana. This is about a 45 min drive, so be sure to leave with plenty time to spare.

Once you arrive to Ranguana Caye, enjoy an entire day relaxing on the beach, playing volleyball, snorkeling, paddleboarding or kayaking. There is a bar on the island, and lunch is included in this all day excursion. It truly is blissful day you will never forget!

Rappel off waterfalls at Mayflower Bocawina National Park

If you want an action-packed day filled with zip-lining, rappeling off a waterfall, and hiking, the Antelope Package at Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a must-do. This is an all-day adventure, but you will not regret it. The rappel is about 250 feet, so be prepared for some serious adrenaline!

As an alternative (and less expensive) option, you could just hike to Antelope Falls on your own, which is rated as a moderately challenging trail. Another popular, yet easier hike goes to Bocawina Falls.

Snorkel or Dive at Half Moon Caye

Few islands in Belize offer walk-in snorkeling from the beach, but Half Moon Caye is one unique location that does. This crescent-shaped caye is located on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a protected marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site . This remote and pristine caye has world class walk-in snorkeling sites right from its beaches.

It’s quite the trek in getting out there (3 hours away by boat) regardless of where you are coming from, however keep in mind that coming from Hopkins vs San Pedro is a little longer. There are a few outfitters that take divers/snorkelers from Hopkins to Half Moon Caye, but we suggest Beaches and Dreams or Hopkins Bay Resort, both out of Hopkins.

Many of these trips combine Half Moon Caye with Blue Hole, which is a bucketlist experience (especially if you are a diver).

Take a hike at Jaguar Cockscomb Basin

Jaguar Cockscomb Basin is the world’s first and only dedicated jaguar preserve and rightfully so. It boast most of the Belize’s jaguars, but also other exotic wildlife such a birds, tapir and other wildcats. It is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, and nature trails. Your chances of seeing a jaguar are pretty slim, but if you go on a guided hike, there is a good chance of spotting jaguar tracks. The best time of day to spot a jaguar or other wildlife is early in the morning or at night when they are livelier.

You can enter the park for a small fee and wander the trails on your own, or you can go on a guided hike. If you choose to go on your own, we would recommend either the River Path (easy), Green Knowledge trail combined with the Gibnut trail (for great birding sightings), or the Waterfall trail (probably the most popular hike in the park).

Spend a day paddleboarding

Hopkins offers a great location for paddleboarding, so you might want to consider spending a half or full day paddleboarding. Gliding along the surface exploring the creeks and inlets of one of the thousands of mangrove cayes on the Belize Barrier Reef is simply the best way to look for those ideal snorkel sites. 

It is here you may encounter a manatee, the shadow of a spotted eagle ray, a turtle or a diving pelican.  All of that is before you get into the water to snorkel the pristine coral reefs of The Belize Barrier Reef. SUP Hopkins offers tours that cater to your needs and desires.

Optional: Swim with whale sharks at Gladdin Spit

If you come to Belize between the months of March-July (May and June being the prime months), you can have the incredible experience of swimming with whale sharks. This is something we had hoped to do when we were in Belize, however we were there a little early before the whale sharks had arrived.

Each year during springtime, dozens of whale sharks visit a spot in Belize known as Gladdin Spit, an area on the reef about 30 miles east of Placencia. They come to feed on the eggs of Black or Cubera snappers. What makes Gladden Split so unique is that this is the only place where you can dive with these gentle giants and encounter huge schools of spawning fish at the same time.

We would recommend going with Seahorse Dive Shop out of Placencia because they offer diving and snorkeling options with whale sharks.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 5: Transfer from San Ignacio/Relax at resort

Day 6: Snorkel in the South Cayes

Day 7: Spend a day at Ranguana Caye

Day 8: Rappel waterfalls/hike at Mayflower Bocawina National Park or take a hike at Jaguar Cockscomb Basin

Day 9: Snorkel/dive at Half Moon Caye/Blue Hole or swim with whale sharks at Gladdin Spit

Day 10: Spend a day paddleboarding/snorkeling

(Extended Itinerary) Day 11-14: Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker, All About the Reef

For those that plan to spend a few more days in Belize, we have provided a sample itinerary to include some of the best spots to dive/snorkel and view marine life in all of Belize.

Where to Stay

The million dollar question when coming to Belize: Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker? While both offer their advantages and disadvantages, for this purpose, we have provided some information to help you decide which place would better suit your needs and wants.

Ambergis Caye

Often referred to as San Pedro, Ambergis Caye is the busier of the two, but offers more lodging and excursion options. If you prefer more restaurants, shopping, a night scene or even just want to be closer to the mainland, Ambergis Caye is more ideal.

There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury, 5-star resorts to budget friendly hotels. Our picks? On the higher-end we love Las Terrazas Resort & Residences or Victoria House Resort & Spa. Some good mid-range, family-friendly options on Ambergis Caye are X’tan Ha, White Sands Cove and Caribbean Villas. Make sure to use Booking.com for the best rates!

One other thing to note about Ambergis Caye. Most people rent golf carts to get around, but depending on where you stay, you might just be able to walk to town!

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker, in our opinion is more beautiful, but it’s smaller and in general, more expensive because there are less options for accommodations and food. If you stay on Caye Caulker, you might feel more isolated which can be good and bad. For a few nights though, it’s a great location. Personally, when we go back to Belize, we would choose Caye Caulker over Ambergis Caye.

Our top picks for Caye Caulker would be Seaside Villas and Hummingbird Cabins which get high ratings on Booking.com and Trip Advisor and are good middle-of-the-road budget options.

What to Do

You don’t come to Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker without spending time on the reef. In fact, that is what YOU DO. If you’re only spending a couple of days here, we have a few recommendations.

Sail and snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley

This is a pretty popular tourist excursion, but with good reason. The snorkeling is AWESOME. We saw tons of eagle rays, sting rays, eels, turtles and so many different species of fish like pufferfish, trumpet fish, parrot fish, and needle fish. And did we mention sharks? Yes, sharks. But don’t worry, they are nurse sharks and harmless (they don’t have teeth)! The reef is healthy and colorful and the water pristine and clear.

We would recommend taking a catamaran out to the reef to snorkel at these two spots. We did the Caye Caulker Snorkel & Sail tour with Seaduced by Belize and it was by far our kids’ favorite activity in all of Belize because they got to be on a catamaran and swim with sharks! This will be a day you won’t forget!

Snorkel or dive at Mexico Rocks

Another great spot to snorkel near San Pedro on the reef and probably less crowded than Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan is Mexico Rocks. Seaduced by Belize offers a half day tour to Mexico Rocks, as well as Neptunes Cove. This is a famous dive spot too, so if you scuba, you might consider booking a full day trip to fully explore this reef and the surrounding area.

Conclusion

And that concludes the ultimate Belize family adventure trip! This will be a trip for the books that you will most definitely want to do again. It’s not as cheap as other neighboring countries like Mexico and Guatemala, but it’s EPIC!

One of the most beautiful places in all of Guatemala is also one of the hardest to get to, but well worth the trek AND the hype. And that is Semuc Champey, a jungle oasis located in the mountainous Alta Verpaz region of Guatemala. It is here you can find cascading pools and waterfalls galore, lush forest, rivers, and caves. Ideally you will want to spend 2 or 3 days of adventure in Semuc Champey to make the most of your time here.

Getting to Semuc Champey

The closest city to Semuc Champey is Lanquin, a small town about 10km (or 6 miles) or 45 min away on a very bumpy dirt road. The journey in getting here is no joke! Whether you’re coming from Guatemala City, Antigua or even Lake Atitlan, it’s a LONG, windy, bumpy drive. We traveled from Panajachel, outside of Lake Atitlan and it took us over 10 hours with stops for bathroom and food.

The drive from Guatemala City or Antigua (which is the route most people come from) isn’t much quicker or closer either, so either way, be prepared for a long trek in getting to Semuc Champey and if you get motion sickness easily, pop those Dramamine pills beforehand.

Unless you rent a car to get there, you will need to take a shuttle bus or hire a private van. We took the a shuttle bus and it was great (included air conditioning and plenty of room for luggage). Shuttle vans typically cost about $25-35/person (and obviously more for a private van).

There are tons of companies that offer shuttle service from all of the major cities to Lanquin, but the one we went with was Sunrise Travel. They don’t operate a website, but are based in Antigua and offer shuttle services all over the country. You can also look up GuateGo, which offers all kinds of transportation services.

Where to Stay in Semuc Champey

As mentioned earlier, the closest town to Semuc Champey is Lanquin and let me tell you, your lodging options are limited. However, you’ll be happy to know that almost all of them are super budget-friendly as most offer eco or hostel style lodging. We read lots of reviews on Trip Advisor, and ended up choosing Hostal Oasis The Traveler (for like $18 USD/night) because they had Wifi and we needed to be able to connect to the internet for work. It was also in a good location to town and right on the river!

Other good lodging options to consider in or near Lanquin are El Retiro, Zephyr Lodge, El Portal de Semuc (closest hotel to entrance of park), and Utopia Eco Hotel. It really depends on your budget and if you want to be closer to Semuc Champey or to town (for more food options), as well as availability/time of year you go. Make sure to use Booking.com to guarantee the best rates.

3 Day Semuc Champey Itinerary

Get ready, because the next 3 days will be jam-packed with adventure in Semuc Champey! (Mixed with some relaxation too.) We spent 2 full months in Guatamala and I can honestly say that our time at Semuc Champey was one of our favorite highlights and experiences. Not to mention, SO beautiful!

Day 1: Go on a guided tour

There is a big debate over if you should do Semuc Champey on your own or with a guide. We believe you should do BOTH! Why? Because only with a guide can you go to the famous Kanba caves and that alone is worth paying the relatively small fee for a full day of adventure in Semuc Champey!

With a guided tour, you start the day in the morning with a hike to El Mirador, a steep but short hike to the top of a vista point overlooking Semuc Champey. Only from this vantage point, can you get a good view of the pools from above.

The views are breathtaking and the trail is beautiful and lush. After you finish the hike, your guide takes you back down to the pools where you spend the next couple of hours–swimming, relaxing, sliding and jumping off rocks and waterfalls. So fun! It’s the perfect place for kids too because there are plenty of places where the water is super shallow. We suggest wearing good water shoes or sandals though, it can be slippery walking across the rocks!

Once you finish up at the pools, your guide will take you to El Portal de Semuc, where you will get lunch (not included with the tour). After lunch, the real fun begins! You will then go to Kanba caves with your guide. It might seem a little sketchy when all they hand you is a candle, but trust me, it’s an adventure! (Note: You can always bring a headlamp if you don’t feel comfortable with a wax candle.)

It felt like we were straight out of Indiana Jones holding candles as we walked through water in this very deep cave! We climbed up and down ladders, shimmied through some tight spaces, and waded (and sometimes even swam!) through this cave. It was definitely the highlight of the day for our kids! Also, make sure to wear water shoes or sandals as it can be slick. We also wouldn’t recommend taking young/small children through the caves.

It takes about an hour to get through the cave, but once you’re done, then it’s time to float the river! Right outside the entrance of the cave is the Cahabón River where they give you inner tubes (the locals will try to sell you a beer!) while you lazily float down the river.

You get done with the full day tour late in the afternoon, at which point the guides will take you back to your hotel. The best and cheapest way to book a tour is through your hotel/hostel when you get there (no need to schedule ahead of time!). They arrange everything for you, including transportation to Semuc Champey and back. The cost for the tour was $25/person (again, not including lunch), but totally worth it even for just the caves.

Day 2: Explore Semuc Champey on your own

Now that you’ve done the guided tour and have gotten the “lay of the land” in Semuc Champey, it’s time to go back and explore on your own. The reason we advise this is it gives you the opportunity to go at your own pace, without a group, to enjoy the beauty of this jungle oasis a little more.

We recommend that you go early and get there as soon as the park opens, so you can have the entire place to yourself for a bit, which is what we did. Head to the big waterfall first (take a left on the trail where it forks once you enter the park), so you can enjoy jumping off the rocks and swimming in the cave before anyone else gets there.

After swimming under the big waterfall, head up to the main pools where you can spend several hours relaxing, swimming and getting all the photos you want. Make sure to check out where the river flows under the limestone pools of Semuc Champey too!

Tip: Because you want to go early (before the tours arrive), we would suggest asking your hotel how they can arrange a driver to take you. We ended up paying a little more, but it was well worth it to be able to enjoy Semuc Champey without many people around.

Day 3: Go river rafting on the Cahabón River

Technically you could just spend 2 days in Semuc Champey since that is adequate time to explore the park. However, if you have a third day to spend here, we would recommend going on a whitewater rafting trip down the Cahabón River, which offers Class III and IV rapids.

Most trips begin at a put-in spot near Lanquín. From here, expect wild rides on the Upper Cahabón, including the rapids of Rock and Roll, Entonces, and Las Tres Hermanas. There are several companies you can book a trip with, but we would recommend Maya Expeditions or for a fun, multi-day raft trip combined with Semuc Champey and some caves, look into Jungle Tours.

If you have more time in the area, you could head to the city of Coban, about an hour away where plenty of outdoor recreation awaits or even just explore the town, which is full of culture and sights!

Conclusion

Semuc Champey is not to be missed when you come to Guatemala! You will love connecting to nature and seeing one of Guatemala’s most beautiful places! And if you’re like us, combine it with the 8 best outdoor activities in Lake Atitlan and/or Hiking Volcano Acatenango for one epic trip!