Barton Creek Cave Canoe Tour — Half-Day from San Ignacio with Zipline, Butterfly Farm or Big Rock Falls
Float into Barton Creek Cave by canoe and watch crystal formations glow beneath your headlamp. Pair the half-day cave trip with a jungle zipline, a butterfly garden visit, or a hike to Big Rock Falls for a complete San Ignacio adventure.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a dry bag
Phones and wallets will get damp—stow them in a small dry bag to keep them safe during the canoe and waterfall sections.
Wear quick-dry shoes
Sturdy sandals or trail shoes that can get wet are best for the canoe launch and optional waterfall hike.
Pack insect repellent
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk; apply DEET or picaridin before the hike and after swims.
Tell guides about mobility issues
Sections of the cave and the waterfall hike have low ceilings and uneven footing—guides can adapt the route or assist with transfers.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Upper Barton Creek Mennonite area — a quick roadside glimpse of traditional Mennonite farms and crafts
- •Smaller side chambers in the cave accessible by tour guides where delicate flowstone clusters are visible
Wildlife
- •Bats (in-cave species)
- •Howler monkeys and toucans in the canopy near the river
Conservation Note
The cave and surrounding habitats are sensitive—stay on guided routes, avoid touching formations, and use reef- and earth-friendly products to reduce impact.
Local Maya used Barton Creek caves for ritual offerings and as symbolic passages to the underworld; artifacts and ceramics have been found in chambers.
Photographer's Notes
- • Canoe at the cave entrance for framed shots of the river mouth
- • A central chamber where guides illuminate crystal formations
- • Big Rock Falls pool — wide-angle from the pool edge captures scale
What to Bring
Quick-dry clothingEssential
Dries fast after getting splashed during the canoe ride or waterfall swim.
Sturdy water-friendly shoesEssential
Protects feet on slippery river banks and rocky hiking paths.
Insect repellentEssential
Keeps mosquitoes and biting insects at bay in the jungle and near water.
Small dry bagEssential
Keeps electronics and documents dry during canoeing and waterfall visits.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The advertised duration is about 4 hours (half-day), including transport from San Ignacio, the canoe cave portion and your chosen add-on activity.
Is the cave tour safe for children?
Yes—children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants should sit on an adult’s lap as noted by the operator.
Can I swim at Big Rock Falls?
Yes, there is a crystal pool beneath the falls suitable for swimming when water levels are safe; follow your guide’s instructions.
Do I need canoeing experience?
No prior experience is required; guided open-canoes are used and guides paddle while pointing out highlights—guests may help paddle if they wish.
What’s included in the price?
Transport, national park fees, equipment, a guided cave canoe trip, lunch with a drink, and the chosen add-on (zipline, butterfly farm visit or waterfall hike) are included.
What should I worry about in wet season?
During heavy rains river levels rise and passages can be louder or more restricted; confirm with the operator if conditions are safe and expect more insects.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
San Ignacio, Cayo District
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness — comfortable paddling for short periods and short hikes required
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