ATM Cave Tour from San Pedro Ambergris Caye

Recommended
Listing Type
Tour/Activity
Type of Tour/Activity
Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Tour Type
Cave Expedition
Cultural | Educational
Jungle Trek
Nature
Main Activity
Cave Exploration
Gold Standard
Yes
Departs From
Start Point
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Intensity Level
Moderate
$
220
-
$
400
/ Person
Trusted Provider
Belizing Experiences A
Avg. Response:
2 hours
Share
About Listing
Features:
ATM Cave
Ancient Artifacts
Archaeological Reserve
Cave System
Highlights
  • Most Sacred Cave in the World
  • Top Inland Attraction from San Pedro
  • All-inclusive Tour from San Pedro
Belize Gold Standard Certified - Belizing.com

Description

Explore the ATM Cave from San Pedro

Embark on a thrilling day trip from San Pedro to explore the world's most sacred cave, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation, entrance fees, professional guide, and lunch. Navigate through underground chambers, discover ancient Mayan artifacts, and witness the awe-inspiring Crystal Maiden. Limited spots available, book your unforgettable adventure today!

Your All-Inclusive ATM Cave Tour Includes:

  • All-inclusive ATM tour from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Includes all transportation, entrance fees, equipment, and lunch (meal preferences can be arranged). 
  • Departure Time from the island is 7 AM by Plane or 6 AM by Boat.
  • Your pick-up in Belize City is scheduled for 8 AM sharp - so it is critical that you board the flight or boat on time! 
  • Your tour will be with a certified gold-standard tour operator, with an ATM-licensed guide. 
  • Groups are limited to 8 per guide, and there is a daily cap of 125 visitors per day. 
  • You can add local transportation to/from your hotel in San Pedro for an additional fee. 

The ATM Cave in Belize

The Belize Actun Tunichil Muknal​ (ATM) Cave is a wet cave, where you swim into the entrance and then trek through ankle to chest-high water before climbing to a dry chamber that leads to the cathedral or main hall. This towering chamber is 350 meters in length and 50 meters wide and is filled with artifacts and the skeletal remains of 14 bodies, about half of them children.  All of the skeletal remains are male except one completely intact female skeleton covered in sparkling mineral deposits, the Crystal Maiden. Other artifacts include large pots and jars, flute-like instruments, and ground stones used for grinding corn and grains, suggesting agricultural rituals.

ATM Cave is considered the best Belize cave to explore and is declared the world's most sacred cave by National Geographic.  It is an extraordinary and rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were thousands of years ago, virtually untouched.

Booking and Cancellation Policy
Our tours are refundable (minus a small service fee) up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable; however, rescheduling is possible if contacted in advance.

Additional Notes:

1. We offer local transportation to/from your hotel in San Pedro for an additional fee.
2. The ATM Cave is a physically demanding experience with some swimming involved. Please ensure you are in good physical condition before booking.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Book your ATM Cave Tour from San Pedro today!


 
Suitable for:
Kids
Teens
Adults
Families
Groups
Couples
What is Included?
Things the supplier includes without any extra cost.
  • Roundtrip flight to Belize City
  • Transportation
  • Licensed Guides
  • Entrance fees
  • Equipment
  • Packed lunch
  • Water
What to bring?
Recommended items to bring on the trip.
  • Closed-toe shoes (no flip flops)
  • Pair of socks (mandatory)
  • Change of Clothes and Towel
  • Bug spray
  • No type of cameras
  • Cash for Snacks and Tips
Rates
The base rates charged by the provider. This includes all taxes and applicable fees.
Minimum:
2 people
Minimum number of people.
Price
Unless otherwise indicated, prices are in US dollars.
Per
Price
Unless otherwise indicated, prices are in US dollars.
Description
Person
$
290
By Plane - 2 -5 Persons | 7 AM Departure
Person
$
270
By Plane - 6 or more | 7 AM Departure
Person
$
400
By Plane - Solo Traveler | 7 AM Departure
Person
$
240
By Boat - 2 -5 Persons | 6 AM Departure
Person
$
220
By Boat - 6 or more | 6 AM Departure
Person
$
350
By Boat - Solo Traveler | 6 AM Departure
Special Instructions for Rates
*Does not include local taxi pickup/drop-off in San Pedro. You can add local taxi roundtrip service to your booking here, or you can make your own arrangements or use your own transportation. This helps you save on costs if you already have transportation on the island.
 
Add-ons
The total cost of the options you choose will be added to the total cost of the tour.
Per
Name
Price
Description
GroupLocal Taxi in San Pedro (in Town)
$
30
Group of 4 | Roundtrip service from your hotel. Includes most areas in town and south of town. Includes, Alaia, Mahogany Bay, and Victoria House.
GroupLocal Taxi in San Pero (Out of Town)
$
60
Group of 4 | Roundtrip service from your out of hotel. Includes anything north of the bridge such as Grand Caribe, Coco Beach, Portofino, Captain Morgans, and others.
Itinerary
Activity
Description
Duration
5:30 to 6am - Local PickupPickup by taxi from your hotel or rental in San Pedro (Additional Fee).15-30 mins
6am - Departure by Water TaxiBring your Belizing Ticket voucher - sent to you via email.2 hours.
7am - Departure by FlightBring your ID for flight Check in or digital copy of flight itinerary - sent to you via email.30 minutes
Belize City DepartureYour driver will pick you up in Belize City. A quick stop for breakfast is possible. Please note that breakfast is not included in your booking. The drive to the ATM cutoff is about 1 hour.1 hour
Drive to ATM siteYou will meet your ATM cave guide in the village of Teakettle in the Cayo District. You will switch vehicles here and ride with your guide to the site. You may be joined by other guests unless your tour is private.45 minutes
ATM ExperienceThe entire experience is about 4 hours, including time for lunch. The Belize ATM Cave is a wet cave, where you swim into the entrance and then trek through ankle to chest high water before climbing to a dry chamber which leads to the cathedral or main hall.4 hours
Departure back to San PedroAfter exploring deep inside the cave we back track to Teakettle Village and continue to Belize City where you take the 5:30pm boat or flight back to Ambergris Caye. Your cab driver pick you up and take back to your resort.3 hours
Activities
Caving
Transportation
Is Transportation provided?:
Yes
Transport Info.
Important Transportation/Pickup Information
We pick you up from your Hotel or Resort by taxi cab.
We use San Pedro Belize Express to boat over to Belize City, Or Tropic Air to fly over.
We use clean, Air Conditioned SUVs, Mini Vans, or Coach Buses.
 
Availability
Schedule
Dates
Duration
DailyFull Day
Provider
 (51)
It's time for you to experience Belize in a different way! Belizing Experiences is Belize's one-stop Travel Fulfillment with a local authentic flavour! Looking for your next great ... moreadventure? We provide unique private tours specifically for you. Our travel related services covers any and all things to do in Belize. Experience Belize in a whole different way with Belizing Experiences! let's go Belizing!
Account Type:
Travel Agent
Gold Certified:
No
Service Types:
Tours | Activities, Shuttles, Accommodation, Vacation Packages, Rentals/Charters
 (264)
Premier Provider
Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor. Belize Ground Shuttle is a professional shuttle company operating daily shared shuttle service for travelers between San Ignacio and the Belize International ... moreAirport (BZE). Ride in style and comfort in our brand new vans. We offer regularly scheduled shuttle runs to and from the airport for all international travelers. Spaces are limited on each shuttle run, so book early. All shuttles feature free WiFi, water, air conditioning, and a professional driver. 

We are a Gold Standard compliant transportation provider, having implemented and exceeded all the requirements of the Belize Tourism Board's gold standard program for health and safety.
Account Type:
Transportation
Gold Certified:
Yes
Service Types:
Shuttles
Destinations
Main Attraction:
ATM Cave
Nearby Hotels
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Know Before You Go
Podcast
Everything you need to know before visiting the most sacred cave in the world. ATM Cave - or Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave - is a possible contender for Belize's most stunning attraction. ... moreLocated close to the town of San Ignacio, the ATM Cave is the most popular cave tour in Belize.
Virtual Audio Experience
Elias Cambranes, expert ATM cave guide from K'atun Ahau Tours, takes us on the first of its kind virtual audio experience of the ATM cave.
Read Blog Post
If you're thinking about the ATM cave tour but nervous about the swimming required, this blog is for you! As someone who is unable to swim at all, I wanted to share my experience ... moreof doing the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour in the hopes of helping anyone who is feeling uncertain or unsure about whether to do it. I went on the tour with Belize Caving Expeditions, and wanted to share some practical tips or things I wished I knew before doing the ATM tour.
Category:
Tours
Author Name:
Katherine Wong Too Yen
Added Date:
Wednesday, 16 Oct, 2019
 (2)
The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a possible contender for Belize's most stunning attractions. The ATM Tour in Belize will change your life! Located close to the town of San Ignacio, ... morethe Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is the most popular cave tour in Belize. Its vast network of underground chambers is known as being a treasure trove for archaeologists but also for its diverse ecosystem of bats, crabs, crayfish, and tropical fish. Here's everything you need to know before you start planning a trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
Category:
Travel Tips
Author Name:
Belizing.com Staff
Added Date:
Wednesday, 1 Jan, 2025
Payment & Cancellation
Cancellation Policy
Flexible
  • Cancellations made 15 days before will be fully refunded except for a service fee of 3%.
  • Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 70% of the amount paid.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Terms & Conditions
Plan Ahead for a Seamless Experience
We understand that travel plans can change! To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, we encourage booking your ATM Cave Tour in advance. This allows us to manage logistics effectively and provide the best possible experience for all participants.

Secure Your Spot Today
To guarantee your place on the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking. This helps us minimize cancellations and ensures that we can accommodate all guests comfortably.

Cancellation and Change Policy
If you need to make changes or cancel your tour, you can do so up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Please note that a minimal service fee will apply for any adjustments made within this timeframe.

Important Information for Boat Travelers
If you select the boat option for your tour, please be aware that once water taxi tickets are used, they are non-refundable. In the event of bad weather, we can offer a partial refund minus the water taxi fees or assist you in rescheduling your tour. If we must cancel the tour due to weather conditions before you use your water taxi tickets, we will refund your payment in full, minus any applicable service fees.

Weather Considerations
The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is managed by the Belize Institute of Archaeology (NICH). In rare instances, the cave may be closed due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather conditions. Should this occur, we will notify you promptly via email.

In Case of Tour Cancellation
If we must cancel the tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we will provide you with the option to reschedule for a later date (subject to availability). Alternatively, we can discuss other options that best suit your needs.

Missed Transportation
If you happen to miss your flight or boat to Belize City, please reach out to our support team at experiences@belizing.com as soon as possible. While we cannot guarantee availability on the next departure, we will make every effort to accommodate you, though additional charges may apply.
 
8 reviews   1 comments
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(5.0 of 5)
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Amazing Experience with ATM Tour
Kudos to the team for pulling together a great experience for me. I only found out about this cave experience this week, and I was able to book a solo excursion for myself with only one day's notice. Flights from/to San Pedro were on time, as was the personal driver Darwin who took me to Teakettle and back. My tour guide Fernando was outstanding - he's been doing this tour 20+ years and it shows. ... more And what can I say about the cave itself? Amazing. Bucket list kind of experience. Would highly recommend to anyone. All in all, a wonderful time and executed without a single hiccup.
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Hands down the best experience!!!
My partner and I did this tour at the beginning of our trip and it ended up being our #1 thing we did! Everything ran smoothly. We got picked up from our resort out of town and dropped off at the airport. We had a quick flight over to the mainland where our next driver was waiting with a sign for us. He then drove us to a little shop where we could go to the bathroom and buy snacks while waiting for ... more our next driver. Our tour guide met us there and drove us to the actual start of the hike. This is the part where we leave everything behind besides ourselves and our helmets. The 45 minute hike to the entrance of the cave is beautiful and so fun. You go through the jungle (mostly just walking) but do a few river crossings and get completely soaked. Then you get to the cave entrance and just jump in the blue water and swim into the darkness. You stay in a group of 8 max. Our guide, Ben, was awesome! Super knowledgable but also kept things moving at a good pace so we weren't stuck waiting behind other groups. You are in the cave for a few hours, but it goes by fast because of how incredible everything is. You swim some parts, walk through different levels of water, climb up rocks, squeeze through narrow openings. It is not for anyone claustrophobic, afraid of the dark, or not in good shape. You have some areas you have to sort of contort your body to fit and still keep up with the group. I loved how thrilling and fast paced it was. You see so many cool ancient pottery and artifacts, and multiple skeletons from the Mayan's human sacrifices. I still can't believe the things I saw! You need to wear close toed shoes with socks, so we wore tennis shoes with socks and that was perfect. I wore biker shorts and a tank top which was a good choice since looser clothing would have been sticking to me and maybe uncomfortable. You are soaked for the hike back but it doesn't matter since the weather is so warm and sunny! I would highly recommend this to fit, and adventurous people!! I feel like it was more intense than advertised, so just want people to be aware. I loved every second and will totally do it again next time I'm back. Once in a. lifetime experience for sure!!! And the lunch they give you after was probably one of my favorite meals on the trip. Remember to pack dry clothes to change into once back at the entrance.
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Callie N
Thanks for making the ATM tour your #1 Belize adventure!
Hi Callie, thrilled to hear our cave tubing tour was the highlight of your trip in Belize! Thanks for sharing your amazing experience. Your tips about footwear and intensity are spot-on and will help future adventurers prepare. Sounds like Ben the guide was a star – knowledge, pace, the whole package! Glad you loved the lunch too – refuelling after an epic adventure is key. We hope to see you back ... more in Belize soon, and thanks again for choosing Belizing Experiences! Best, The Belizing Experiences Team
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Once-in-a-lifetime Tour!
We booked our tour from San Pedro with the flight and paid more as we preferred a 15 minute flight to an hour and 45 minute boat ride. Our driver was waiting for us at the Belize City Municipal Airport and he immediately whisked us off to head inland for our tour. He was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information on our way to Teakettle where we picked up another couple for our tour. The ... more tour was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I'm not fit at all but our ATM Cave Tour guide was wonderful and patient and guided me as to where to step and where to place my hands and feet and the direction to put my body as we went along the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable too and ensured that all 6 of us on the tour were safe as we navigated through the cave. The lunch and rum punch were good after our tour. However, not enough attention was paid to get us back to Belize City for our 4:30 Air Tropic flight back to San Pedro. When we arrived at the airport, our flight had already taken off minutes before we arrived. Thankfully, Air Tropic was able to book us on the next flight. If Tropic Air had not been able to book us on a later flight, I'm afraid we would have had to figure out how to get to the water taxi, pay an additional fee for it, and spend an hour and 45 minutes on a boat ride instead of taking the 15 minute flight. I would suggest that Belizing book later flights for customers flying from San Pedro to ensure they have plenty of time to arrive at the airport before their flight.
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ATM, Must Do Tour
Found this tour last minute, and we were lucky enough they had space. First up, plane ride from San Pedro to Bze City. Omg got to be copilot on Tropic Air. Dream come true! Met by Jeremy for car ride into ATM. So sweet and a wealth of information. Next ATM guide, so patient with us 60+ first time rock climbers. So into his job pointing out all the artifacts and possible explanations. Also, so nimble ... more in the cave. Super friendly and easy to talk to. Great lunch and rum punch at end....much needed. Bonus was great travel mates...newlyweds and experienced climbers, both of whom were patient with us oldtimers. Sore in feet, shoulders and armpits today. We actually have muscles. Ride back to airport was perfect and Tropic Air put us on an earlier flight. We even got to stop at Cay Caulker...love to fly! Don't miss this valuable Belize experience!
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a Must do! best adventure
the ATM cave was amazing. a must do tour if youre in belize.swimming through the water in the cave seeing the amazing formations and ancient skeletons.the tour guide Raffy knew everything as he has a phd in archeology. one hiccup. we booked the tour months ago and everything was all set but when we got to the airport the flight wasn't paid for. so we tried contacting them seeing if they could fix ... more it. we weren't allowed to board because the flight wasn't paid for. so 2 mins before the flight after trying to contact them for a half hour someone got back to us, apologized and said the flight was paid for but it was too late.. they did reschedule us for the next day and gave us a free ride and pickup from the airport. other than that it was AMAZING
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ATM Cave
We had a fantastic experience. The guide was very knowledgeable. This was one of our favorite experiences!
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A Must Do - ATM Tour
Our ATM tour guide, Reynaud, has over 20 yrs of experience with this cave tour, and it was obvious. He was excellent. The hike was pleasant, river was freezing cold but just another part of the overall experience of this landscape. The cave system itself was incredible. We travelled from Galveston Texas- city dwellers. To walk in the Maya mountains and meander thru this cave where the Mayans once ... more walked and practiced rituals is priceless. To see the "crystal maiden" skeleton was priceless. This is a Must -Do for anyone travelling to Belize. The hike was not strenuous. The cave had some tight squeezes and there was climbing so you need to be a bit physically flexible. If needed, they will provide you with a life jacket because you will be in water at times during the cave tour. To me that just made the tour even better. The water is crystal clear and cold! You will do best with a pair of hiking shoes because some of the rocks are very slippery. You definitively need your socks because at one point you will be removing your shoes. Be sure to bring a towel to dry off and a new change of clothes.
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Best Adventure in Belize
This was far and away the best adventure we had while in Belize! I would recommend this company for any inland excursion in Belize.Customer service was excellent. They were thorough is putting everything together for our group from pickup at our hotel and everything in between to get us deep into the jungle for this tour. Our guide for the ATM Cave was amazing. He was one of the original guides doing ... more ATM way before anyone really knew about the cave. He was full of knowledge about the Belize jungle and Mayan culture. The ATM Cave is breathtaking and a once in a lifetime adventure you can't miss. Don't think about it anymore. Book it now here on Belizing and thank me later!
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