I am curious about the cave tubing. Can someone fill me in on what exactly this is? I plan to be in Belize in April and will have 2 kids (4yrs & 8 Yrs), would this be appropriate for children? What other activities would the kids love?

I'm going to Ian Andersons on Friday with my two girls and their friend. ( aged 7,10,&10.) Saturday I will have a run down and report back to this board.
Rod

Ian Andersons is a great place. Cave tubing there involves a truck ride to the cave; hiking to then into the cave, wading to a deep enough part, then riding large inner tubes on a river thru the cave. The amount of hiking and wading depends on the amount of water in the river (what time of year, etc.) Be prepared to get wet. You must where shoes, as again depending on when you go, you may have to hike during the trip inside the cave to get to more water. The guides are great. Tell you about Mayan history of the area and perhaps show you ancient artifacts. It can be a strenuous adventure, but the guides try to gear its complexity to you. But I am not sure that it may be appropriate for a 4 year old. I am sure that you will have fun.
Stephi G

[This message has been edited by Stephi (edited 07-26-2000).]

Cave tubing is only available mainland.
The kids might enjoy a glass bottom boat ride on Ambergris. There are playgrounds in town and at the river cut. Kids have fun everywhere in San Pedro - the sand and water provide lots to do!

Did a great tour out of Jaguar Paw Resort also a wonderful place to stay,the cave is on the property site and James the tour guide was so nice.We found a tooth and some pottery on our tour and yes, we left them there for others to enjoy. As far as the kids they will hve a great time. Just wear shoes with a rubber bottom for the cave floor is very slippery. If you go tell Cy that the tattoo couple from CHicago say Hey!!

Laura,
Went to Ian's Caves Branch Tour with the girls. It was a beautiful day and we had a blast. It was as Stephi outlined....to a tee.
We had Harrison as a guide and he catered to our speed and needs, excellant!
I do believe that a 4 year old would not be suitable for this trip. My daughter was having some problems at 7 and she is a good swimmer etc. A little older and they seem to be more adventurous. It truely is a different place with lots of jungle...it is not for the pampered air conditioned crowd!!!
Rod

Thank you everyone for filling me in on this. Think I will probably have to save cave tubing for when my daughter is older. It sounds like a blast though!

Hi,
Ian's cave trip is a true Indiana Jones Adventure. I plan family and group trips to Belize and highly recommend Ian's trip, the feedback has been that it is an unbelievable experience, however, he won't allow a 4 year old on the trip.

Laura, I love kids, so don't take this wrong.
It would best to find someone to keep your four year old at home. The four yr old will need so much attention, to be safe, with so much water,sun, sand, boats and etc. The eight yr old will need of your attention, but with only one, all of you will have a good time.

hi - i have two little ones, 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 and i chose to LEAVE THEM HOME WITH MOM!! love my kids, but there is not a lot for the young one to do on AC, as most grown-ups there hang out, dive, eat and drink (and thats it)hope they are easily occupied! bring lots of busy stuff, and best of luck.