Our first adventure with Discovery Expeditions took us deep into the jungles of Belize into the mystical world of the Mayan underworld as Ambergris Today got to experience one of the most popular adventures in the country, cave tubing. This time around, Cruise Solutions Belize Ltd. and Discovery Expeditions Belize Ltd. gave us a thrill of a lifetime as we soared through the jungles of Belize via the Zip Line!

It's Belize's newest Zip Line adventure at Caves Branch Outpost, the country's newest adventure theme park. We were one of the first to experience the thrill ride and we have to say it was our best adventure yet!

Having braved the "Chicken Run" we encountered our first set of steps on the hillside which led to our first platform in the sky, close to 200 steps up! The "Chicken Run" as we called it, was the first zip line that stretched just a few hundred feet and just about two stories high - a test to see if you could brave the rest of the trek that consisted of nine platform and seven zip line lengths at various heights through the dense jungle.

At the first summit, we stepped onto a platform surrounding a giant tree. We were in the jungle canopy. Already strapped into our harness, with protective helmets and gloves, one by one, our guides strapped us onto the double wire zip line that would propel us though the jungle top. Each cable is able to withstand 6,000 pounds and with everybody clipped to the security line, we felt safe.

As we stood waiting our turn we could hear the loud buzzing of the zip line, like giant mosquitoes buzzing above and around us. It was the sound of people already ahead of us zipping past us. By then our excitement had peaked and our adrenaline was pumping. Then, when you let yourself go for the first time at such a height, the rush climaxes into a superb feeling of flying as you zoom through the foliage. Amazing; words can hardly describe the thrill.

And the adrenaline keeps rising as we continue through six more runs that intertwine through the thick jungle. You lift your legs to avoid palm fronds beneath and cringe as you make your way between two large branches of a tree that point towards the sky. At the end you are right back where you started the journey; an unforgettable adventure in Belize.

The Zip Line adventure at Caves Branch Outpost is simply one of the most exhilarating experiences in the country, but the adventure theme park has much more to offer besides this and the uber-famous Cave Tubing. There are Kayaking Adventures down the river; ATV tours through the jungle and soon to come are Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, among other experiences that you can experience on one single destination.

All these activities commence or culminate at the Caves Branch Outpost facility which features a large open air restaurant known as the Canopy Café with adjacent Cashew Bar. The ground floor accommodates a modern kitchen and large gift shop. Personal security lockers are also available.

Combination tours are available which feature any two activities mentioned previously with lunch and beverage. Rates are available from San Pedro using the Reef Rocket for transfers with ground transportation provided by either motor coach, coaster mini-buses or van. Entrance fees are included and all activity is handled by the staff and guides at Cave Branch Outpost.

How to Get There?

Caves Branch Outpost is situated at NoHoch Che'en National Park, Frank's Eddy Village, Western Highway. It's about an hour's drive from Belize City. Our tour guides on the bus, provided by Discovery Expeditions, were very friendly and informative. They were chatty all throughout the ride to the Outpost, talking about the rich culture and history of Belize. They described the sights along the way, including the Sleeping Giant along the Maya Mountains.

Just when we thought that our Cave Tubing adventure could not be topped by anything else, Discovery Expeditions impresses us with their new Zip Line experience. This is a must for those thrill seekers, Ambergris Today highly recommends it.

Discover Expeditions Belize

Book your adventures with this professional tour operator with 25 years of experience. The folks at Discover Expeditions have been operating quality tour activities including Lamanai & New River Safari, Xunantunich & The Belize Zoo Tour, Cave Tubing and Aerial Trek, Wildlife River Rafting & Altun Ha, Rainforest ATV & Kayaking, Robinson Crusoe's Jungle Adventure with Rappelling and Mayan Caves, River & Rainforest Challenge with Amphibious ATV and Self-drive Speed Boats. They are also the franchise in Belize for SNUBA diving and for Seatrek, a helmet walking dive. Snorkeling and Scuba diving are also available for the island-based operations. Discover the adventures. www.discoverybelize.com or call at 226-2882/226-2280.

Ambergris Today