A person wearing a helmet with a headlamp is squeezing through a narrow passage in a cave, using both hands to steady themselves.
Several people equipped with helmets are navigating through a narrow cave passage.
The image shows a piece of pottery with a geometric design etched near its rim, resting on a textured surface.
A broken and weathered human skull lies on a dirt surface in what appears to be a cave or underground environment.
A group of five people wearing helmets and headlamps are in a cave, smiling and posing for the camera.
The image shows a cave interior with numerous stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground.
Two individuals wearing helmets and headlamps engage in rock climbing within a cave, utilizing ropes for safety and support.
Four people pose flexing their arms in a cave, wearing helmets and head lamps, surrounded by rocks and dirt.

    Crystal Cave

    Experience one of the most extreme of all Belize’s cave adventures! Not for the faint of heart, the Crystal Cave at St. Herman’s, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, will challenge your physical fitness and your spirit of adventure. After a drive to the Blue Hole National Park, the Crystal Cave Tour starts with a 50-minute hike through lush rainforest and partially steep terrain which is considered challenging by most. Then you will descend by ropes for a 15-foot drop into the mouth of the mammoth Crystal Cave where you will enter what the ancient Mayas believed to be the domain of their gods – the underworld of Xibalba!

    Your expedition will take you through narrow passages to magnificent cathedral-like caverns as you pick your way along rock faces and slide down mud ramps to view shimmering stalactites & stalagmites, massive crystal formations, ancient ceremonial fire pits, charcoal and ash, pottery, relics, wall carvings, and actual skeletal remains of Mayan sacrificial victims. Fighting the spirits of an ancient civilization, you will walk in the footsteps of the Mayan shamans of hundreds of years ago as you explore this challenging but stunning wonderland of the underworld. After your adventure in the Crystal Cave you will hike back to the park facilities where you have the option of taking a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the inland Blue Hole.

    Note that you must be relatively fit and prepared for a long hike and strenuous activities to do this tour.

    Drive Time from Table Rock: 1.25 hours

    Adventure Level: EXTREME. This adventure is not for those with any level of claustrophobia and all participants must be in relatively fit condition.

    What to Wear & Bring: Comfortable lightweight long pants and shirt that allow for movement and can get wet. Well-treaded sneakers or hiking shoes—NO sandals or TEEVA-type shoes. Don’t forget your insect repellant and some extra water!

    *Restrictions: This tour is for relatively fit extreme adventurers only and who are a mature 10 years of age or older. Sandals and TEEVA or Chocos-type shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

    Duration: Full-day tour

    Rates

    • Includes licensed guide, transportation to and from the lodge, lunch, equipment, and entrance fees
    • Minimum two persons
    • A 50% cancellation fee applies to any tours booked and then cancelled by the guest less than 24 hours in advance
    • Prices subject to change without notice