Private Jungle Zip Line Adventure From Belize City

Our family of 8 hired Jose for a private tour in Belize City when we arrived for the day on Celebrity Constellation. I contacted him through WhatsApp and we connected several times before the actual day confirming our plans. We specifically wanted to go zip lining which I had arranged ahead with him and he also suggested to add on lunch and the zoo which we agreed to once we learned there are really no other options near the zip lining. We met Jose after an easy walk through the terminal to the exit. He escorted us to his air conditioned van close by and after stopping for gas and cold waters, we were off to zip line. The drive to the zipline was about an hour. The road is descent but only two lanes and it is the main road between Belize City and Belmopan (the capital) so lots of other drivers going varying speeds. Jose aggressively navigated us around anyone slower so we could arrive as quick as possible to our destination. The zip lining company was cavetubing.bz. They offer both zip lining and cave tubing but it had rained a lot recently so the river was too high that day for tubing. We arrived just before a large group and the staff quickly got us situated with gear and a safety briefing so we could move along. This was a great experience and Jose clearly knew these operators and we were treated so well. Jose escorted a couple of us who chose not to zipline to an area where we could watch at the exact time our family members were about to pass by. It was perfectly timed. After zip lining, we made our way to lunch and the zoo which was about 10 minutes away in the direction of the ship. Lunch consisted of traditional Belize fare - stewed chicken, rice/beans, Cole slaw, and a plantain. It was arranged by Jose as we drove so it was ready when we arrived. It was delicious and we ate in a covered pavilion that was clean and comfortable. After lunch, Jose escorted us through the small zoo. He offered lots of info about the animals and the group enjoyed it. When Jose got the word that we were ready to start heading back, he abbreviated the remainder of the tour which we appreciated. Jose dropped us off right at the terminal entrance and we had plenty of time to shop before tendering back to the ship. The cost pp was $130 for the zip liners and $100 for anyone who didn’t zipline. We felt it was a great value. A few tips about what we experienced. If you get car sick at all, Jose might not be the driver for you. It was a full hour of rapid acceleration and slamming on brakes to get to our destination. He also swears a fair amount, likes to talk politics, and talks on his cellphone quite a bit while driving. We were definitely thinking “how are we going to get back if we have an accident”. Also, while the zoo was cute, we are all suffering from itchy flea bites that we are sure we got when we were there. If you plan to go, wear long socks or pants for protection. Overall, we had a great day together in Belize City with Jose tours.