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Slickrock Adventures has specialized in whitewater kayak trips since its conception as a kayak school in 1977. Today that tradition continues with our kayak trip down the Mopan River in western Belize. The Mopan and Macal River flow together to form the Belize River, one of Belize's major rivers. Draining the east slope of the Maya Mountains, the Mopan flows through Guatemala before entering Belize, winding its way through jungle covered hills and farmland along its course. The river has its source within the famous Chiquibul Cave system, where it picks up large quantities of dissolved limestone that are subsequently deposited in the rivers rapids.

Our run down the Mopan consists of 5 miles of the river near the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, which we tour the same day. The river’s warm, 70 degree water is a beautiful clear green color and the channel is surrounded by huge trees teeming with parrots and iguanas. The unique rapids we encounter are created by the limestone based travertine deposited by the water, which creates small falls and chutes through islands of vegetation.

Using modern sit on top kayaks designed for whitewater, our groups begin the trip with a thorough instructional class in kayak technique in a large pool between the rapids. This covers basic strokes, familiarization with balance and recovery methods, reading the river currents, and getting comfortable in moving water. No experience is necessary, but you do need an adventurous spirit. This is a great way to get to know the rivers of Belize!

Once underway down the river, we encounter numerous, easy rapids (Class I and II) with large pools between drops. Passing by the Mopan River Resort, Belize, we continue to run beginner-level rapids which are exciting in our highly maneuverable kayaks. We learn to surf waves, make eddy turns, and even try some ‘pop-ups’ in the bigger drops. Abundant birdlife is seen along the lush river banks, and huge iguanas perch in the tree branches that overhang the river.

We finish the run with an exciting drop at Clarissa Falls, a Class III drop (not a waterfall!) that dumps into a pool where a small lodge and restaurant are located. After pulling our boats up the bank, we enjoy a delightful local lunch and cold drinks before packing up into our van and proceeding to the ruins.

To find out more about Belize river kayaking, call (800) 390-5715
or send us an email: slickrock@slickrock.com.

Windsurfing | Belize Scuba Diving Vacations, Deep Sea Diving on Long Caye | Surfing Belize, Surfing Vacation in Central America
Belize Whitewater Kayaking, Jungle River Belize | Caves Branch Underwater Cave, Cave Rafting a Belize River Cave | Belize Kayak Tour Vacation, Sea Kayak Belize | Belize Snorkel, Caribbean Snorkeling Trip, Belize Snorkeling Vacations | Belize Caves, Adventure Caving Trip
 

PHOTO CREDITS

TOP IMAGE: LUCY K. WALLINGFORD

BELOW: DAN SEAGULL, STEVE HULSEY, LUCY K. WALLINGFORD, TOM HOLUB,

Copyright © Lucy Wallingford and Slickrock Adventures, Inc.
All rights reserved.