Roaring River Golf Course, Belize - Things to Do in Roaring River Golf Course

Things to Do in Roaring River Golf Course

Roaring River Golf Course, Belize - Complete Travel Guide

Roaring River Golf Course sits in the heart of Belize's Cayo District, surrounded by the kind of lush tropical landscape that makes you understand why people fall in love with Central America. The course itself is carved into rolling hills along the Roaring River, offering golfers a chance to play through howler monkey territory while keeping an eye out for toucans and other exotic birds. What makes this spot particularly interesting is how it balances serious golf with genuine wilderness - you're just as likely to spot a coati crossing the fairway as you are to sink a perfect putt. The surrounding area gives you easy access to some of Belize's most impressive attractions, from ancient Maya ruins to underground cave systems, making it a solid base for golfers who want to mix their rounds with adventure.

Top Things to Do in Roaring River Golf Course

Championship Golf Round

The 18-hole championship course winds through pristine jungle terrain, offering challenging play alongside incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Each hole presents unique obstacles, from water hazards formed by natural springs to elevated greens that showcase panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest canopy.

Booking Tip: Tee times typically cost $80-120 USD and should be reserved 2-3 days ahead during peak season (December-April). Early morning rounds offer the best wildlife spotting and cooler temperatures.

Caracol Maya Ruins

Just an hour's drive away, these massive ancient Maya structures rise above the jungle canopy, offering some of the most impressive archaeological sites in Central America. The main pyramid, Caana, stands 143 feet tall and provides breathtaking views across the Chiquibul Forest Reserve.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $150-200 per person including transportation and guide. Book with operators who include the $5 entrance fee and provide lunch, as there are no facilities at the site.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

This sacred Maya cave system contains pristine archaeological artifacts and crystallized human remains, accessible only through guided tours that involve swimming through underground rivers. The experience combines adventure caving with profound historical significance, as you'll see pottery and skeletal remains exactly where Maya priests left them over 1,000 years ago.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $95-120 and require good physical fitness - expect 3 hours of hiking, swimming, and climbing. No cameras allowed inside, so book with operators who provide professional photos afterward.

Barton Creek Cave Canoeing

Paddle through a massive underground cave system by candlelight, floating past ancient Maya ceremonial sites and dramatic limestone formations. The gentle current and calm waters make this accessible to most fitness levels while still providing an otherworldly experience.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours run $75-95 per person and operate year-round. Choose operators who provide headlamps in addition to candles and include transportation from nearby towns.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

This unique ecosystem features pine forests, granite outcroppings, and spectacular waterfalls including the 1,000-foot Big Rock Falls. The cooler mountain climate and diverse hiking trails offer a refreshing change from typical tropical jungle environments.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost $5 BZD at the entrance gate. Hire local guides for $40-60 USD to access the best swimming holes and viewpoints that aren't marked on tourist maps.

Getting There

Roaring River Golf Course is located about 20 minutes from San Ignacio town in the Cayo District. Most visitors fly into Belize City's Philip Goldson International Airport, then either rent a car for the 2-hour drive west on the Western Highway, or take a domestic flight to the small airstrip near San Ignacio. The drive is straightforward on paved roads, though you'll want to factor in border crossing time if coming from Guatemala. Several shuttle services operate between Belize City and San Ignacio for around $25-35 USD per person.

Getting Around

A rental car gives you the most flexibility for reaching the golf course and exploring the wider Cayo District, with rates starting around $50 USD per day for basic vehicles. Taxis from San Ignacio to the golf course cost about $15-20 BZD each way, while many hotels offer shuttle services for guests. For day trips to attractions like Caracol or ATM Cave, you'll likely want to book organized tours that include transportation, as some sites require 4WD vehicles and local knowledge to access safely.

Where to Stay

San Ignacio Town
Cristo Rey Village
Bullet Tree Falls
Benque Viejo
Chaa Creek Area
Mountain Pine Ridge

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Roaring River Golf Course centers on San Ignacio, where you'll find everything from street food stalls serving excellent garnaches and salbutes to upscale restaurants specializing in fresh river fish and game meats. Many of the jungle lodges in the area offer exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences, often featuring ingredients grown on-site and traditional Maya cooking techniques. The golf course itself has a decent restaurant with standard international fare, but you're missing out if you don't venture into town to try places like Ko-Ox Han Nah for authentic Maya cuisine or Guava Limb Cafe for creative fusion dishes.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belmopan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Wings and Feathers Café

4.7 /5
(480 reviews) 2
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Everest Nepalese and Indian Restaurant

4.8 /5
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Simple Life Restaurant

4.6 /5
(249 reviews) 2
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Trey's Barn & Grill

4.8 /5
(222 reviews)

Cocogardens

4.6 /5
(230 reviews)

Casa Café

4.5 /5
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When to Visit

The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable weather for golf, with sunny skies and minimal rainfall that might interrupt your round. That said, the 'green season' from May through November can actually be quite pleasant for golf - morning rounds often enjoy clear skies, and afternoon showers cool things down nicely. You'll also find better rates on accommodations and fewer crowds at attractions during the wetter months. Temperature stays fairly consistent year-round in the 80s°F, though nights in the mountains can dip into the 60s during winter months.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent for early morning and late afternoon rounds - the mosquitoes and sand flies can be aggressive near the river holes
The golf course restaurant often hosts live music nights on weekends, which locals attend even if they don't golf - it's worth checking out for the atmosphere
Many of the caddies are also excellent bird guides who can point out species you might miss on your own - tip them well and ask about the local wildlife

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