Glide through a cathedral of jungle-draped limestone gorges on a private lancha, past hot-spring waterfalls tumbling into the river, before arriving in Livingston — the soulful Garifuna village only reachable by water.
What to expect
From the dock at Rio Dulce town (45 min drive from port) your private mahogany-panelled boat noses into the Golfete — a broad lagoon ringed by howler monkeys — before entering the breathtaking 30-metre-high canyon walls of the Rio Dulce gorge. The boat pauses at a curtain of geothermal water falling directly into the river so you can swim. In Livingston, a Garifuna guide walks you through the colorful village, shares punta drumming, and arranges a tasting of tapado, the aromatic coconut seafood stew. Return upstream as the river turns copper in the afternoon light.
Good to know
Allow a full day: 6–7 hours on the water and road combined. Depart port by 8 AM to be comfortably back by 4 PM. Bring swimwear and a light layer for the breezy boat ride. Pre-book directly to secure a private vessel.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Santo Tomas de Castilla — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Santo Tomas de Castilla
- Tikal National Park: Private Full-Day Jungle Temple Experience
- Quiriguá UNESCO Maya Stelae Park: Expert Private Tour
- Finca Paraíso Hot Springs & Río Dulce: Private Nature Immersion
- Garifuna Cultural Immersion: Drumming, Dance & Tapado Feast
- Sendero Las Escobas: Private Waterfall & Jungle Wildlife Trek