What to do in Rio Dulce.
Guided boat tours, self-guided days out, and things you can do without leaving the dock. Everything below is arranged through the front desk.
Let the river take you.
Local captains who know these waters, no logistics to coordinate. Choose the destination and enjoy the ride.
Playa Blanca
One of the Caribbean's finest white-sand beaches: clear turquoise water, soft shoreline, and a slow tropical afternoon. The ride out through jungle-lined waterways is half the experience.
Siete Altares
Seven freshwater pools and small waterfalls hidden in rainforest near Livingston. A scenic boat ride, then a short walk through the trees to water that is cold and clear.
Livingston
A coastal town where Garífuna culture, Caribbean food and painted waterfront streets make for something you will not find elsewhere in Guatemala.
Castillo San Felipe
The Spanish colonial fortress that once guarded the region against pirates. Your boat leaves at your preferred time and the captain waits while you explore the castle and grounds.
Denny's Beach, Mariscos
A laid-back waterfront day known for fresh seafood and calm coastal views. On the way back the captain takes the slow scenic route through the Rio Dulce.
Sunset cruise
Golden hour on the river. A scenic pass by Bird Island for the native birdlife, then a run past Castillo San Felipe from the water — this one is for looking.
Go at your own speed.
All of these start the same way: the collectivo area below the bridge, across from Bruno's Restaurant. Tell the driver where you are going and pay the entrance fee at the gate.
Finca Paraíso
A hot waterfall that pours into a cold river pool, ringed by tropical growth. The contrast is the point — you can stand in both temperatures at once. Take a collectivo heading to El Estor.
Canyon de Boquerón
Towering limestone walls over calm green water, in a canyon most visitors to Guatemala never see. A canoe takes you deep between the rock faces to a place quiet enough to swim.
Grutas El Encanto
A cave system of underground formations and cool water, with jungle growing right up to the mouth of it. Light adventure rather than serious caving, and genuinely off the usual path.
Castillo San Felipe on your own
The same fortress, without the boat. Explore the stone corridors, climb the lookout points, and take the river views at whatever pace suits you. Collectivo to the town of San Felipe.
Adventure begins outside your room.
Boatique sits inside a protected howler monkey reserve, so the paddling is quiet and full of wildlife. No reservation needed — first come, first served, and the fee covers your whole stay.
Kayak rentals
Explore the surrounding waterways at your leisure. Expect howler monkeys, iguanas, parrots, toucans and hummingbirds along the way. Q100 two-person, Q75 single.
Stand-up paddleboard
A quieter glide across the river with panoramic jungle on both sides. Head out whenever you are ready. Q50 per board for the duration of your stay.
On-site options.
Cooking classes
Help prepare a local dish in the kitchen, then eat it. Afternoon sessions, Q100 per person. Arrange at the front desk.
Massage therapy
An hour to undo a day of travel or adventure. Q250 per session, booked with the receptionist.
Important: all tour guides operate as independent businesses. Boatique does not process tour payments or add them to your room, accommodation or meal charges. Vendors require cash on completion of the tour. A 30% surcharge applies if payment has to run through the hotel.
The river, before you get here.
A traveller's run down the Rio Dulce gorge to Livingston — the same water you will be on.
Video: Río Dulce to Livingston — scenic boat tour through the jungle to the Caribbean. Read Kerry’s Caribbean coast guide.
Plan your days before you arrive.
Tell us what kind of trip you want — relaxation, culture, wildlife, or time on the water — and we will put the days together. Most guests mix one guided tour with a self-guided day and an afternoon doing nothing at all.
Rio Dulce, Izabal, Guatemala