Click on one of the Belize tours below to see more information:
Sittee river nature cruise
The cruise up the Sittee River will be full of opportunities to see the rich wildlife which exists here including crocodiles, turtles, iguanas and many bird species, such as toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, herons, and osprey. The Sittee River is one of the deepest and most scenic rivers in Belize and was the main route used in sugar export when the Serpon Sugar Mill was is operation (early 1900s). This river originates deep in the heart of the Maya Mountain Rainforest and its pure waters run into the Caribbean Sea at the Sittee River mouth just around the point along the shore by Belizean Dreams. This forest is backed by the Anderson Lagoon, a maze of shallow clear waters and mangrove islands. The river It is a unique environment with brackish water that allows some marine species to travel up the river quite a ways. The mouth of the Sittee River is home the oldest mangrove forest in the Western Hemisphere, which is a critical habitat for nesting water birds and breeding ground for many fish species.
Timetable: By request
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
Bring: sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, swimsuit, towel, camera.
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island hopping at southern barrier reef
Head to the reef & explore the local Tobacco Caye Range and Southwater Caye Range with a stop at our own private island, Coco Plum Island Resort, for lunch. Take a 35-minute boat ride to Southwater Caye, a half-moon shaped island measuring about 15 acres. You can relax and enjoy the white sandy beach, swim or snorkel. South Water Caye is a coral island comprised of pine and palm trees that rests atop the barrier reef, presenting several snorkeling opportunities, It is a National Marine Reserve, and was even named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The United Nations cited the coral reef ecosystem surrounding the island as biologically remarkable, diverse and beautiful. Among the reef’s countless varieties of sea life are the endangered West Indian manatee and an assortment of sea turtles (turtles nest on the beach during the June to October period). Here we snorkel and fish (outside the marine protected area), diver for lobster and conch (in season), and enjoy the stunning scenery of the crystal clear Caribbean waters.
Half-day: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Afternoon trips may be available 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Bring: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, exposure protection like dive skin or t-shirt, light windbreaker for wind chill after the snorkel, camera, power bars.
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Monkey River Tour
We begin this tour via land and travel south along the Southern highway in A/C van where we pass through savannah, banana plantations, and several small Maya villages along the way. Monkey River Town is about 15 miles southwest of Placencia by boat (the only practical way to get there). The Monkey River drains the Bladen and Swasey watersheds, now under protective status for wildlife protection (the Bladen River is a tributary of the Monkey River). Monkey River Town was formerly the largest settlement in the area because of its booming banana industry. From here, we then head up the Monkey River via boat to see this unique habitat which is home to troups of black howler monkeys, whose loud roars can be heard for miles. See the exotic birdlife along the river and crocodiles and iguanas lounging. Eat lunch at the local sleepy village and enjoy the peaceful scenery of this off-the-beaten path gem in our gorgeous rural Toledo District, The Paynes Creek/Monkey River Wildlife Sanctuary and Punta Ycacos Reserve run from Monkey River Town south to Punta Negra and Punta Ycacos (again, both accessible only by boat). Enjoy your day on this beautiful jungle river in a tranquil setting.
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Jaguar Preserve Hiking and River Tubing Tour
Make your way through the village of Maya Center and up into the wilderness of the Maya Mountains. Here, we hike the beautiful established trails of the world's first jaguar reserve, the Cockscomb Basin WIldlife Sanctuary. Not only is this home to many endangered and rare animals and plants, but also serves as a protected watershed for our communities at the base of the Maya Mountains. Here you may encounter some of the wildlife present in the sanctuary, including tarantulas, leaf-cutter ants, and many interesting mammals and birds. See fresh paw prints along the trails in the mud as evidence that this is a healthy natural ecosystem with wild populations of jaguars, pumas, and 3 other wild cat species. With over 290 recorded species of birds this park is ideal for birders. With thousands of species of tropical plants, this rainforest has traditionally been the source of many of the world's homeopathic remedies and the source of many life-saving modern medicines. After a rest, take inflated tubes to the river where you will enjoy your 35 minutes of amazing scenery and wildlife while slowly drifting down the river. Maybe catch a glimpse of a family of howler monkeys feasting on wild figs at the river's edge or see tropical hummingbirds and butterflies flitting around the exotic flowers.
Timetable: 8 a.m.
Duration: Full day approximately 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Bring: bug repellent, hat, long pants, camera, binoculars, sturdy hiking shoes, swimsuit, towel and money for souvenirs.
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Contact us to experience these Belize River and Island tours