8 Days • 7 Nights
Belize Wildlife & Nature
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Black howler monkeys at the Baboon Sanctuary
- Lamanai Maya ruins by boat along the New River
- The Cockscomb Basin jaguar reserve
- Manatee spotting in coastal lagoons
- Snorkelling with turtles and rays at Hol Chan
- Over 500 bird species across jungle and reef
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Met at the airport, you transfer to a jungle lodge in the Belize District, settling in amid birdsong with a welcome dinner and an evening walk listening for nocturnal wildlife.
Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, home to troops of black howler monkeys, then take a boat safari up the New River to the majestic Maya ruins of Lamanai, spotting crocodiles, iguanas, bats and dozens of bird species along the jungle-lined banks.
Travel south to the Garifuna village of Hopkins, gateway to the Cockscomb Basin, keeping watch for wildlife en route and settling into a coastal lodge.
A full day in the Cockscomb Basin, hiking to waterfalls and pools through pristine rainforest alive with birds, howler monkeys, agoutis and the tracks of the elusive jaguar.
A morning boat trip in search of gentle manatees grazing in the coastal shallows, before transferring and flying out to Ambergris Caye for the reef portion of your wildlife journey.
A boat trip to snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, gliding among turtles, eagle rays, groupers and nurse sharks in the clear reef water, with lunch served on the boat.
A free day to snorkel again, kayak the mangroves in search of birds and rays, or relax on the beach watching pelicans and frigatebirds patrol the shore.
A final island breakfast before the short flight to Belize City and your onward flight home, having sampled the finest of Belize's land and sea wildlife.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a reef snorkelling lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Domestic transfers between the mainland and the cayes
- All national park and Maya site entry fees
- the Baboon Sanctuary, a Lamanai river safari, Cockscomb Basin and a Hol Chan snorkelling trip
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Language & currency: English is the official language of Belize, which makes travel refreshingly easy. The currency is the Belize Dollar, fixed at two to one against the US Dollar, and US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere
- Visa: Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive an entry stamp on arrival; check your nationality with us before travelling and carry a passport valid for at least six months
- Best time to visit: The dry season from late November to May is ideal for the reef, the cayes and the Maya sites, while the greener wet season (June to November) brings afternoon showers and is also the Atlantic hurricane season
- The reef and the cayes: Belize sits on the second-largest barrier reef in the world, superb for snorkelling and diving; bring reef-safe sunscreen, as regular sunscreen is restricted in marine reserves to protect the coral
- Health: A yellow fever certificate is only required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Bring insect repellent for the jungle, stay hydrated, and drink bottled or filtered water
- Getting around: Belize is small and easy to travel, with short domestic flights and boat transfers connecting the mainland, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker; internal transfers are included in your tour
- Money & tipping: Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for local eateries, markets and tips. Tipping around ten percent is customary for good service and appreciated by guides
- Electricity & connectivity: Power is 110V with US-style flat-pin plugs, so US travellers need no adapter. Wifi is available in most hotels, though it can be slower on the remote cayes and jungle lodges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belize good for birdwatching?
Superb — with over five hundred species, from toucans and motmots to jabiru storks and countless waterbirds, Belize is a birder's paradise. The Lamanai river safari and jungle lodges are especially rewarding, and we can arrange dedicated birding guides.
Will we really see manatees?
The gentle West Indian manatee is regularly seen in Belize's coastal lagoons and around the cayes, and our guided boat trips visit their favoured grazing shallows, giving a good chance of an encounter, though as with all wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals specifically named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a reef picnic lunch. Belize's food, from fresh seafood to Creole and Maya dishes, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free for you to explore.
Are internal flights and boat transfers included?
Yes — all transfers within Belize, including the short domestic flights or boat rides between the mainland and the cayes, are arranged and included so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Belize?
Many nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive an entry stamp on arrival. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book; a passport valid for at least six months is needed.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
The dry season from late November to May offers the best conditions for the reef, cayes and Maya sites. The green season (June to November) is quieter and lush but brings afternoon showers and falls in the hurricane season.
Is Belize suitable for non-divers?
Absolutely. The reef is wonderful for snorkelling straight off the beach or boat, and there is a wealth of jungle, wildlife, cave and Maya-ruin experiences on the mainland, so you do not need to dive to love Belize.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes — every itinerary is a starting point. We can adjust the balance of reef and jungle, add nights, change islands or lodges, and tailor the activities to your interests and pace.
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