Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary Private Reserve is one of the easiest places in Belize to encounter black howler monkeys in the wild. Established in 1985, this baboon sanctuary was set up as a cooperative agreement among 12 local farmers and landowners in Bermudian Landing who voluntarily agreed to preserve the area’s black howler monkey habitat. They believed that a healthy population of monkeys could help support the local economy by drawing in tourism and creating jobs.
Today, the program has become such a success that over 220 private landowners across seven villages participate, and the black howler population has grown to over 2,000 monkeys. The Reserve is managed by the Women’s Conservation Group. This group includes female representatives from each village who help train guides and manage the Reserve.
A visit to the Community Baboon Sanctuary Private Reserve starts at the small museum and visitor’s center in Bermudian Landing. There you will be set up with a guide who can tailor your tour based on your interests and timeframe. Guides are also very knowledgeable about the local plants and animals, and have a good sense of where to find monkeys, as well as rare birds and crocodiles. Most visitors set off on foot from the visitor’s center to explore the nearby network of rainforest trails. If you want to spend more time exploring the reserve, you can also arrange longer hikes, canoe trips, and driving tours of the surrounding area.
The reserve is located approximately forty-five minutes to one hour from Belize City by car. The Museum is located directly across the street from the soccer field in Bermudian Landing. Look for the official Community Baboon Sanctuary Logo on the sign.
Wherever you go within the Reserve, do not forget your camera and your insect spray.
Experiences in Community Baboon Sanctuary
Explore hand-picked Community Baboon Sanctuary tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
San Ignacio
Belize Zoo and Baboon Santuary
Tour
Community Baboon Sanctuary itineraries
Explore hand-picked Community Baboon Sanctuary itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
8 days · San Ignacio, Placencia, Ambergris Caye
Couple
Belize is a good place to go if you want to stay in a resort or be in nature, like Pooks HIll and snorkeling and diving at Ambergris Caye. It's also a wonderful place to learn about and see Mayan culture from long ago.
Belize
15 days · San Ignacio, Placencia, Ambergris Caye
Family
I would recommend Anywhere.com. We've used their services twice, in Costa Rica and Belize. For the second trip, Belize, we did feel we had to communicate more often to get the trip sorted out, but in the end, Anywhere totally came through for us. Every connection was smooth, every accommodation well-represented, and every tour well worth the trip.
Belize
8 days · San Ignacio, Placencia
Family
This vacation, treat yourself to accessible fun for everyone in the family –– no boring museums, no annoying lines, and especially, no bored children! Explore Belize better.
Belize
6 days · Ambergris Caye
Family
Fun in the sun and epic adventures combine to create the perfect family getaway when you choose this Signature Trip to beautiful Belize.
Belize
7 days · Placencia, Ambergris Caye
Solo
Think Belize is nothing but sunbathing on the beach? Think again! From swimming with sharks and rays to river safaris through the jungle, Belize is anything but boring.
Belize